Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
On October 18th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old. President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels.
Source: South Africa News Agency
President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the significance of his recent working visit to the United States, telling Parliament that the engagement was both necessary and timely, given the critical role the US continues to play in South Africa’s economic landscape.
“The United States continues to play such a big role in the life of our economy. It was necessary and important for us to go and engage with them, because many of our people’s jobs are dependent on our economic dealings with the United States,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.
The President was responding to questions from Members of the National Assembly, with economic growth and the cost of living being among issues for deliberation.
Last week, the President concluded a successful working visit to the United States of America, supported by a delegation of Ministers, eminent South Africans, business and labour.
The visit was aimed at resetting and revitalising bilateral relations between South Africa and the US.
The President explained that the objective of the trip was to engage with the US government to discuss tariffs, investments, and other related matters. It was also to encourage the US President to attend the G20 Summit which South Africa will host and to promote investment by American companies in South Africa and South African companies in the US.
He reiterated that the primary goal of the working visit was to reset the relationship between the two countries, recognising the significant economic and political ties.
The delegation aimed to address the deteriorating relationship, which was a concern for many in South Africa, and to ensure mutual economic benefits.
“The issue of relations between South Africa and the United States was an issue that occupied many people’s minds in our country, and many had raised concerns about the deteriorating relationship between our two countries, having recognised the important role that both our countries play in each other’s economy, apart from various political relations, diplomatic relations, and we realised that the impact on our country’s economy would be adverse unless we were able to repair or reset the relationship between our two countries,” the President said.
The President highlighted the importance of the United States as a trading partner, with over 600 American companies invested in South Africa, and vice versa.
READ | SA and US have ‘everything to gain’ from closer relations
On the economic and sectoral impact, President Ramaphosa detailed that the sectors that would be affected by the relationship with the United States including the agriculture and automotive sector.
He added that the visit aimed to protect jobs and investments in these sectors by maintaining strong economic ties.
“A number of our jobs, some of the sectors that would be affected would be agriculture, the auto sector and steel and aluminium sector, and a number of other sectors that make machines, and the mining sector, where we sell critical minerals to the United States, would be adversely affected if the relations were not straightened out. So it was to this end that we were motivated to reset that relationship,” the President explained.
President Ramaphosa said the second objective was to set up a process of engagement between the United States and South Africa.
“There had hitherto been a process of disengaging, where we were no longer really engaging at government level to deal with issues that governments normally deal with on an ongoing basis. And we wanted to engage on tariffs, on investments and related matters,” the President said.
G20 and resetting relations
On the Group of Twenty (G20) the President said that the trip aimed to highlight the significance of the G20 process and to encourage US participation.
“The third objective was to discuss the G20 and to highlight the important role that a country like the United States, which is the largest economy in the world, plays in the activities of the G20 which we are so deeply immersed in and having the responsibility of leading and that it’s important for the United States to engage with the G20 process, and ultimately to entice the leader of the United States to come to the leaders’ summit at the end of the year,” the President said.
The President emphasised that despite public perceptions, the delegation had meaningful discussions with President Trump and his representatives, fostering ongoing engagement.
He added that the engagement process initiated after the trip has led to discussions on tariffs and investments, indicating a positive reset of relations.
The reset of relations is believed to have been achieved, with ongoing discussions expected to continue through the G20 process.
“We do believe that we achieved those objectives. The engagement with the American government has started soon after we left Washington…and there are discussions that are happening in relation to tariffs, in relation to investments, and we’ve believed that we have reset the relationship.
“Despite what we could have seen on television, we were able to have a much more meaningful discussion and meeting with President Trump and his representatives during the quiet room where we had lunch together and had meaningful exchanges on a number of issues. And we do believe that the engagement will continue through the G20 process,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Walker-Munro, Senior Lecturer (Law), Southern Cross University
On Wednesday, Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt and economics professor Richard Holden gave a joint address to the National Press Club in Canberra. Their key message? Australia isn’t spending enough money on university research.
Schmidt wants to ensure Australia can undertake research vital to our national interests.
“I look around and I am scared,” Schmidt said. “The Australian government investment in its sovereign research capability was 50% higher 15 years ago as a fraction of GDP.”
In his remarks, Holden warned, “we’ve become addicted to funding […] research capability through international student income”.
If this sounds familiar, both Schmidt and Holden have made similar calls before. And their press club presentation follows constant and repeated repeated calls from the university sector for more funds.
How much is Australia spending on research and how does this compare to other countries?
When we look around the world, Australia is lagging when it comes to research spending. Australia spends roughly 1.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on all forms of research and development.
Our research expenditure has also decreased every year since 2008, according to the Australian Academy of Science.
Meanwhile, based on World Bank data, the United States spends about 3.59% of their GDP on research. China might only spend 2.56% of its GDP, but that’s 2.56% of around US$18.7 trillion (A$29 trillion) – meaning China spends about US$500 billion ($778 billion) on research annually.
The OECD average (across 38 member countries) is 2.7%, a full percentage point higher than Australia. We’re also underspending compared to other nations smaller than us, including:
– Finland has a population roughly one-fifth of Australia and spends 2.96% of its GDP on research
– Sweden has a population of about 10 million and spends 3.41%.
Australia’s top research universities (the Group of Eight), argue Australia needs to work towards a target of 3% GDP to “underwrite national prosperity”.
Australia’s university research funding also lacks stability.
Government only funds part of university research – so universities have to come up with the rest. This adds a layer of vulnerability to our research system.
One of the key sources of university-generated funding is international student fees.
This means if there are cuts to overseas students – as we saw during COVID and as we see now due to federal government policy changes – there is a flow-on impact on research funding.
Universities have been asking for more money for years and these requests have been ignored by both sides of politics.
But while the requests may not change, the global security context is shifting. As Schmidt told the press club,
We can expect new technologies based around small-scale automated machines, hypersonic missiles and computer warfare to feature prominently if we are to have future conflicts between advanced economies.
In such a case the research capability of a country will be incredibly important at influencing the overall winners and losers, because once the conflict starts, you ‘have what you got’.
If we don’t properly fund universities to do cutting-edge research, such as quantum science, robotics and cybersecurity, researchers will go elsewhere to do their work. And some funders might not have Australian interests at heart.
China, Russia and the European Union have leapt on US President Donald Trump’s recent decisions to defund or halt research programs, creating funds worth billions of dollars to woo scientists and scholars from the US to their own countries.
The Albanese government has commissioned a strategic review of Australia’s research and development sector (led by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm), which is due to report by the end of the year. Part of its remit is to look at “mechanisms to improve coordination and impact of [research and development] funding and programs […].”
In an ideal world, this will prompt the federal government up its funding of research, to match other countries. But previous unheard calls suggests this is unlikely.
But we can also be more creative. Perhaps industry can fill the gap with an Australian “Silicon Valley” where emerging industries can be clustered with universities in research partnerships. This is what some authors have called “innovation precincts”.
We could also look at prioritising industry-based PhDs, so postdoctoral students have a research job when they graduate. Or we could consider reallocating government funds going to other sources, such as defence, on topics of military or intelligence importance.
This could see university funding pools become broader and deeper, more diversified and better suited to our national interests.
Brendan Walker-Munro has completed paid consultancies for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. He receives funding from the Australian Government under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership.
– ref. Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why – https://theconversation.com/nobel-laureate-brian-schmidt-is-scared-about-australias-research-capacity-this-is-why-257717
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to arrive in Berlin on Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the German government said, part of a diplomatic drive to end the war in Ukraine.
Merz will receive Zelenskiy with military honours at the federal chancellery at noon (1000 GMT), a government spokesperson said in a statement.
“The focus of the visit will be on German support for Ukraine as well as efforts to achieve a ceasefire,” he added.
Ukrainian and Russian officials met this month for their first face-to-face negotiations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its former Soviet neighbour in 2022, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war.
The talks failed however to produce a ceasefire agreement and Russia unleashed three nights of massive aerial attacks on Ukraine over the weekend.
With Trump signalling wavering support for Ukraine in recent months, Germany could play an increasingly important role as the country’s largest military and financial backer after the United States.
Merz, a conservative who took office this month, has vowed to take more of a leadership role in ensuring support for Ukraine than his Social Democrat predecessor Olaf Scholz.
He visited Ukraine with other European leaders within days of becoming chancellor and on Monday endorsed Ukraine’s right to launch long-range missile strikes into Russian territory – in contrast with Scholz’s cautious rhetoric on the issue.
Merz on Tuesday dampened hopes for a quick resolution to the war. “Putin and Russia clearly have at the moment no interest in a ceasefire, or a peace deal,” he said.
“This means, as a consequence, that Ukraine must continue to defend itself — and that we must actually intensify our efforts to enable Ukraine to do so.”
The war, Merz said, was not just about Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“The political order that we jointly established with Russia after 1990 is being fundamentally called into question,” he said.
Germany is not expected, however, to announce new weapons deliveries to Ukraine given that the new government has said it would no longer publicly detail what arms it is sending Ukraine, preferring a stance of “strategic ambiguity.”
Russia accused Ukraine on Tuesday of significantly increasing drone and missile attacks on Russian territory over the past week using Western-supplied munitions.
(Reuters)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Zurich: 28 May 2025
PRESS RELEASE
GAM Investments Strengthens European Equities Platform with Appointment of Leading Investment Team
| Tom O’Hara, Jamie Ross and David Barker join GAM Investments to manage flagship GAM Star European Equity and Continental European Equity funds |
GAM Investments is pleased to announce the appointment of a new European Equities team comprising Tom O’Hara, Jamie Ross and David Barker. As of 15 May 2025, the team has assumed investment management responsibilities for the GAM Star European Equity and GAM Star Continental European Equity funds.
This highly regarded investment team brings with them a style-agnostic, high-conviction investment approach that complements GAM’s longstanding heritage in European equities. The appointment marks a further milestone in GAM’s transformation and ongoing commitment to investment excellence.
Tom O’Hara, Investment Director, European Equities at GAM, commented: “It’s great to be joining GAM. This is a very exciting time in the company’s turnaround, supported by a long-term focused majority owner and a strong, investment-led culture that traces its roots to Gilbert de Botton. On a personal level, my investing career started thanks to John Bennett – who spent 17 years at GAM managing European Equities and always spoke highly of the firm’s investment ethos. So, it really feels like a natural fit for us to be here.”
“Our approach will remain consistent with our past. We are managing a concentrated, high-conviction portfolio of around 30 stocks, using our straightforward and repeatable ‘All-in’ framework, added David Barker. This combines expected earnings growth, cash return and valuation change to assess whether a company’s return potential exceeds that of the broader market.”
A core, consistent and transparent investment process
While the team brings a fresh perspective, they remain committed to delivering a core, flexible, style-agnostic strategy which builds on the legacies of both GAM and their own history as successful European equity investors. Their process is grounded in fundamental research and offers clear, data-driven insights for clients.
David Barker highlighted, “We want to be open-source. That means sharing our investment insights, process and return assumptions with clients transparently and consistently across all our communications.”
A turning point for Europe
The team also believes the macro backdrop is shifting decisively in Europe’s favour.
“For decades, cheap valuations alone weren’t enough to catalyse change in Europe. But that’s no longer the case. Geopolitical realignment sparked, in part, by the return of Donald Trump who has done more for EU unity than any post-war president,” said Jamie Ross. “We’re seeing a more assertive Europe: a looser fiscal stance in Germany, more coherent messaging from EU leaders, and growing momentum for innovation, investment, and regulatory simplification.”
“Europe has a generational opportunity to redefine itself that demands cohesive action across industrial policy, energy security and tech sovereignty. These shifts will create a new generation of winners across the region. We believe this marks a key turning point for the European equity market.”
Elmar Zumbuehl, Group CEO of GAM Investments, added “We are delighted to welcome Tom, Jamie and David to GAM. Their fresh approach, tight teamwork and use of advanced technology to focus on what really matters fully embraces the transformational changes underway in active investing. Their arrival significantly strengthens our specialist active equity offering and with investor interest returning to Europe, we see this as a powerful step forward for GAM’s specialist active equities platform and our clients.”
Investors are encouraged to contact their local GAM relationship manager to learn more about the strategies or meet the team through upcoming events, webinars and roadshows.
Editorial Information:
Video: Introduction to European Equities at GAM – Tom O’Hara, David Barker and Jamie Ross. https://www.gam.com/en/introducing-gam-investments-european-equities-team
Team Bios:
For further information please contact:
Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544
colin.bennett@gam.com
Visit us: www.gam.com
Follow us: X and LinkedIn
About GAM
GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com.
Other Important Information
This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.
Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.
This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.
Attachments
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam and her husband, and hosted a luncheon for the delegation at noon. In remarks, President Lai noted that this is the governor’s first trip to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. The president said that Guam, being the closest United States territory to Taiwan, is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. He stated that aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas to further advance industrial development for both sides. He said that, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working together to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Governor Leon Guerrero and her delegation. Last year, I transited through Guam en route for visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. The enthusiastic reception I received from the government, legislature, people, and members of our overseas community in Guam was very touching and left me with a deep impression. During the morning tea reception hosted by Governor Leon Guerrero, we joined in singing our respective national anthems, as well as the Fanohge CHamoru. I also received at the Guam Legislature a copy of a Taiwan-friendly resolution it passed on behalf of the people of Taiwan. And I still remember to this day the striking scenery of the governor’s house and the warm reception I received there. It is therefore a great pleasure to meet with all of you today here at the Presidential Office. This is Governor Leon Guerrero’s first trip to Taiwan. Your visit fully demonstrates the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. As we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working with you to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Taiwan and Guam are like family. We share the Austronesian spirit and culture. Our wide-ranging and mutually-beneficial collaboration is very fruitful. And now, we are facing the challenges of climate change, public health and medicine, and regional security together. The world is rapidly changing and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise. But if we combine our strengths, come together as one, and enhance cooperation, we can maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Last Tuesday, I delivered an address on my first anniversary of taking office. I mentioned that for many years, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. Guam is the closest US territory to Taiwan. It is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. Last month, we were pleased to see United Airlines officially launch direct flights between Taipei and Guam. I believe this will benefit tourism and economic and trade exchanges for both sides. In the area of health care, many hospitals in Taiwan already offer referral services to patients from Guam. Both Governor Leon Guerrero and I have backgrounds in medicine. It is my hope that Taiwan and Guam can continue to work hand in hand to create even more positive outcomes from cooperation in public health and medical services. During the governor’s visit, aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas. There is potential for more exchanges in aquaculture, food processing, hydroculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and recycling. This will further advance industrial development in Taiwan and Guam. In closing, I thank Governor Leon Guerrero and all our distinguished guests for backing Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Governor Leon Guerrero then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to come to Taiwan. She said that after learning during President Lai’s visit to Guam last year that he is a medical doctor, she felt more relaxed because healthcare colleagues are one in their endeavor to help enhance the health and well-being of people. She then expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to Taiwan. Governor Leon Guerrero said that as they learn more about opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan, they are humbled by the hospitality they have experienced. In both of our islands, she said, hospitality is more than just a custom – it forms a part of our identities. She noted that despite being nearly 2,000 miles apart, we are connected by the Pacific Ocean and common roots, and our ancestors both value family, community, and tradition. That is why being here today, she said, she feels a strong sense of familiarity, like reconnecting with old friends. The governor remarked that Taiwan has evolved so quickly in all areas of essential life, sustenance, economy, and prosperity, adding that Taiwan’s resources in such areas as health, education, data, AI, advanced technology, aquaculture, agriculture, and commerce enhance our economic stability. She stated her belief that in collaboration and support, and working with each other, we can gain prosperity, maintain freedom and democracy, and live in peace. Governor Leon Guerrero stated that their delegation is here to see how they can partner with Taiwan to help raise the quality of life for both our peoples, mentioning that one special concern of theirs is tourism. Tourism, she said, is the most influential engine and driver for the economy and quality of life in Guam, but they cannot have a vibrant economy and tourism without air connectivity. She added that they are prepared to help in any way to provide incentives and low-cost fees so that they can get more airlines from Taiwan to establish permanent flight schedules to Guam, so as to drive development in Guam’s tourism industry. Governor Leon Guerrero then proceeded to introduce each of the members of her delegation before remarking that while they have been very busy on this visit they are always reminded of the freedom and democracy that the people must protect. She said she looks forward to a great, strong relationship between Taiwan and Guam in cooperation on social and economic issues, in culture, marketing, tourism, and freedom and democracy. Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Junior Calvo, Director of the Department of Administration Edward Birn, General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau Regine Biscoe Lee, Deputy Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Board of Directors Chairman of the Guam International Airport Authority Brian J. Bamba, Deputy General Manager of the Guam Economic Development Authority Carlos Bordallo, Director of Landscape Management Systems Guam Bob Salas, Chairperson of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh, President of the University of Guam Anita Borja Enriquez, and Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen (嚴樹芬). After the meeting, President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a luncheon for Governor Leon Guerrero, her husband, and the delegation.
Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the European Parliament. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voice support for Taiwan. The president expressed hope for an even closer relationship and diversified cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union. The president said that Taiwan and the EU can work together in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy to create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and contribute to global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our guests to the Presidential Office. After being elected last year, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren are making their first visits to Taiwan, demonstrating support for Taiwan through concrete action. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome and appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just last month, the European Parliament adopted resolutions with regard to annual reports on the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. These resolutions reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament also condemned China for continuing to take provocative military actions against Taiwan and emphasized that Taiwan is a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. It called on the EU and its member states to continue working closely with Taiwan to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties. Once again, I thank the European Parliament for voicing support for Taiwan. Just as MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren are visiting Taiwan to strengthen Taiwan-EU exchanges, our Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) also led a delegation to Europe last year, marking the first in-person dialogue between high-ranking economic and trade officials of Taiwan and the EU. Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing Taiwan-EU ties even closer and to diversifying our cooperation. The EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. Both sides are highly complementary in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Through our joint efforts, we can create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and further contribute to global prosperity and development. Looking ahead, I hope that MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren will continue to make the case in the European Parliament for the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic partnership agreement. This would not only yield mutually beneficial development, but also consolidate economic security and boost international competitiveness for both sides. In closing, I am sure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. Please feel welcome to come back as often as possible as we continue to elevate Taiwan-EU ties. MEP Pozņaks then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to be here and thanking everybody involved in arranging this trip that allows them the opportunity to better know Taiwan. He added that it is definitely not the last time they will be here, as Taiwan is a very beautiful country. MEP Pozņaks mentioned that he comes from Latvia, and despite their being on the other side of the world, they know how the Taiwanese people feel, because they also have a big neighbor who is claiming that Latvia belongs to them. Unfortunately, he said, there is already war in Europe, but he is confident that their situation is similar to Taiwan’s, adding that they have a neighbor who uses disinformation attacks. MEP Pozņaks said that we live in very challenging times, and that our choices will define the future of the world, asking whether it will be a world where the rule of law prevails or where physical power and aggression succeeds. Coming from a small country, he said he clearly understands that for them there is no other possibility; they must protect the world where the rule of law prevails. That is why now, he emphasized, it is very crucial for all democracies around the world to stick together to protect our freedoms, values, and democracy. MEP Timgren then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for meeting with them and saying it is a big honor. Noting that they arrived here two days ago and that while she really loves Taiwan, its food, and the good weather, she stated that the reason they are here is because of the values that we share, our good relationships, and solidarity with other democratic countries in the world, which is important for them in Europe and in Sweden. MEP Timgren, referring to MEP Pozņaks’s earlier remarks, said that they face a big threat from Russia that is discernible even in the European Parliament. Actually, she pointed out, there is a war inside Europe that shows us how important it is that we support one another. She said that the Russian people thought it would be easy to take over Ukraine, but it was not, because all European countries stepped up and provided weapons and support. And that is why, MEP Timgren said, it is important that democratic countries maintain good relationships and let China and Russia see that we have good relationships, because a part of defense is solidarity. In closing, she expressed her gratitude for having the honor to be here in this beautiful country.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together. Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau hold bilateral talks and witness signing of cooperation agreements
On the afternoon of May 20, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Whipps at the Presidential Office. The two leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation. In remarks, President Lai thanked Palau for standing firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region. He added that he looks forward to the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Palau continuing to expand into even broader areas, allowing our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome our guests to Taiwan once again. Last year on May 20, President Whipps led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Hsiao. I am delighted, on the anniversary of my first year in office, to meet with old friends of Taiwan again, as President Whipps returns for this visit. Taiwan-Palau relations have grown even closer in recent years thanks to the strong support of President Whipps. In 2022, during my term as vice president, I led a delegation to Palau as a demonstration of how our nations were together boosting tourism development as we jointly faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time I visit Palau, and every time I meet with President Whipps, I feel very deeply that Taiwan and Palau are like family. We are both maritime nations and share a common Austronesian heritage and culture. We are also staunch partners in upholding such values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Last December, when I went on my first overseas trip since taking office, one of the nations I visited was Palau. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring our friendly ties. Taiwan and Palau enjoy close exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including climate change, education, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, sports, and culture. After this meeting, President Whipps and I will witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, demonstrating once again our diverse collaboration and strong friendship. I believe that by working together, Taiwan and Palau can contribute to each other’s development and overcome the regional and global challenges we currently face. In particular, as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region, Palau has wisely and courageously upheld democratic values and stood firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan, including at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, and the UN Ocean Conference. We have been deeply moved by this support. I thank President Whipps again for his high regard and support for Taiwan. I look forward to the cooperative ties between our nations continuing to expand into even broader areas. This will allow our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for him to be here, standing in this historic place – a symbol of strength, resilience, and the democratic spirit of the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government of Palau, President Whipps extended heartfelt gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality toward him and his delegation. President Whipps then extended sincere thanks for President Lai’s visit to Palau in December – his second visit to Palau – and for having Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attend his inauguration as a special envoy. He added that this also marks his third visit to Taiwan since President Lai took office, saying that this demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship. President Whipps indicated that the increased engagements and numerous entrepreneurs that President Lai has brought from Taiwan to Palau have resulted in fruitful visits, and that President Lai’s leadership represents hope, unity, and continued advancement of democracy and freedom, not only for Taiwan, but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps went on to say that this visit to Taiwan reaffirms our deep friendship and shared values between our two nations. He emphasized that Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose, in that both are island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures. President Whipps stated that although we are celebrating 26 years of diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner of Palau for decades, and that one of the MOUs they are signing further extends the relationship that began in December of 1984. From healthcare and medical missions, to education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, the private sector, tourism development, and climate resilience, he said, our cooperation has improved lives and strengthened our communities. The president also indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan stood with Palau, noting that both sides began the tourism bubble, and that President Lai came to Palau to reopen the two weekly direct flights that have now been increased to four. That solidarity will never be forgotten, he said. As the world faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges from climate change to global tensions, President Whipps said, this friendship becomes even more vital. The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that both nations continue to stand together, work together, and advocate together for peace, prosperity, and for the right of small nations to be seen, heard, and respected. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Whipps witnessed the signing of the technical cooperation agreement and the agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation by Minister Lin and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro. The delegation also included Palauan Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration plans to terminate the federal government’s remaining contracts with Harvard University, according to a letter sent to federal agencies on Tuesday.
The letter, from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), directs all federal agencies to review and potentially terminate or reallocate their contracts with Harvard, which an official valued at about $100 million.
Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move marked the latest instance of the Republican administration attempting to undermine the financial stability and global standing of the oldest and wealthiest U.S. university after it pushed back on government demands for vast policy changes.
The government has already terminated nearly $3 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school and moved last week to revoke its ability to enroll international students. Those roughly 6,800 students make up about 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment.
A federal judge in Boston on Friday temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from revoking foreign student enrollment ahead of a Thursday hearing. During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a U.S. Department of Justice lawyer said the administration is complying with that order and was weighing its options.
Even so, the Trump administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants.
Several hundred demonstrators, including Harvard students and teachers, gathered at the university on Tuesday to show support for foreign students and protest the Trump funding cuts.
Following graduation events led by Harvard President Alan Garber, one of the protesting students, Jacob Miller, climbed onto a makeshift stage and said the ban on international enrollments had nothing to do with combating antisemitism, which was given as one of the official reasons for the crackdown on foreign students. “We will not allow our identities to be invoked to destroy Harvard,” said Miller, who is Jewish. “If there is anything to learn from the Jewish history, it’s that when we push people out of our schools because of their identity, it’s a symptom of a morally bankrupt politics.”
Another protest organizer, Harvard student Rae Trainer, said many international students were afraid to demonstrate because they risk deportations. Some international students recorded statements to be read by classmates who are U.S. citizens.
The GSA’s letter accused the school of engaging in discriminatory admissions practices even after the U.S. Supreme Court, in its 2023 decision ending affirmative action in higher education, rejected Harvard’s use of race as an admissions factor to boost campus diversity.
The letter from Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the GSA’s federal acquisition service, also accused Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Harvard of discriminatory hiring practices and of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment.
The GSA sent the letter to federal agencies Tuesday morning, said an administration official familiar with the matter. The letter directs agencies to submit a list of contract cancellations by June 6 and says contracts for critical services would be transitioned to other vendors.
Harvard, which is suing to challenge the administration’s actions, has argued that its rush to punish the school has run afoul of various procedures and violates free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment by trying to assert control over its staff, curriculum and enrollment.
Garber, the Harvard president, said in an NPR interview released on Tuesday that despite campus problems that it needs to address, the administration’s decisions to cancel grant funding were “perplexing.”
“As long as there has been a United States of America, Harvard has thought that its role is to serve the nation,” he said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants as the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students, according to an internal cable seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the cable that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants after a review is completed and advised consular sections to halt the scheduling of such visa appointments.
The move comes as the Trump administration has sought to ramp up deportations and revoke student visas as part of its wide-ranging efforts to fulfill his hardline immigration agenda.
Several hundred protesters, including Harvard University students and professors, demonstrated in support of foreign students at the Harvard campus on Tuesday, while also protesting Trump administration efforts to cut off funding to the university.
In the cable, first reported by Politico, Rubio said appointments that have already been scheduled can proceed under the current guidelines, but available appointments not already taken should be pulled down.
“The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants,” the cable said.
A senior State Department official confirmed the accuracy of the cable.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on reports of the cable, but said the U.S. will use “every tool” to vet anyone who wants to enter the United States.
“We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce told reporters at a regular news briefing.
The expanded social media vetting will require consular sections to modify their operations, processes and allocation of resources, according to the cable, which advises the sections going forward to take into consideration the workload and resource requirements of each case before scheduling them.
The cable also advises consular sections to remain focused on services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas and fraud prevention.
Trump administration officials have said student visa and green card holders are subject to deportation over their support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, calling their actions a threat to U.S. foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas.
Trump’s critics have called the effort an attack on free speech rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
A Tufts University student from Turkey was held for over six weeks in an immigration detention center in Louisiana after co-writing an opinion piece criticizing her school’s response to Israel’s war in Gaza. She was released from custody after a federal judge granted her bail.
Last week, the Trump administration moved to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. Those roughly 6,800 students make up about 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment.
The Republican president’s administration has moved to undermine the financial stability and global standing of the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university after it pushed back on government demands for vast changes to its policies.
(Reuters)
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
At least 274,000 people in Washington state could lose their health insurance under the Republican plan through steep cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, according to nonpartisan estimates
Parent of young Washington state resident on Medicaid: “It is absolutely devastating to think that a singular vote from a group of people who don’t know Nate, and don’t fully understand the terrifying impact losing Medicaid could have, could take this all away from him, all in the name of reducing waste.”
*** VIDEO OF FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE***
***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM EVENT HERE***
Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, held a press conference laying out how Republicans’ reconciliation bill that passed through the House this week will be devastating for Washington state’s health care system and the 1.95 million people across Washington state who rely on Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, and the 300,000+ Washingtonians who access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder).
The legislation passed by House Republicans last week would cut nearly $1 trillion from America’s health care system and is the largest cut to Medicaid in history. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the legislation will lead to 13.7 million Americans getting kicked off their health insurance—between the drastic cuts to Medicaid and the sabotage of the Affordable Care Act and refusal to expand tax credits Democrats passed to lower health insurance premiums.
At least 274,000 people in Washington state could lose their health insurance under the Republican plan, according to estimates based on the nonpartisan CBO’s analysis. That includes approximately 194,000 people in Washington state who will lose Medicaid coverage, and approximately 79,000 people who will lose ACA coverage. This figure doesn’t even account for the more sweeping health care cuts that House Republicans slotted in and passed at the last minute in the early morning of May 22nd. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed because of a wall of new paperwork. The Republican bill would also reduce the federal match rate by 10 percent for states like Washington that provide health care coverage to noncitizens—this would be a devastating $460 million annual loss in federal Medicaid funding for Washington state, or nearly a $2 billion loss over the next four years. Additionally, the Republican bill includes a provision to defund Planned Parenthood, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers across the country. Planned Parenthood runs 26 health centers in Washington state. Republicans are advancing the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority to pass in both chambers of Congress.
“The legislation Republicans are pushing through Congress is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history—let that sink in. In Washington state, we are looking at: at least 194,000 people losing their Apple Health coverage under this bill. And that number rises to a quarter of a million people in our state getting kicked off their health care if you include all the ways Republicans are sabotaging the ACA in this bill and letting important health care tax credits for middle class families expire. Under Republicans’ bill, Washington state would lose an estimated 2 billion dollars in federal Medicaid funding over the next four years—that’s catastrophic for our state’s budget,” said Senator Murray. “Altogether, the health care cuts in Republicans’ mega-bill will mean hospitals and nursing homes shutting down—especially in rural areas—millions of people getting kicked off Medicaid or their coverage under the Affordable Care Act, people blocked from accessing the benefits they are rightly eligible for because of a new wall of paperwork and red tape, Planned Parenthood health centers closing their doors, kids with disabilities losing out on the care they need, medical debt skyrocketing, and insurers leaving the Marketplace, leaving families and small business owners with little or no options for coverage. Needless to say—all of that means higher costs and less access to care for everyone, not just people on Medicaid.”
“For the life of me I do not understand how some of the same Republicans who represent the areas of our state most reliant on Medicaid ever looked at this bill, looked at what it would do to the people they serve and said, ‘count me in!’ The fact of the matter is not complicated. Republicans want to pass a bill that will hurt the middle class and working families, to give a handout to some of the richest companies on the planet. Republicans know that is bad policy. They know that is massively unpopular—they know they are adding trillions to the national debt. That is why they are trying to jam this through with as little scrutiny as possible. Remember, we managed to stop Trump and Republicans from repealing the Affordable Care Act back in 2017. Public outcry matters—we have seen that even this administration is not totally immune from public pressure. We need to show Republicans that the American people are watching, and they will have to answer to their constituents,” Senator Murray continued.
“The people here in Washington who have to deal with this issue — who know that their rural hospitals could go under, or their health clinics could be affected, or the cost of care could go up in their communities and make everything more expensive — they know that we also have to stop this legislation. We need to say to the President of the United States: He has to stop trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. He cannot propose ideas that literally will leave these providers without resources,” Senator Cantwell said. “We do not need to have Robin Hood in reverse. We do not need to steal from Medicaid the stability of our health care system and give a tax break to big corporations. We need to stop this effort as soon as possible. Senator Murray and I will be fighting every day on the Senate floor to convince our colleagues that this is not only a wrongheaded approach — it is going to cost the American people.”
One in five adults, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight people with disabilities in Washington are covered by Apple Health. Medicaid provides health care for over 800,000 children in Washington state—nearly half of children—and more than 45 percent of births in Washington state are covered by Medicaid—in rural Washington, that number goes up to more than 70 percent on births. Medicaid is also largest payer for opioid use disorder treatment in Washington state. Washington state spends approximately $21 billion on Medicaid annually—approximately $8 billion of that is paid for by the state, and approximately $13 billion is paid for by the federal government.
“As a physician, I see firsthand how lack of health insurance leads to delayed care, resulting in more death, more advanced diseases that are significantly more expensive to treat, and more economic burden. Denying access to health insurance shifts the financial burden to emergency services and public systems, ultimately increasing overall healthcare costs for taxpayers,” said Dr. Jesus Iniguez, Medical Director at Sea Mar Community Health Centers.
“Nurses are present at every level of care delivery. We are on the front line, and deal with the consequences when patients avoid care because of a lack of coverage. These cuts are not only cruel – they are harmful to the stability of our entire healthcare system and will not only impact those who are on Medicaid. We will all feel it. The ripple effect of something as monumental as the cuts they are currently proposing would send shock waves throughout the entire health care system, reducing access to care for millions,” said Edna Cortez, a pediatric nurse and member of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA).
“If the bill that passed the US House last week becomes law, it will be one of the most devastating attacks on health care access in American history. By banning Planned Parenthood from seeing Medicaid patients, the bill targets our organization and the patients who rely on us for care every day. The people who passed this bill wish for Planned Parenthood health centers to close their doors, and for people to lose access to affordable health care – and for many, access to health care altogether. And if this bill becomes law, their unbelievably cruel wish will be granted. Health centers will close, maybe even here in Washington. Planned Parenthood Federation of America estimates that 200 health centers will close nationwide, 90 percent of which are located in states like Washington where abortion is still legal. As you’ve heard today, people will lose their insurance coverage through cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act,” said Brita Lund, Manager of Planned Parenthood Northgate Health Center. “Nearly 40 percent of our affiliate’s patients in Western Washington are Medicaid recipients. This is about much more than abortion, which already cannot be covered by federal Medicaid dollars. This money goes to birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing. All of which are now at risk. Every single day at the health center I manage in Northgate, we help people sign up for Apple Health and Medicaid. Not just help them access services – we ask them a few screening questions and then show them how to enroll in the program, because when they walked through the door, they did not have insurance – and many did not even know it was an option available to them. Our front desk receptionist is the longest tenured employee in our Planned Parenthood affiliate, and might be the longest tenured Planned Parenthood employee in the state. She estimates that she personally enrolls one to three people every single work day. Over her career of 36 years, that means she has likely enrolled more than 1800 people. And that’s just her. There are providers and staff like her at every Planned Parenthood health center in the country, and at places like Sea Mar, who help patients sign up for Medicaid. Because everyone deserves to get the care they need, no matter what. If this bill becomes law, hospitals will close. Clinics will close. Long term care facilities will close. And everyone, not just Medicaid recipients, will be punished.”
“Nate is 20 years old and autistic. He has an intellectual disability and requires support throughout the day to ensure his needs are met, much of which he receives through Home and Community Based Waiver services. Nate has a job at our local neighborhood pizza shop, where he works four hours a week building pizza boxes and doing other odd jobs with the support of a job coach. He of course gets a paycheck for his work, but he also gets a free slice of pizza and a coke after every shift, which he loves. He adores his job and is so proud of the ways he contributes to his community. Building the life of his dreams, and filling his days with enrichment and social connection when school ends, will not be easy, but with the help of Medicaid services the way they are now, Medicaid services such as health insurance, employment support, personal care, and home and community based waiver services, we’re starting to see a pathway to making it a reality. It’s a steep one, but the pathway is there,” said Rachel Nemhauser, parent of Nate and the Director of Family Support Services at The Arc of King County. Nate is one of the almost 280,000 adults with disabilities on Medicaid in Washington state, and Rachel shared his story with his permission. “But if the proposed Medicaid cuts go through, this dream vanishes. It threatens to reduce or eliminate the job support he counts on, making it impossible for him to stay employed. It threatens to reduce his access to health care, making it harder for people with vulnerable health to stay healthy and continue to work. It threatens to create paperwork and administrative barriers so burdensome and complicated that it’s almost impossible not to make a mistake once in a while. It is absolutely devastating to think that a singular vote from a group of people who don’t know Nate, and don’t fully understand the terrifying impact losing Medicaid could have, could take this all away from him, all in the name of reducing waste.”
Nationwide, nearly half of children in America are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid pays for nearly half of births in the U.S. Medicaid also pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents and pays for home-based services for close to 2 million seniors—allowing them to age safely at home—as well as close to 3 million people with disabilities and other health conditions. Medicaid also covers 1 in 4 people with a mental health or substance use disorder, and serves as the largest payer for mental health and substance use services for communities nationwide amid an ongoing overdose and opioid epidemic made worse by an influx of fentanyl.
Recent polling from KFF Health found 82 percent of adults think Medicaid funding should either increase or stay the same and large majorities of people across parties, those who voted for Trump in 2024, and adults living in rural areas say the program is “very important” for their local community. Polling from Hart Research found that 71 percent of voters who backed Trump said cutting Medicaid would be unacceptable, and voters overall were even more opposed to it.
Senator Murray’s full remarks at today’s press conference are below:
“Republicans are looking to make history of the absolute worst kind.
“Last week, overnight, House Republicans passed the single largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in the history of our country.
“Reading this bill, you realize pretty quickly why did this in the dead of night. At least 7.6 million people losing Medicaid coverage, millions more losing health coverage and seeing costs go up, students having their Pell Grants cut, not to mention the biggest cut to SNAP in history—all to help fuel up corporate jets and executive bonuses with tax cuts for billionaires.
“But—bad news for Republicans—we are not going to let them keep the American people in the dark. We are going to put a bright and burning spotlight on this big, ugly, disaster of a bill. The legislation Republicans are pushing through Congress is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history—let that sink in.
“In Washington state, we are looking at least 194,000 people losing their Apple Health coverage under this bill. And that number rises to a quarter of a million people in our state getting kicked off their health care if you include all the ways Republicans are sabotaging the ACA in this bill and letting important health care tax credits for middle class families expire.
“Under Republicans’ bill, Washington state would lose an estimated 2 billion dollars in federal Medicaid funding over the next four years—that’s catastrophic for our state’s budget. And on top of all that Republicans’ bill would defund Planned Parenthood—a longtime goal of anti-abortion extremists that would be absolutely devastating for women’s health care in our state and across the country. Defunding Planned Parenthood would put 200 health centers at risk of closure across the country and put critical cancer screenings and birth control even further out of reach. And by the way, it would actually cost taxpayers money $300 million dollars over the next decade, according to nonpartisan estimates.
“Altogether, the health care cuts in Republicans’ mega-bill will mean: hospitals and nursing homes shutting down—especially in rural areas; millions of people getting kicked off Medicaid or their coverage under the Affordable Care Act; people blocked from accessing the benefits they are rightly eligible for because of a new wall of paperwork and red tape; Planned Parenthood health centers closing their doors; kids with disabilities losing out on the care they need; medical debt skyrocketing; and insurers leaving the Marketplace, leaving families and small business owners with little or no options for coverage.
“Needless to say, all of that means higher costs and less access to care for everyone, not just people on Medicaid. But I have to say, for the life of me, I do not understand how some of the same Republicans who represent the areas of our state most reliant on Medicaid—ever—looked at this bill, looked at what it would do to the people they serve, and said, “count me in!”
“Now, it’s worth noting, House Republicans did make some last-minute changes, but not what you might expect. They made sure more people will lose their health care sooner. And they made sure it will be more expensive to get health coverage on the exchanges. Oh, and don’t forget they got rid of a tax on gun silencers. Seriously—of all things!?
“The people at the top? The billionaires and biggest corporations? They are doing fine. You don’t need to shower them with money taken out of the pockets of struggling families.
“And you know what? If you want to help American businesses, all you have to do is pass legislation to stop Trump’s trade war which is hurting businesses and driving up costs. Doesn’t that sound better than taking food from hungry kids to give Elon Musk another tax break? Doesn’t that make more sense than kicking seniors out of nursing homes? Doesn’t that seem a little more reasonable that cutting patients off from their health care?
“The fact of the matter is not complicated. Republicans want to pass a bill that will hurt the middle class and working families, to give and handout to some of the richest companies on the planet. Republicans know that is bad policy. They know that is massively unpopular. They know they are adding trillions to the national debt. That is why they are trying to jam this through with as little scrutiny as possible.
“But we are putting this heist on full blast and fighting back against it with everything we’ve got. Remember, we managed to stop Trump and Republicans from repealing the Affordable Care Act back in 2017.
“So, my message to everyone is—now is the time to get loud, speak out, talk to your friends and family in Republican districts, call your Member of Congress. And remember, you are not powerless.
“Public outcry matters—we have seen that even this administration is not totally immune from public pressure. We need to show Republicans that the American people are watching, and they will have to answer to their constituents.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
SpaceX’s Starship rocket roared into space from Texas on Tuesday but spun out of control about halfway through its flight without achieving some of its most important testing goals, bringing fresh engineering hurdles to CEO Elon Musk’s increasingly turbulent Mars rocket program.
The 400-foot tall (122 meter) Starship rocket system, the core of Musk’s goal of sending humans to Mars, lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase, Texas, launch site, flying beyond the point of two previous explosive attempts earlier this year that sent debris streaking over Caribbean islands and forced dozens of airliners to divert course.
For the latest launch, the ninth full test mission of Starship since the first attempt in April 2023, the upper-stage cruise vessel was lofted to space atop a previously flown booster – a first such demonstration of the booster’s reusability.
But SpaceX lost contact with the 232-foot lower-stage booster during its descent before it plunged into the sea, rather than making the controlled splashdown the company had planned.
Starship, meanwhile, continued into suborbital space but began to spin uncontrollably roughly 30 minutes into the mission. The errant spiraling came after SpaceX canceled a plan to deploy eight mock Starlink satellites into space – the rocket’s “Pez” candy dispenser-like mechanism failed to work as designed.
“Not looking great with a lot of our on-orbit objectives for today,” SpaceX broadcaster Dan Huot said on a company livestream.
Musk was scheduled to deliver an update on his space exploration ambitions in a speech from Starbase following the test flight, billed as a livestream presentation about “The Road to Making Life Multiplanetary.” Hours later, he had yet to give the speech and there was no sign that he intended to do so.
In a post on X, Musk touted Starship’s scheduled shutdown of an engine in space, a step previous test flights achieved last year. He said a leak on Starship’s primary fuel tank led to its loss of control.
“Lot of good data to review,” he said. “Launch cadence for next 3 flights will be faster, at approximately 1 every 3 to 4 weeks.”
SpaceX has said the Starship models that have flown this year bear significant design upgrades from previous prototypes, as thousands of company employees work to build a multi-purpose rocket capable of putting massive batches of satellites in space, carrying humans back to the moon and ultimately ferrying astronauts to Mars.
RISK-TOLERANT
The recent setbacks indicate SpaceX is struggling to overcome a complicated chapter of Starship’s multibillion-dollar development. But the company’s engineering culture, widely considered more risk-tolerant than many of the aerospace industry’s more established players, is built on a flight-testing strategy that pushes spacecraft to the point of failure, then fine-tunes improvements through frequent repetition.
Starship’s planned trajectory for Tuesday included a nearly full orbit around Earth for a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean to test new designs of its heat shield tiles and revised flaps for steering its blazing re-entry and descent through Earth’s atmosphere.
But its early demise, appearing as a fireball streaking eastward through the night sky over southern Africa, puts another pause in Musk’s speedy development goals for a rocket bound to play a central role in the U.S. space program.
NASA plans to use the rocket to land humans on the moon in 2027, though that moon program faces turmoil amid Musk’s Mars-focused influence over U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
MISHAP PROBE
Federal regulators had granted SpaceX a license for Starship’s latest flight attempt four days ago, capping a mishap investigation that had grounded Starship for nearly two months.
The last two test flights – in January and March – were cut short moments after liftoff as the vehicles blew to pieces on ascent, raining debris over parts of the Caribbean and disrupting scores of commercial airline flights in the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration expanded debris hazard zones around the ascent path for Tuesday’s launch.
The previous back-to-back failures occurred in early test-flight phases that SpaceX had easily achieved before, in a striking setback to a program that Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur who founded the rocket company in 2002, had sought to accelerate this year.
Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual and a key supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, was especially eager for a success after vowing in recent days to refocus his attention on his various business ventures, including SpaceX, following a tumultuous foray into national politics and his attempts at cutting government bureaucracy.
Closer to home, Musk also sees Starship as eventually replacing the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as the workhorse in the company’s commercial launch business, which already lofts most of the world’s satellites and other payloads to low-Earth orbit.
(Reuters)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. stocks ended higher on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on tariff threats toward the European Union, signaling that trade negotiations were regaining momentum.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 740.58 points, or 1.78 percent, to 42,343.65. The S&P 500 added 118.72 points, or 2.05 percent, to 5,921.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 461.96 points, or 2.47 percent, to 19,199.16.
All of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with consumer discretionary and technology leading the gainers by rising 3.04 percent and 2.55 percent, respectively. Utilities posted the weakest growth, up by 0.77 percent.
Over the weekend, Trump announced he would delay a planned 50 percent tariff on EU imports until July 9, following a request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The delay came after Trump had previously proposed implementing the levy on June 1.
U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC’s Squawk Box that he anticipates more trade deals could be finalized this week.
Investor optimism was also buoyed by stronger-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data for May, with hopes for trade resolutions helping lift sentiment. According to The Conference Board, U.S. consumer sentiment improved across all age and income groups, signaling a broad recovery in outlook.
On the corporate front, Tesla jumped 6.94 percent after its CEO Elon Musk said he was shifting focus away from political distractions and back to his business ventures. U.S. Steel climbed nearly 2 percent after CNBC reported that Japan’s Nippon Steel is close to finalizing its 55-U.S.-dollars-per-share acquisition of the company.
The rally marked a strong start to the shortened trading week, as markets reopened following the Memorial Day holiday. The advance was broad-based, with over 90 percent of S&P 500 stocks closing higher, and small-cap stocks also rallied, pushing the Russell 2000 index up 2.48 percent.
Tuesday’s gains came after a tough week for Wall Street, where all three major indexes — the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq — fell more than 2 percent on fears sparked by Trump’s initial tariff threats toward the EU.
“It seems like the long holiday weekend only built up momentum for today’s sharp rebound,” said Dann Ryan, managing partner at Sincerus Advisory. “The trade tensions that briefly flared up have already cooled down — and now it looks like negotiations are moving into the fast lane.”
U.S. Treasury bonds spearheaded a broader decline in global bond yields on Tuesday, as markets welcomed signs that Japan may take steps to stabilize its bond market, which recently saw long-term government debt yields spike to multi-decade highs. The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield eased back to around 4.94 percent.
Attention is now shifting to a busy week of economic data releases, as well as upcoming comments from Federal Reserve officials, who are widely expected to maintain current interest rates, consistent with previous guidance. Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial tax bill remains in focus after narrowly clearing the House of Representatives last week.
Nvidia rose 3.21 percent following reports that the company is preparing to release a lower-cost AI chip for China, just ahead of its highly anticipated earnings report on Wednesday, one of the most closely watched of the quarter. Other companies set to report this week include Okta, Macy’s, and Costco. According to FactSet, over 95 percent of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings this season, with nearly 78 percent exceeding analysts’ expectations.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler in Washington on Tuesday to discuss convening the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue at an early date and to explore deeper cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
The meeting is seen as a step forward in bolstering high-level collaboration between India and the United States in strategically vital sectors. Discussions focused on reinforcing existing institutional frameworks and accelerating joint initiatives in technology and trade.
The Indian Embassy in Washington posted on X, stating, “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance India-US cooperation in critical & emerging technologies. They also discussed early convening of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue to deepen tech & trade collaboration.”
Misri is currently on a three-day visit to the US, during which he will engage with senior members of the Trump administration. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit follows up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trip to the US in February 2025.
That visit marked the launch of the ‘India-US COMPACT’—Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology—a strategic framework introduced by PM Modi and US President Donald Trump to expand collaboration in defense, trade, and technology.
It was Modi’s first trip to the US since Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. He was among the first world leaders invited by the new administration, visiting within three weeks of the swearing-in.
The visit also comes amid President Trump’s recent remarks claiming credit for mediating a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan earlier this month. However, Indian officials have strongly refuted the claim.
New Delhi maintains that the ceasefire came about due to Pakistan’s appeals following intense Indian military operations during Operation Sindoor, which targeted Pakistani air bases. Officials have underscored that the pressure from India’s offensive left Islamabad with little choice but to seek de-escalation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified last week that while the US had reached out to India between May 7 and 10, it was not acting alone, and multiple countries had engaged with New Delhi during the period.
-IANS
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, May 27 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is asking federal agencies to cancel contracts worth about $100 million with Harvard University, the Associated Press reported Tuesday, in an intensifying standoff between the American leader and the country’s oldest and richest university.
The government has already canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants to the Ivy League school, which has rejected demands from the Trump administration to make a series of changes to its internal policies.
“A draft letter from the U.S. General Services Administration directs federal agencies to review their contracts with the university and find alternative service providers,” the Associated Press reported. The agency plans to send the letter Tuesday.
D. Trump has previously lashed out at Harvard, calling the institution a hotbed of liberalism and anti-Semitism. On April 21, the university filed a lawsuit in connection with the presidential administration’s demands for radical changes to its governance structure, hiring system, and student admissions policies. The government has since cut federal funding for the institution, tried to bar it from accepting foreign students, and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status. –0–
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
In Case You Missed It
Graham Responds To The Editor: The U.S. Senate Won’t Tolerate Putin’s Games
The South Carolina Republican sends a message to Moscow.
To: The Editor
Re: Your Editorial “A Sanctions Message to Putin—and China” (May 21)
From: U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)
The Wall Street Journal
May 26, 2025
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-u-s-senate-wont-tolerate-putins-games-vladimir-russia-war-ukraine-sanctions-16780c2f?mod=letterstoeditor_article_pos1
Regarding your editorial “A Sanctions Message to Putin—and China” (May 21): Since taking office, President Trump has earnestly sought to bring Ukraine and Russia together to achieve a just and honorable peace, ensuring global stability. That is more important now than ever. America’s shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan didn’t merely damage our reputation; it set in motion aggression across the world. If the U.S. continues to lead decisively on bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, that could change. Mr. Trump can restore our reputation—and end the bloodbath.
Yet peace requires willing partners. While Ukraine has made clear it is ready for such an end, Russia has made more excuses than the market can bear. President Trump has asked Vladimir Putin to provide a term sheet outlining the requirements for a cease-fire, bringing the roadblocks to peace to a head. Depending on how Russia responds, we will know which course to take.
The Senate is prepared either way. I have coordinated with the White House on the Russia sanctions bill since its inception. The bill would put Russia on a trade island, slapping 500% tariffs on any country that buys Moscow’s energy products. The consequences of its barbaric invasion must be made real to those that prop it up. If China or India stopped buying cheap oil, Mr. Putin’s war machine would grind to a halt.
The sanctions bill has 82 co-sponsors. As Sen. Thune said last week, if Mr. Putin continues to play games, the Senate will act. I’m hoping for the best, but when it comes to the thug in Moscow, we should all prepare for more of the same.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.)
Seneca, S.C.
Source: US State of North Dakota
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina and the North Carolina State Board of Elections for failure to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
The lawsuit alleges that the State of North Carolina, in violation of HAVA’s mandate and clear Congressional intent, used a State voter registration form that did not require a voter to provide identifying information such as a driver’s license or last four digits of a social security number. Voters were then added to the State’s voter registration roll without the required information, and many of these voters remain on the registration rolls without it.
On March 25, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14248 entitled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections” to ensure that elections are being held in compliance with federal laws that guard against illegal voting, unlawful discrimination, and other forms of fraud, error, or suspicion. The election integrity issues raised in this action are a core component of the Federal election laws that Congress has statutorily charged the Attorney General of the United States, through the Civil Rights Division, to enforce.
“Accurate voter registration rolls are critical to ensure that elections in North Carolina are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that maintain inaccurate voter registration rolls in violation of federal voting laws.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fei Gao, Lecturer in Taxation, Discipline of Accounting, Governance & Regulation, The University of Sydney, University of Sydney
Tech giants like Google, Facebook and Netflix make billions of dollars from Australian users every year. But most of those profits are not taxed here.
To address this tax gap, some countries have introduced a new kind of tax called the digital services tax, or DST. It applies to revenue earned from users in a country, even if the company has no physical operations there. Some European Union member countries, the UK and Canada have all introduced such a tax.
In Australia, it is estimated the five largest tech giants recorded A$15 billion in revenue in Australia last year, but combined they paid only $254 million in tax.
Australia has never contemplated imposing a similar tax. New Zealand tried but backed down last week after the United States threatened to impose higher tariffs on New Zealand goods.
So what’s holding Australia back?
To understand why Australia thinks its hands are tied on the taxation of the multinational tech giants, we need to step back in time.
About 100 years ago, Australia and other developed nations decided to tax residents on all their income earned worldwide, while non-residents were taxed only on income earned locally.
After the second world war, Australia entered into tax treaties so foreign companies selling to Australian customers would no longer be taxed here. Instead, those companies’ home countries would tax all their profits.
As the world moved to digital products this century, it became easy for giant multinational enterprises offering advertising on social media (such as Facebook and Instagram), advertising on search platforms (Google), and streaming services (Netflix) to provide those services from abroad. Little or no activity is conducted through local branches.
But countries where the sales are made have increasingly questioned the wisdom of having forfeited their taxing rights over income by foreign providers.
The obvious solution would have been to renegotiate the treaties. This would restore the right of countries like Australia to tax foreign companies’ profits made from local customers or users.
However, treaty renegotiation is slow and complex. So several European countries, beginning with France in 2019, came up with a short-cut solution.
They introduced a discrete new tax on sales of digital services, called digital services taxes (DSTs). While the specific design varies by country, most DSTs apply a low tax rate, typically between 3% and 5%, on revenue rather than profits. They target large digital platforms that earn money from users within the taxing country, regardless of the company’s location.
Because DSTs are levied on revenue and are structured as separate from income tax, governments argued they could be introduced without breaching income tax treaties.
The new taxes quickly became popular and spread widely.
In Australia, the Greens have called for a DST, but both major parties have remained steadfast in their objection to a new tax. This is due to the concern that the US may impose retaliatory tariffs on Australian goods.
Australians are enthusiastic consumers of digital products. Depending on which companies are included in the calculation, the annual revenues vary between $15 billion and $26 billion a year, but only a fraction of that is taxed here.
At a time when the federal budget is forecasting deficits for the foreseeable future, Australia is foregoing potentially millions in lost revenue from these digital giants.
While Australia has avoided a DST as a solution to the income tax loss, it has been willing to regulate and tax foreign digital companies in other ways.
Australia collects 10% goods and services tax, or GST, on digital services provided to Australian companies, including streaming platforms and app subscriptions.
This helps ensure foreign providers are taxed similarly to domestic ones when it comes to the GST.
Australia has also imposed non-tax obligations on digital giants such as the requirement that digital platforms pay Australian media outlets for using their news content.
Read more:
Australia’s ‘coercive’ news media rules are the latest targets of US trade ire
In February, the Trump administration described DSTs as tools used by foreign governments to “plunder American companies” and warned retaliatory tariffs would be imposed in response.
The accompanying White House fact sheet singled out Australia and Canada, arguing the US digital economy dwarfs those countries’ entire economies. It suggested any attempt to tax US tech companies would not go unanswered.
Six weeks later, the US imposed a 10% tariff on most Australian exports to the US and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium exports.
The US sees its penal tariff plans as a useful negotiating tool to pressure trading partners into retreat on a broad range of peripheral complaints, including the digital services tax.
To date, only two countries have retreated: New Zealand and India. Other countries are standing firm.
In Australia, the Greens have called for the adoption of a DST, but the current and previous governments remain firm in their opposition. There is concern about antagonising the US at a delicate time when our broader trade relations are under scrutiny.
For the foreseeable future, the digital giants will continue to earn billions from Australian users. Most of those profits will remain beyond the reach of Australian tax law.
Richard Krever receives funding from the ARC
Fei Gao does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Australia could tax Google, Facebook and other tech giants with a digital services tax – but don’t hold your breath – https://theconversation.com/australia-could-tax-google-facebook-and-other-tech-giants-with-a-digital-services-tax-but-dont-hold-your-breath-257251
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Says Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Will Be Ugly For Hardworking NY Families, Decimating Healthcare & Funding For Local Hospitals, Raising Energy Costs By Slashing $$ For Clean Energy Projects Across NY & Raising Costs For Counties Across The Board By Shifting The Costs For Vital Programs Like SNAP & Medicaid
Already 24 Truckloads Of Produce For Foodlink’s 350+ Rochester-Area Food Pantries Have Been Canceled Due To Trump’s Cruel USDA Cuts & Now With GOP Voting To Make Largest SNAP Cut In History; Senator, With Church Leaders & Advocates, Says Double Whammy Could Hurtle Rochester-Finger Lakes To A Hunger Crisis
Schumer: No Child In Rochester Should Go To Bed Hungry
After House Republicans just last week voted to pass the largest cut to the anti-hunger program SNAP in American history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Rochester-Finger Lakes religious leaders, food banks, and farmers on the frontlines of the local fight against hunger to show the devastating local impacts the massive proposed $300 billion SNAP cut to fund Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires. Over 150,000 kids, seniors and families in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region rely on these anti-hunger programs for food, and Schumer joined with church leaders to detail exactly why these new cuts would be so harmful, and demand that the GOP stop this devastating assault that could hurtle Rochester and millions of others across America to a hunger crisis.
“Last week, in the dark of night, House Republicans rushed to pass their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in the hopes that their massive cuts to American families would go unnoticed. We are here to ensure that doesn’t happen, and shine a light on how the largest cut to food assistance in history could hurtle 150,000 kids, seniors, and families into a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump already canceled 24 truckloads of U.S. farm-grown food headed to hungry families in Rochester, and these cuts would be a double whammy. This is not a partisan issue, it is a moral issue. I’m here with our food banks, faith leaders, and farmers on the frontlines to stand up to protect these programs and stop this cruel cut to SNAP. Stealing from anti-hunger programs that feed Rochester families to pay for Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires is as backwards as it gets. There is nothing beautiful about cutting SNAP so children go hungry and can’t learn or have productive lives. Senate Democrats are united in opposing this cruel bill, and we are united with the people to demand the GOP block these SNAP cuts. Otherwise, it will be families here in Rochester that go hungry.”
“How we care for those on the margins speaks volumes about who we are as a people,” said Pastor Doug Stewart of The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word. “Many of our religious traditions have engrained in their DNA the call to care for the dignity and well-being of those on the margins – values that should compel us to stand against policies that sacrifice the poor on the altar of tax breaks and corporate privilege. In a nation with abundant resources, the persistence of hunger is a moral failing—a call to action for all who believe in equity and the common good. When dinner and grocery programs like those at Incarnate Word are pushed to their limits, we see the sharp painful consequences of such policies. I am grateful for the work of Senator Schumer and other community leaders in their tireless efforts of drawing attention to how drastic cuts in anti-hunger programs could lead to a full-blown hunger crisis that harms the most vulnerable. I’m proud to stand beside Senator Schumer today.”
Schumer explained how Trump’s USDA has already cruelly canceled $1 billion in food assistance including 24 truckloads of food locally, right as demand is surging. Schumer said if these SNAP cuts became law, it would be a double whammy. Rochester’s Foodlink and its network of 350+ Food Pantries across the 10-county Rochester Finger Lakes region last year alone recorded 1.8 million requests for food assistance (a 36% increase from the prior year), and if these SNAP cuts move forward they say it would be devastating.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Schumer said that we should be investing more not less in anti-hunger programs, but under the Republican proposal, the average family would be reduced to just $5.00 per day per person. A breakdown of SNAP recipients in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region from the Center for American Progress can be found below:
County
SNAP Recipients
% of County on SNAP
SNAP Retailers
Genesee
4,785
8.3%
52
Livingston
5,731
9.3%
45
Monroe
109,665
14.6%
611
Ontario
9,350
8.3%
82
Orleans
5,350
13.6%
32
Seneca
3,647
11.2%
36
Wayne
8,539
9.4%
79
Wyoming
2,513
6.4%
33
Yates
2,080
8.5%
23
TOTAL
151,660
993
Last week, House Republicans passed a bill that would rip $300 billion away from SNAP. This proposal would impact Rochester-Finger Lakes residents in many ways, including the addition of a work requirement which would raise the age to access SNAP benefits from age 55 to age 64 and only exempt SNAP recipients from work requirements if they have someone younger than 7 years old in their household, down from the current exemption for all families with children under 18 years old.
Schumer said, “I’m all for reducing any waste or fraud to make the program more efficient, but rushing to pass these massive damaging cuts with no plan while they slash our food banks is a recipe for disaster. Republicans are tying themselves in knots trying to justify these massive cuts. I ask my Republican friends this: which category does a hungry 7 year old fall under: are they waste? Are they fraud? Or are they abuse?”
Schumer explained the Republican proposal to cut $300 billion from SNAP would inevitably mean costs of feeding families shift to states, who simply do not have the capacity to absorb this massive increase in expenses, risking families going hungry. Under this Republican proposal, states would be required to pay 5 – 25% of their state’s SNAP benefits based on the state’s error rate. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), mandating New York State to cover even a modest share of SNAP benefits would shift astronomical costs to the state, with even just 5% increasing New York State’s costs by nearly $3.5 billion from FY2026 to FY2034. The senator said it is impossible to cut this much from federal SNAP funding without ripping food away from hungry children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more. These figures represent just the costs from SNAP cuts and do not factor in additional costs states would have to bear if Republicans pass their proposed Medicaid cuts in this same bill.
These agonizing decisions would be amplified even further at the local level, with non-profits, many of whom have already had their funding cut, unable to fill in the gap. Counties could even be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in SNAP, using more local dollars to provide coverage because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient federal funding.
The proposed SNAP cuts would be a blow to Rochester-Finger Lakes food banks which have already been hit hard by Trump’s funding freezes and canceled payments. Earlier this year, the USDA canceled $1 billion in food assistance for organizations to purchase locally grown food. USDA programs provide food banks, schools, and other organizations with federal support to purchase local food products from NY farms.
Trump’s USDA cuts have already hit the Rochester-Finger Lakes region hard. Rochester’s Foodlink has already been forced to cancel 24 truckloads of U.S. farm grown food worth approximately $1 million. Meanwhile, food insecurity is affecting more families across the region, with Foodlink seeing a 40% increase in visits to network food pantries and meal programs from 2023 to 2024.
Schumer said these proposed cuts will limit food banks’ ability to keep shelves stocked as more people have been forced to rely on food banks to feed their families. Food bank workers and religious leaders across Upstate New York are concerned about the impact of potential cuts to SNAP on the people they serve, and farmers are worried there will be nowhere to sell their food if SNAP funding levels drop.
“The devasting SNAP cuts proposed in the House bill will take away billions of meals for some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents — and impact the health of our seniors, educational opportunities for our youth and the economic prosperity of our country,” said Julia Tedesco, president & CEO of Foodlink. “At a time when food-insecurity rates are high and visits to local food pantries spiked 40% last year, Foodlink and our partners simply cannot fill the gap with a SNAP reduction of this magnitude. We call on Congress to oppose these cuts to ensure the health and wellbeing of our neighbors during these challenging times.”
Jay Formicola, Rochester resident who relies on SNAP said, “I receive SNAP benefits and they are a lifeline for me and thousands of people just like me across this region. We all know that prices in the grocery store are high. Inflation has made it harder and harder for me to makes ends meet. I work. I budget. I meal plan. And it’s still hard. Any plan that takes away food from working people like me, or families dealing with soaring cost of living, makes no sense. This will create worse and more costly problems.”
“We serve 500 households every week and see firsthand how food insecurity impacts Rochester families – from a mom unsure she’ll have enough food for her children during weekends, to seniors and working parents lining up in the cold and snow hours before our pantry doors even open,” said Dawn Burdick, Executive Director of Rochester Hope North Clinton Food Pantry, based on the campus of St. Michael’s. “Our families rely on the nearly 20,000 pounds of food we receive through Foodlink’s network every week, and fresh, locally grown produce is always most in demand. The USDA funding freeze has already made it harder for us to keep our shelves stocked and supply healthy options for our neighbors. Any future cuts to SNAP will surely have an even more wide-ranging impact – not only making it tougher for families to put food on the table, but also straining our ability to keep up with the growing need. In a region as rich in resources as ours, it’s disheartening to see these threats to vital food programs increase the stress and insecurity faced by our community and the volunteers who work so tirelessly to help.”
Reverend Tedd Pullano, Third Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor for Outreach said, “Third Presbyterian Church has chosen to be a “Matthew 25 congregation”, which means we follow Jesus’ call to care for all people, whoever they are. A big piece to following Jesus’ call is to “welcome and feed the hungry”. Every week, through our free Food Cupboard and our Saturday meal, we serve over 200 people (approximately 600 per month). Our Food Cupboard is in a “self-service shopping format” that allows people to choose items that best meet their needs family. A critically important and popular aspect of our ministry is providing fresh dairy and produce through Foodlink to these families, so their children can grow up healthy and strong, mentally and physically. The recent USDA funding elimination freeze is detrimental to that effort and dangerous to people; now the proposal to cut SNAP funding would further damage families and hamper these beautiful people’s ability to survive. SNAP is the backbone of food security for so many in our community. We’re grateful, and proud, to stand in our faith, alongside Senator Schumer and push to protect this important SNAP funding – and care for people who are working hard and trying to make ends meet.”
Sister Beth LeValley with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester said, “Yesterday, on Memorial Day we remembered those who gave their lives so that America and its ideals would endure. Just the loss of SNAP benefits alone would impact 11 million people including an estimated 4 million children. We should be ashamed to support, much less pass, legislation that penalizes the vulnerable at the same time that it compensates the wealthy. Penalizing the vulnerable and compensating the wealthy are not ideals held by people of faith; they are not ideals held by people of conscience; nor are they ideals embedded in our founding American documents. We are grateful Senator Schumer is here today joining with us to change the course of an ill-devised exercise of power –an exercise of power that benefits only a segment of our society. We welcome his support and urge more lawmakers to follow his lead.
Proposed rollbacks to the country’s most widely utilized nutrition assistance program would strain budgets for Rochester-Finger Lakes families. Schumer said decimating funding for SNAP right as costs at grocery stores across the country are skyrocketing will hit the Rochester-Finger Lakes region hard. According to the New York State Community Action Association, more than 15% of people in Monroe County live in poverty, including nearly 24% of children. According to No Kid Hungry, over half of New Yorkers reported going into debt in the past year due to rising food costs, with over 60% of families with children. According to the latest “Map the Meal Gap” report from Feeding America, nearly 10,000 more people experienced food insecurity in 2023 compared to 2022 within Foodlink’s 10-county Rochester Finger Lakes region service area. Approximately 160,920 residents experienced food insecurity in 2023, compared to 151,820 the year prior. Between 2021 and 2023, the region’s food insecurity rate rose from 9.3% to 12% to 12.8% which is the highest rate since 2013, and child food insecurity averaged 17.6%.
SNAP not only supplements families’ food budgets, it has also generated great economic benefits for New York State and NY-25 specifically. According to the National Grocers Association, grocery stores across New York State sold over $2.1 billion in groceries to people using SNAP benefits, including $149.8 million in NY-25. This created more than 18,500 New York jobs in the grocery industry, including 1,319 in NY-25, and generated more than $820.8 million in grocery industry wages, including $58.3 million in NY-25.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Says Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Will Be Ugly For Hardworking NY Families, Decimating Healthcare & Funding For Local Hospitals, Raising Energy Costs By Slashing $$ For Clean Energy Projects Across NY & Raising Costs For Counties Across The Board By Shifting The Costs For Vital Programs Like SNAP & Medicaid
Already The Foodbank of CNY Is Preparing To Lose ~2 Million Pounds Of Food Due To Trump’s Cruel USDA Cuts & Now With GOP Voting To Make Largest SNAP Cut In History; Senator, With Syracuse Church Leaders & Advocates, Says Double Whammy Could Hurtle Central NY & Oswego County Which Has Highest Food Insecurity In All NYS Into To A Hunger Crisis
Schumer: No Child In Central NY Deserves To Go To Bed Hungry
After House Republicans just last week voted to pass the largest cut to the anti-hunger program SNAP in American history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood in Central New York’s hunger hotspot, Oswego County, which has one of the top 5 highest rates of food insecurity in all of NY, with religious leaders, food banks, and farmers on the frontlines of the local fight against hunger to show the devastating local impacts the massive proposed $300 billion SNAP cut to fund Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires. Over 108,000 in Central NY rely on these anti-hunger programs for food, and Schumer joined with church leaders to detail exactly why these new cuts would be so harmful, and demand that the GOP stop this devastating assault that could hurtle Rochester and millions of others across America to a hunger crisis.
“Last week, in the dark of night, House Republicans rushed to pass their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in the hopes that their massive cuts to American families would go unnoticed. We are here in Oswego County which has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in New York to ensure that doesn’t happen. We are here to shine a light on how the largest cut to food assistance in history could hurtle 108,000 Central New York kids, seniors, and families into a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump already canceled more than a million pounds of U.S. farm-grown food headed to hungry families in Central New York, and these cuts would be a double whammy. This is not a partisan issue, it is a moral issue. I’m here with our food banks, faith leaders, and farmers on the frontlines to stand up to protect these programs and stop this cruel cut to SNAP. Stealing from anti-hunger programs that feed Central New York families to pay for Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires is as backwards as it gets. There is nothing beautiful about cutting SNAP so children go hungry and can’t learn or have productive lives. Senate Democrats are united in opposing this cruel bill, and we are united with the people to demand the GOP block these SNAP cuts. Otherwise, it will be families here in Central New York that go hungry.”
Schumer explained how Trump’s USDA has already cruelly canceled $1 billion in food assistance, and his FEMA has indefinitely frozen over $130 million in previously allocated funds, hurting every level of food distribution from regional food banks like the Food Bank of CNY to local food pantries like Catholic Charities Oswego Food Pantry. If these SNAP cuts move forward it would be a triple whammy for Central NY, hurtling the region’s ongoing hunger crisis to unforeseen levels. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Schumer said that we should be investing more not less in anti-hunger programs, but under the Republican proposal, the average family would be reduced to just $5.00 per day per person. A breakdown of SNAP recipients in Central New York from the Center for American Progress can be found below:
County
SNAP Recipients
% of County on SNAP
SNAP Retailers
Cayuga
9,215
12.3%
57
Cortland
5,933
12.9%
52
Madison
6,585
9.8%
68
Onondaga
68,796
14.6%
455
Oswego
18,184
15.4%
109
TOTAL
108,713
741
Last week, House Republicans passed a bill that would rip $300 billion away from SNAP. This proposal would impact Central New York residents in many ways, including the addition of a work requirement which would raise the age to access SNAP benefits from age 55 to age 64 and only exempt SNAP recipients from work requirements if they have someone younger than 7 years old in their household, down from the current exemption for all families with children under 18 years old.
Schumer said, “I’m all for reducing any waste or fraud to make the program more efficient, but rushing to pass these massive damaging cuts with no plan while they slash our food banks is a recipe for disaster. Republicans are tying themselves in knots trying to justify these massive cuts. I ask my Republican friends this: which category does a hungry 7 year old fall under: are they waste? Are they fraud? Or are they abuse?”
Schumer explained the Republican proposal to cut $300 billion from SNAP would inevitably mean costs of feeding families shift to states, who simply do not have the capacity to absorb this massive increase in expenses, risking families going hungry. Under this Republican proposal, states would be required to pay 5 – 25% of their state’s SNAP benefits based on the state’s error rate. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), mandating New York State to cover even a modest share of SNAP benefits would shift astronomical costs to the state, with even just 5% increasing New York State’s costs by nearly $3.5 billion from FY2026 to FY2034. The senator said it is impossible to cut this much from federal SNAP funding without ripping food away from hungry children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more.
These agonizing decisions would be amplified even further at the local level, with non-profits, many of whom have already had their funding cut, unable to fill in the gap. Counties could even be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in SNAP, using more local dollars to provide coverage because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient federal funding.
According to CBPP, 20,000 people in NY-22 and 14,000 people in NY-24 reside in households with adults ages 18-64 with school-age children and would likely lose SNAP benefits under this Republican proposal, and Schumer said that is only the tip of the iceberg.
The proposed SNAP cuts would be a blow to Central New York food banks which have already been hit hard by Trump’s funding freezes and canceled payments. Earlier this year, the USDA canceled $1 billion in food assistance for organizations to purchase locally grown food. USDA programs provide food banks, schools, and other organizations with federal support to purchase local food products from NY farms. At FEMA, $130 million in previously allocated funding for the Emergency and Food and Shelter Program has been indefinitely frozen since January. The program helps local nonprofit organizations provide food and shelter individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger or homelessness.
Trump’s USDA and FEMA cuts have already hit Central New York hard. At the Food Bank of CNY, which delivered over 22.9 million pounds of food and over 19 million meals to families across 11 Upstate NY counties in 2024, USDA cuts have already caused a loss of over $450,000 and may cause additional losses of up to $1 million per year, translating to an estimated 500,000 pounds of food and 100,000 meals annually. At Catholic Charities of Oswego County, which served 2,213 adults, 1,368 children, and 360 seniors in 2024, FEMA cuts will slash as much as $14,000 from their food pantry in Fulton, forcing them to cut back on hundreds if not thousands of meals each year. Elsewhere in Oswego County, USDA cuts jeopardize food security for the 10,000 people served by Oswego County Opportunities last year, including 150 people suffering from intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, chemical addiction, or homelessness, and more than 50 families with pre- / post-partem women and infant children. In Onondaga County, USDA cuts have meant less food available, unhealthier options, and increased competition. At the Interfaith Community Collective food pantry in Syracuse, USDA cuts have already forced pantry staff to reduce the amount of meals served, shorten meal service time, and even turn people away hungry. At New Americans Blessing Box, USDA cuts have made it more difficult to find fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, and meats, as well as culturally targeted foods like Halal chicken, jasmine rice, and spices.
Schumer said these proposed cuts will limit food banks’ ability to keep shelves stocked as more people have been forced to rely on food banks to feed their families. Food bank workers and religious leaders across Upstate New York are concerned about the impact of potential cuts to SNAP on the people they serve, and farmers are worried there will be nowhere to sell their food if SNAP funding levels drop.
“No matter which way you slice it, this Congressional Republican plan will screw Central New York families, food banks and farmers from farm to table. We need everyone to stand up to these cuts that would take away food from our neighbors in need,” added Schumer.
Murray Gould, Food Pantry Director, St. Lucy’s Church of Syracuse, “We at St. Lucy’s Church are grateful for the efforts of Senator Schumer for highlighting this critical issue. We have seen a 40% increase in people seeking our assistance at our pantry in the last nine months. We do know that approximately 75% of our clients receive snap benefits. The proposed reduction in snap as well as the devastating decrease in funding to the food. SNAP cuts will be creating more hunger in our communities. As a faith based community in our neighborhood, these proposed changes can only be described as cruel.”
Maura Ackerman, Executive Director of the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, said, “SNAP is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight hunger and poverty, especially for families with children. In a city like Syracuse – with the highest child poverty rate among U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 – that support is not just meaningful, it’s essential. Every SNAP dollar feeds a neighbor and strengthens our local economy, generating nearly twice its value in economic activity. This is about investing in our kids, our communities, and our collective future. We can’t let politics stand in the way of basic human needs. We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for championing this commonsense, bipartisan priority. Making sure children have enough to eat should never be up for debate.”
Brian Reeves, Owner, Reeves Farm said, “Cuts to food assistance programs have several negative impacts to our communities; fewer people receive adequate nutrition, farmers sell less of their production, and any excess unsold production can over supply the marketplace and drive down the price the farmer receives for the food which does get sold. On behalf of farmers across New York, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for fighting to ensure that critical SNAP dollars keep flowing to help farms like mine continue providing fresh, nutritious, locally grown food to the members of our community who need it the most.”
Sheila Dion, Founder & Director, Erin’s Angels of CNY said, “Hunger is not a political issue, it is a human issue. Cutting SNAP benefits is not just a budget decision—it’s a moral decision. Oswego County is often cited among the New York Counties with the highest rates of child food insecurity. According to Feeding America, seventy six percent of the families in Oswego County are income eligible for federal nutrition programs. Every day, we see firsthand the impact hunger has on children in our community. These proposed cuts would leave thousands of kids without the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive. At Erin’s Angels, we fill the weekend gap, but SNAP is the lifeline that helps families feed their children the rest of the week. Undermining this program would deepen food insecurity across the country—and hurt the most vulnerable among us. We would like to thank Senator Chuck Schumer for helping to raise awareness of this very important issue and for advocating for the hungry in New York State and in Oswego County. By denouncing SNAP cuts, highlighting the negative effects these cuts will have on millions of New York residents, calling for a coalition to oppose these devastating cuts, demanding action from New York state republicans to oppose these cuts and protect SNAP, securing funding for food banks, advocating for farmers and visiting food banks across the state he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing hunger and supporting those facing food insecurity in New York State.”
Roseann Bayne, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, CiTi BOCES said, “Cuts to SNAP will deepen the crisis of food insecurity in Oswego County—already among the highest in New York State. Over 26% of adults here are food insecure, and nearly one in four school-age children live in poverty—well above state and national averages. Even small cuts in benefits could push many from low food security into true hunger, especially seniors surviving on below-average Social Security and limited retirement income. And our students? Many arrive at school undernourished, disadvantaged before the day even begins—struggling at times to focus, learn, or thrive. SNAP isn’t about handouts; it’s a lifeline for families, seniors, and individuals doing their best to get by. Many folks here work full-time and still earn far less than the ALICE survival budget. Opinions and misinformed judgment don’t feed people. Policy rooted in compassion and facts does. On behalf of CiTi BOCES, I thank Senator Schumer for coming to Oswego County to advocate for the critical SNAP funds that our community depends on.”
Peter O. Nwosu, President, SUNY Oswego said, “At SUNY Oswego, we recognize that students cannot achieve academic success while facing food insecurity. That’s why, through our Empire State Service Corps, we’ve established a dedicated team of students who provide peer-to-peer support to help their classmates apply for SNAP benefits. This work reduces barriers and empowers students to focus on their education without the burden of basic needs insecurity. We are committed to sustaining this and other vital services to help our students succeed. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his ongoing advocacy to expand and protect SNAP access for college students. His continued leadership is instrumental in ensuring that higher education remains accessible and equitable for all.”
Josh Stephani, Director, Adirondack Food System Network said, “Federal cuts to SNAP have disastrous implications the communities across the Adirondacks, our most vulnerable individuals, and further threaten our food system. Nearly one third of our population is supported by SNAP – children, seniors, and many families are supported through this important program. Alongside rising costs for transportation, housing, and living in the region, many families are already struggling to provide for their families without enough resources. These vital programs work to support our economy and provide for our families in need. Specifically, by cutting SNAP, we are placing further economic hardships on our North Country communities, reducing the $300 million economic benefit of this program into our Adirondack region and putting the health of our neighbors at risk. For the communities who call this place home, these programs are a vital lifeline for their moments of need. On behalf of the Adirondack Food System Network, we thank Senator Schumer for his continued advocacy for these critical and lifesaving programs for our communities, New Yorkers, and the entire country. The Adirondacks are often seen as the last mile for essential services, and we are proud to have the Senator as an advocate for the North Country advocating on our behalf.”
Proposed rollbacks to the country’s most widely utilized nutrition assistance program would strain budgets for Central New York families. Schumer said decimating funding for SNAP right as costs at grocery stores across the country are skyrocketing will hit Central New York hard. According to the New York State Community Action Association, more than 17% of people in Oswego County live in poverty, including nearly 25% of children. According to No Kid Hungry, over half of New Yorkers reported going into debt in the past year due to rising food costs, with over 60% of families with children. In Oswego County, more than 26% of adults self-report as food insecure per the NYS Department of Health, and over 20% of children are food insecure according to Feeding America. With 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children suffering from food insecurity, Oswego County food insecurity is the highest of any county in Central New York.
SNAP not only supplements families’ food budgets, it has also generated great economic benefits for New York State and NY-24 specifically. According to the National Grocers Association, grocery stores across New York State sold over $2.1 billion in groceries to people using SNAP benefits, including $103.3 million in NY-24. This created more than 18,500 New York jobs in the grocery industry, including 910 in NY-24, and generated more than $820.8 million in grocery industry wages, including $40.2 million in NY-24.
Source: Washington State News
SEATTLE – Attorney General Nick Brown today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Pacito v. Trump, supporting a challenge to Executive Order 14163, which indefinitely suspended the entry of refugees through the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP) and effectively dismantled USRAP’s infrastructure by terminating agreements and funding for resettlement agencies.
“Washington has a long history of welcoming refugees and won’t be dissuaded by the president’s illegal executive order,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “We’re proud to file this amicus brief in support of those in need. Every community is made stronger by their presence.”
The attorneys general argue that the President’s Executive Order is unlawful because it ignores the Immigration and Nationality Act, which stipulates that in order to suspend the entry of a specific class of people, there must be a finding that those individuals are detrimental to the national interest. The President’s Order includes no findings specific to USRAP refugees, who are legally admitted to the country, authorized to work, and have undergone rigorous vetting.
The attorneys general also claim that the President’s Order is illegal because cutting off federal funding for resettlement organizations directly impedes those agencies’ ability to fulfill their statutorily mandated requirement to meet the basic needs of refugees. Notably, the President’s Order undercuts Congressional intent to ensure newly arrived refugees can become economically self-sufficient and successfully integrate into communities where they live. The attorneys general assert the Executive Order has caused enormous public harm for refugees already living in states across the country.
Additionally, the attorneys general refute the President’s claim that USRAP refugees are a “burden” and instead contend that such individuals are a benefit to their states. In fact, the attorneys general argue that their states have made active decisions to welcome refugees, who, between 2005 and 2019, contributed $124 billion more to the federal government than they consumed in public services and $92.3 billion more to state and local governments.
In their brief, the attorneys general assert that lower courts were correct in issuing two preliminary injunctions against the President’s unlawful Order and ask the Court to uphold those injunctions, which prevent the Administration from enforcing and implementing the Order.
Attorney General Brown and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell led the amicus brief. The attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin joined the brief.
The brief is available here.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)
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“I’m proud to be delivering long-overdue tax relief to working Americans, middle-class families and senior citizens,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “As our Mayor and Governor continue to tax us to death year after year, our community is in desperate need of SALT relief. This package also includes key provisions like expanding the Child Tax Credit, funding to secure our borders, upgrading our nation’s air traffic control systems, and jumpstarting domestic energy production to help lower energy costs. Together, these measures will provide the critical relief New Yorkers need and deserve.”
“If you look across Staten Island and Southwest Brooklyn, that’s what you have homeowners living in one, two, and three family homes. We want to make sure that as the cost of living continues to rise that we are able to help homeowners keep a bit more money in their pockets, and that is what this SALT deduction restoration is going to be doing. It is going to allow folks to better afford the homes they already have and maybe for some of our aspiring homeowners who are looking to put down that down payment, get a mortgage, it is going to be a little easier knowing that property tax bill is going to be deducted on their federal income taxes,” said Councilman David Carr.
“Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis is a tireless, principled, passionate voice for the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn. She doesn’t just talk about helping the middle class — she actually does it. This bill builds on the 2017 Trump tax cuts, and it goes even further — cutting taxes, cutting red tape, and cutting through the nonsense that’s been hammering families like mine for years,” said Councilman Frank Morano.
“Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has consistently fought to ease the financial burden on hard-working families in New York, one of the most heavily taxed states in the nation. Recognizing how unfair the 2017 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction was to middle-class homeowners, especially in high-tax states like New York, she led the charge in advocating for its restoration and reform. By working to lift the SALT cap, Rep. Malliotakis helped deliver real tax relief to families who were being penalized simply for living and working in their home state. Her efforts not only put more money back into the pockets of New Yorkers but also helped make the region more affordable and economically competitive — a critical step toward preventing the outmigration of residents and businesses,” said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.
“Raising the SALT cap is a huge win that delivers BIG savings for Staten Island families and seniors. But this is not the end of the road for us here in New York: Albany Democrats are likely already finding ways to snatch those savings right back with more taxes, fees, and reckless policies. That’s what they do best: take, spend, and then cry broke. I will be there to fight them – for you – every step of the way. I am incredibly grateful to have an unrelenting partner in Congresswoman Malliotakis who will go to bat and deliver for Staten Islanders at all costs,” said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo.
“The Congresswoman’s successful push to quadruple the SALT deduction to $40,000 is a big win for our community. It eases the financial strain on middle-class homeowners caused by New York’s high property taxes. We appreciate her commitment to our economic well-being,” said the Port Richmond North Shore Alliance. |
Source: United States Attorneys General
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina and the North Carolina State Board of Elections for failure to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
The lawsuit alleges that the State of North Carolina, in violation of HAVA’s mandate and clear Congressional intent, used a State voter registration form that did not require a voter to provide identifying information such as a driver’s license or last four digits of a social security number. Voters were then added to the State’s voter registration roll without the required information, and many of these voters remain on the registration rolls without it.
On March 25, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14248 entitled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections” to ensure that elections are being held in compliance with federal laws that guard against illegal voting, unlawful discrimination, and other forms of fraud, error, or suspicion. The election integrity issues raised in this action are a core component of the Federal election laws that Congress has statutorily charged the Attorney General of the United States, through the Civil Rights Division, to enforce.
“Accurate voter registration rolls are critical to ensure that elections in North Carolina are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that maintain inaccurate voter registration rolls in violation of federal voting laws.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Source: European Central Bank
27 May 2025
Mr Lane, inflation rates in the euro area have fallen sharply since autumn 2022. Has inflation been beaten?
As you say, inflation rates were temporarily above 10 per cent in 2022. Over the past two years, we have focused on bringing inflation back down to 2 per cent. This task has now mostly been completed. I am saying “mostly” because some final steps still need to be taken. For example, services inflation is still too high. But we expect it to decline in the coming months, as we think wage inflation is coming down. So the disinflation from the high inflation of 2022 is on track – but unfortunately new challenges are emerging.
Over what time frame are you expecting the inflation rate to sustainably meet the ECB’s 2 per cent target?
Recently, the inflation rate in the euro area stood at 2.2 per cent, which isn’t so far from our 2 per cent target. I believe that the inflation rate will remain in a zone close to 2 per cent in the coming months. But part of your question is about whether this will be on a sustained basis. And this is where we have to work out whether new challenges, in particular those to do with trade policy, could cause an inflation issue in either direction.
Many people have the feeling that they are noticing inflation much more in the supermarket. What do you say to them?
It is not unfounded. Food inflation remains well above 2 per cent – currently around 3 per cent. For unprocessed food, for example fruit and vegetables, it is even close to 5 per cent. So this perception is correct: “supermarket inflation” is higher than the general inflation rate. But this is offset by other developments, such as energy prices. Goods price inflation is also below the current headline inflation rate.
How much is the reduction in inflation really down to the ECB – and to what extent is it simply a consequence of the sharp rise and subsequent fall in energy prices?
This time is different from the 1970s. At that time, many central banks didn’t manage to convince people that inflation would fall again – although the Bundesbank did better than others. People expected inflation to remain high. This time around we made it clear that the ECB would deliver on price stability. Through our monetary policy, we have prevented double-digit inflation from getting entrenched. So we played our part and ensured that this period of high inflation remained temporary. Due to our intervention, fluctuations in energy prices have not led to a permanent surge in inflation.
What impact do you expect Donald Trump’s tariffs to have on inflation in the euro area?
This has been the subject of intense debate since the election in November. Several factors play a role: first, the exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro. Many expected that tariffs would weaken the euro. So far, however, the opposite has occurred. Second, the tariffs have an impact on global economic growth; the slowdown has pushed down oil and gas prices, and this was not in the initial discussion but is proving important. And third, with respect to trade between the United States and China, China is likely to export less to the United States and more to Europe. So there are a number of factors that could lead to lower inflation in the euro area. But we also have to keep in mind that we don’t know the outcome of the negotiations between the EU and the United States.
At this point, is it possible to predict what’s ultimately going to happen?
The outcome is still quite open at the moment. For the time being, there are some factors that tend to support a drop in euro area inflation. However, the picture could shift if, for example, the negotiations between the EU and the United States fail, with the United States imposing higher tariffs and the EU implementing counter tariffs. Supply chains could also be disrupted – this could drive up inflation.
Are there differences between short-term and long-term effects?
I would actually distinguish between three time horizons: short term, medium term and long term. In the coming months, in other words for the remainder of 2025, the inflation rate is expected to be close to target. Over the medium term, the impact of US tariffs on inflation could materialise, including through the exchange rate and energy prices. Looking further ahead to the long term, analysts and financial markets are reasonably confident that inflation will return to the ECB’s target. The main focus of the ECB’s monetary policy is on the medium-term horizon: that is to say, one or two years ahead.
Is there any reason to be concerned that people’s inflation expectations could rise more quickly again because the experience of very high inflation is still so recent?
As a directional statement, I agree. Before the pandemic, many were convinced inflation would stay very low. The high inflation episode was a painful reminder that inflation can arise. But such a combination of extraordinary events – the pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine – is very rare. The more concrete question for us is: could a world of shocks relating to structural changes – arising from challenges to globalisation, increased automation, changing demography – push inflation noticeably below or above 2 per cent, and how responsive will inflation expectations be? Part of our job will be to make sure expectations remain anchored, that people have the reassurance that if inflation moves away from 2 per cent we will bring it back.
What impact do the current labour shortages and low unemployment have on inflation?
There is certainly a difference compared with the pre-pandemic period. That’s why I don’t think we will return to inflation rates that are as low as they were back then. When unemployment is low, firms and employees are more likely to settle on wage increases – perhaps around 3 per cent on average in the euro area. This is a normalisation and, allowing for rising labour productivity, makes our 2 per cent target more credible. But I do not see any signs of a wage-price spiral at present, and this also applies to Germany.
In Belgium, wages are, in part, directly bound to inflation. Has that added to inflation there?
During the period of high inflation, wages rose rapidly in Belgium but, as inflation fell, wage growth slowed down quickly again. In Germany, there was a different pattern: it took longer for wages to go up. But there is no major difference when looking at the average over three to five years.
Do you think it is possible that the new protectionism will lead to deglobalisation in the longer term, resulting in structurally higher inflation rates?
It is important to differentiate between temporary and permanent effects. For many firms the business model is connected to globalisation. A phase of deglobalisation could initially dampen economic growth, which would make it more likely that inflation rates would fall. Following that transition, inflation and its volatility could increase as the offsetting effect of favourable imports fades. It could mean that, as a central bank, we have to be more active in our policy responses to return inflation to 2 per cent over the medium term.
The Federal Reserve fears that US tariffs could lead to transitory, i.e. temporary, inflation. Would it leave inflation in the euro area unaffected if US rates rise?
The world needs the Federal Reserve to maintain price stability for the United States. If this means high US interest rates, it can lead to a stronger dollar and thereby somewhat higher inflation for Europe in the short term. In the medium term, however, high US interest rates mostly hold back the global economy – which tends to lead to lower inflation in the euro area. There are always some spillover effects.
What does all this mean for the ECB’s interest rate policy?
We need to find a middle path. If we keep interest rates too high for too long, the disinflation pressure of US tariffs could cause inflation rates to fall below our target. If we cut too much and too quickly, a strengthening economy and other factors could drive inflation back up. This is why we will pay close attention to the data in our next meetings. If we see signs of further falling inflation, we will respond with further interest rate cuts – but the range of discussion is not that wide: no one is talking about dramatic rate cuts. We are in a zone of normal central banking.
Are the key ECB interest rates now in the neutral range?
The neutral interest rate can only be estimated and it is a long-term concept. In the long term, the neutral interest rate could be around where we are now. But the world is not in equilibrium and the appropriate interest rate may be different in the short term. I would differentiate between the three policy rate zones: a clearly restrictive one with rates say in the high twos or above; and a clearly accommodative one – for the sake of discussion, say rates below 1.5 per cent are clearly accommodative. Going there would only be appropriate in the event of more substantial downside risks to inflation, or a more significant slowdown in the economy. I do not see that at the moment. And there is a zone in between, where it is more of a question of cyclical management. We are navigating in that zone at the moment. This is the focus of the discussions at the ECB.
Can the ECB be indifferent to exchange rate developments when there is a sharp depreciation of the dollar, like at the moment? Unlike the Bundesbank in the past, you aren’t pursuing an official exchange rate policy…
The exchange rate is of course an important factor in the development of inflation, even if we do not pursue an explicit exchange rate policy. However, most trade in the euro area takes place between countries sharing the euro as a common currency and, therefore, the exchange rate does not play a role. Trade with the United States and other regions of the world is important but it’s not the dominant factor. At the same time, we need to look at the impact of exchange rate shifts in a situation like we have now.
Do you think that the euro could replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency as a consequence of the unreliable economic policies of the United States?
I think the question whether the euro should overtake the US dollar is not so important. I can imagine that the euro will become more important as a reserve currency in the current situation. In the first decade of the euro, there was an optimism that we would no longer live in a world with a single world currency, the dollar. Now, the United States is facing all kinds of questions about its role in the world economy. The natural second currency is the euro. It is well placed to gain a bigger share of the market. This could be supported by further European integration – to put the euro on a firmer foundation.
In your estimation, how great is the risk that we will now see more frequent waves of inflation, like those seen recently?
The specific circumstances of the last wave of inflation will probably not be repeated quickly. Something like that occurs at most every few decades. Nevertheless, I also consider very low inflation rates, like those before the pandemic, to be unlikely in the current circumstances where there are so many upheavals and changes. There could be more external shocks and fluctuations in inflation rates than in the past. That means that we have an important job to do at the ECB. We may need to become even more active than before in adjusting our policy to the incoming shocks.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oli Wilson, Professor & Associate Dean Research, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
New Zealand Music Month turned 25 this year, and there’s been plenty to celebrate – whether it be Mokotron’s Taite Prize-winning Waerea, Lorde’s recent return (though not to New Zealand – yet), or the fact that live performance revenues post-COVID have been strong.
But for new and emerging local artists, Music Month also highlights a lack of visibility on streaming services and commercial radio, which increasingly favour already famous artists, including ones whose heydays were decades ago.
During a month when music fans have been encouraged to stream local, see local and buy local, so far the only homegrown artists to appear in this week’s New Zealand Top 40 Singles chart are Lorde and K-pop star Rosé.
Recently published data shows that as little as 9% of New Zealand streaming, downloads and physical sales revenue is going to local artists. Despite this, according to NZ on Air, 49% of New Zealanders stream music every day. In fact streaming has recently surpassed radio as the main way audiences discover new music, with growing influence from TikTok and Instagram.
On Spotify, which approximately one in three New Zealanders use every day, only one local track – Corella’s Blue Eyed Māori – featured in the 2024 top-50 year-end local playlist. Streaming increasingly privileges and skews towards established releases from well-known artists, and other artists have little control over social media algorithms.
While radio remains relevant, with 46% of New Zealanders listening daily, only two nationwide commercial radio stations played more than 20% local music in 2024.
The Official Aotearoa Music Charts’ End of Year Top 50 Singles provide another useful indication of local music market share. These charts draw on a wide range of sales and streaming data, and aim to provide an authoritative snapshot of what New Zealanders were buying and listening to in that year.
Since COVID, we have seen a sharp decline in local artists featuring in these charts. In 2024, the only New Zealander to feature was Corella’s Blue Eyed Māori, and only four New Zealand albums featured in the End of Year Top 50 Albums, three of which were compilations primarily made up of earlier releases.
While COVID lockdowns and border closures hugely disrupted the live music sector, we also saw audiences engaging with a lot more local music. Summer festival Rhythm and Vines sold out an all Kiwi lineup, and the amount of local music on radio reached its highest peak since records began.
This suggests visibility, discoverability and chart success have little to do with the amount or quality of local music being produced. Instead, they are the result of structural changes in the music industries.
Internationally, this has been linked to the market consolidation and dominance of a small number of big players at the expense of local artists, industry and infrastructure.
As global platforms such as Spotify and TikTok have increased their influence on audiences’ ability to discover New Zealand’s music, it’s hard to see a future where business-as-usual will improve the situation for local artists and audiences.
There are potential solutions, however. Australia has committed to imposing local content quotas on international streamers, and Canada has instituted a revenue sharing system between global streamers and broadcasters.
Unlike similar markets, such as Australia and Norway, New Zealand lacks a strong public youth broadcaster. Dedicated investment in this area could help support targeted strategies to promote local music.
Changes in the way local music is funded and nurtured could also help. The government currently funds NZ on Air and the Music Commission, but they have different objectives and obligations. Merging them might streamline decision making and recognise the interconnectedness of the live and recorded music sectors.
If steps aren’t taken soon, New Zealand will struggle to support a thriving local music economy, and New Zealanders will continue to miss out on hearing themselves in the music they listen to.
With Music Month drawing to a close, there needs to be a commitment to structural changes that, over time, will see the development of a year-round celebration of New Zealand music.
Oli Wilson has previously completed research in partnership with or commissioned by APRA AMCOS, Toi Mai Workforce Development Council, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage and the NZ Music Commission. He has also received funding, or contributed to projects that have benefited from funding from NZ on Air, the NZ Music Commission and Recorded Music New Zealand. He has provided services to The Chills, owns shares in TripTunz Limited, and is a writer member of APRA AMCOS.
Catherine Hoad has completed research in partnership with or commissioned by APRA AMCOS, Toi Mai Workforce Development Council, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage, NZ On Air, Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the NZ Music Commission.
Dave Carter is a writer member of APRA AMCOS. He has received research funding from Manatū Taongao Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Toi Mai Workforce Development Council, APRA AMCOS, Music NT, Music Tasmania, The Australian Live Music Office, Arts South Australia, City of Melbourne, Film Festivals Australia, City of Sydney. He has also received funding, or contributed to projects that have benefited from funding, for creative work as a producer and engineer from NZ on Air and APRA AMCOS.
Jesse Austin-Stewart has completed commissioned research for NZ On Air and participated in focus groups for Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. He has received competitive funding from Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Hertiage, and the NZ Music Commission. He is a writer member of APRA AMCOS and a member of the Composer’s Association of New Zealand and Recorded Music NZ
– ref. Discovering new NZ music in the streaming age is getting harder – what’s the future for local artists? – https://theconversation.com/discovering-new-nz-music-in-the-streaming-age-is-getting-harder-whats-the-future-for-local-artists-257449
Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – May 20, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. and Shontel Brown for a press conference about the Republican Budget, which kicks millions of Americans off their health insurance and prevents families from meeting their basic needs.
CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: I’m grateful to be joined by Vice Chair Lieu and Dr. Schrier and Representative Brown for joining us here today to talk about the importance of protecting health care and nutrition across this country.
I want to begin by offering our condolences to the victims of deadly storms in Missouri and Kentucky. We also want to send President Biden and his family our support as they grapple with the former President’s cancer diagnosis. We know that Joe Biden will approach this fight with the same grace that he’s shown throughout his life. We also know that Joe Biden would be the first to say that every American deserves the same level of health care that he is being provided.
That’s why House Democrats are fighting to protect health care that Donald Trump and House Republicans are attacking. In the dead of night, House Republicans are working to ram through their agenda to kick millions of Americans off of health insurance and to take food assistance from families who need it most. As grocery prices rise, they’re going to take food out of the mouths of mothers, children and veterans, while making health care even more expensive—just for the single purpose of providing more tax cuts for billionaires and corporations who continue to make record profits. Remember: the Republican Budget doesn’t make Medicaid or SNAP more efficient or more fair. All this bill does is ensure that billionaires—who have never had to worry about a hospital bill or putting food on the table—can continue to pay less in taxes than teachers, firefighters and nurses.
Only Democrats want to make health care more accessible and more affordable for everyone. Republicans are hellbent on driving up costs for health insurance and ending basic needs programs. They are willing to inflict pain on millions of Americans just to make their campaign donors happy. That. Is. Wrong. And we will continue to fight back at every step for the American people so they can have the peace of mind of a good-paying job with good benefits.
Next, I’ll turn it over to Vice Chair Ted Lieu.
VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and honored to be joined today by Congressmembers Kim Schrier and Shontel Brown. First, I’d like to talk about the charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. Those charges are baseless and politically motivated. Three reasons why: First, Congresswoman McIver had a statutory authority to be at that detention center; she was conducting her oversight duties. Second, if what she did was purportedly so awful that it results in criminal charges, how is it possible they literally gave her a tour of the facility? Afterwards, they escorted her around and gave her a tour of that facility while she was conducting oversight. And third, she was trying to prevent the unlawful arrest of the Mayor of Newark. And guess what? She was right. Because the Trump Justice Department dropped all charges against the Mayor of Newark. So, we asked them to also drop charges against LaMonica. This is a baseless, politically motivated distraction.
And what are they distracting us from? This big, ugly bill that they’re going to have a meeting on at 1 a.m. in the morning. I mean, who does that, right? You do that because you don’t want the American public to know what’s in your big, ugly bill. But we know what’s in it. It has the largest cut to health care in U.S. history, about a trillion dollars. And then also, it’s going to kick off approximately 14 million people off health care. And why are they doing this? To impose the largest tax cut for billionaires in U.S. history. So that’s basically what this big, ugly bill does. And they’re trying to move it through in the dead of night at 1 a.m. We asked the Republicans to listen to the American people and work on what Democrats are trying to work on, which is lowering the cost of rent and groceries and consumer products. That’s what we should be focused on. And it’s now my honor to introduce the great Representative from the State of Washington, Dr. Kim Schrier.
REP. SCHRIER: Well, thank you, Vice Chair Lieu. It’s really an honor to be here, but the reason is outrageous, and I want to express that outrage on behalf of my constituents. That the Republicans at this moment are attempting to make the largest cut ever in Medicaid, and the largest cut ever in SNAP, that would be $715 billion out of Medicaid, which would kick 13.7 million Americans off of their health insurance. And let me just reiterate, why are they doing this? They are doing this to pay for a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, like Elon Musk. It is morally bankrupt and it is fiscally, incredibly irresponsible. We just spent 26 and a half hours in the Energy and Commerce Committee last week, spending the vast majority of that time—and by the way, starting at about two o’clock in the morning—talking about these cuts to Medicaid and how they would devastate our constituents and also the broader health care system.
I want to be clear, one out of three Washingtonians depend on Medicaid. Most of them don’t even know they’re on Medicaid, because we call it Apple Health, and I’m trying to make that point so that people understand how this impacts them personally. So I think about, as a pediatrician, I think about my patients on Medicaid or on Apple Health who will no longer be able to come to their pediatrician’s office for screenings, for a simple cold, for a cough and get treated in a half hour. Now they’re going to go to the emergency room, the most expensive place to get care. They’re going to drive up costs: that cost will be provided for free, and then everybody pays. And I think then about my patients who are not on Medicaid, because they’re going to be waiting longer in the emergency room, they’re going to be paying more. Premiums are going to go up if we want to keep these hospitals and emergency rooms open. And that brings us to other parts of my district, the rural areas, where hospitals may close because they depend so heavily on Medicaid and Medicare.
I want to tell you a quick story of a little four-year-old girl named Ila in my district. She is the outcome of a normal, uneventful pregnancy. She was lucky enough to go to our rural hospital called Kittitas Valley Healthcare, and they have a labor and delivery department. She was delivered. There were major complications. She almost died, but they had the staff and the expertise to rescue her, to stabilize her and to Life Flight her to Seattle Children’s. And then I have been reflecting, as have her parents, who are insured, about what would have happened had Medicaid been cut, had labor and delivery there been cut, had she not had that opportunity for rescue and for transport to save her life, and we all know what the answer would have been. I’ve been in hundreds of deliveries. Some go well, some don’t, and you don’t always know until that moment. So I want to emphasize, Medicaid is part of the three-legged stool that is our health care system. If Medicaid is cut in this dramatic way, that stool will fall. It’ll mean hospital closures, higher rates for all of us, emergency room long waits, a sicker community and a poorer community and it is reckless and morally reprehensible. So at this point, I’m going to turn this over to Representative Shontel Brown from Ohio to talk about the terrible cuts that they are doing to food benefits, also for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you.
REP. BROWN: Thank you, doctor. Good morning, everyone. I’m Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee and representing Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. I’m honored to be here along with Chair Aguilar, Vice Chair Lieu and Congresswoman Schrier. Last week, we saw this legislation up close in the Agriculture Committee, and Ranking Member Craig and my Democratic colleagues on Agriculture fought this legislation for two days. I didn’t just read the bill, I felt it. I felt the cruelty. I felt the callousness. And let me tell you, I was angry. I am still angry. $300 billion in cuts. Let me repeat that: $300 billion in cruel, calculated cuts to nutrition programs. And on top of that, onerous new restrictions and requirements that are designed to deny people the help they need. If this bill passes, millions—yes, millions—of Americans are going to lose nutrition benefits they desperately need. And for what? The biggest cut to food assistance in history, just to hand millionaires a $68,000 tax break, and the top .1 percent a staggering $300,000?
Let me tell you what this means for my community. One in five. One in five households in my district in Northeast Ohio rely on SNAP. That’s not some statistic from somewhere. That’s my neighbors, that’s my family. Those are my church members. It is me. Because growing up, I was one of those households. And the issue of work requirements really hits home for me, literally. I had epilepsy growing up. I had petit mal seizures and my mother—my strong, brave, exhausted mother—couldn’t work, not because she didn’t want to, but because she couldn’t leave her child who might collapse at any moment. My mom didn’t want to be on food stamps. No parent wants that, but we needed it. And this bill, this bill, would have denied us that lifeline. We’re taking assistance away from people that need it to give those resources to people that don’t.
Make no mistake, this is not fiscal responsibility. This is not belt-tightening. This is a giveaway. People who rely on SNAP, they’re not leading easy lives. They’re caregivers. They have people at home with disabilities and serious illnesses, children. And these folks are not hard to find. I had one woman contact me, Cheryl from Cleveland Heights. She’s retired. Her husband is disabled. Her father is 92 years old and he’s disabled. She worked in advertising for 25 years. Now, she’s got a house full of people to take care of, and they rely on SNAP. This bill punishes Cheryl and people like her. It takes away the basic benefits they need to survive, all to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. And make no mistake, this bill will make us sicker. This bill will make us poorer. This bill will make us weaker. So it is my privilege to stand here with my colleagues and fight this bill. We cannot let this pass.
Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.
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Source: US Whitehouse
For 101 years, members of the United States Border Patrol (USBP) have courageously served as guardians of our sovereignty and protectors of our homeland against invasion, aggression, and violence. Every day, Border Patrol agents selflessly risk their lives to repel the flow of deadly drugs, weapons, criminals, and terrorists — many of whom come to our shores from jails, prisons, and mental institutions in far-flung countries across the globe. On this anniversary of the United States Border Patrol, we honor every agent for their honorable service and pledge to support them in their mission to keep Americans safe.
For decades, the USBP has maintained the thin line between order and chaos. Unfortunately, the last administration — in an extraordinary act of deception and betrayal, imported an army of unvetted illegal aliens, including violent criminals, thugs, gang members, and terrorists from the darkest and most dangerous parts of the world. Their arrival over the last 4 years ushered in record-shattering levels of immigrants illegally coming into our country while at the same time depleting resources and draining the morale of our incredible USBP agents.
The tide turned on January 20, 2025. One of my first actions as President was declaring a National Emergency at the southern border of the United States, which provided additional authority to the Department of Defense to support the Federal Government’s response to the crisis. I also designated cartels and other transnational organizations, such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists in order to end their campaign of violence and bloodshed on our homeland. Additionally, I have resumed our border wall construction, reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy, halted the practice of catch-and-release, ended asylum for illegal border crossers, deployed thousands of American soldiers to defend and protect our borders, and implemented the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.
Within my first 100 days in office, daily border encounters dropped 95 percent, and migrant crossings declined by an astounding 99.99 percent. In March, our Nation saw the lowest monthly number of border encounters in recorded history — and fentanyl traffic fell by 54 percent compared to March of the previous year. Also in my first 100 days, my Administration arrested more than 150,000 and deported more than 135,000 illegal aliens. Under my leadership, our USBP agents are not only receiving the resources they need to do their job but also the respect they have earned and deserve — and our work is only just beginning.
As we celebrate 101 years of the USBP, we honor the thousands of patriots who dedicate their careers to defending our borders and upholding the rule of law, even in the face of grave danger and tremendous risk. Above all, we pay tribute to every brave soul who has perished in the line of duty while proudly serving our Nation. In their memory, and in honor of their beloved family members, we pledge to empower the USBP to safeguard the American homeland today, tomorrow, and beyond.
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 May 28, 2025, as a day in celebration of the 101st Anniversary of the United States Border Patrol.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of May, 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: European Parliament
After a political lull of almost a decade, the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) relaunched their strategic partnership in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 27 October 2022. The 2022-2023 bi-regional roadmap, together with the EU’s joint communication of 7 June 2023 on a new agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), prepared the ground for the successful third EU–CELAC summit that took place in Brussels on 17 and 18 July 2023 under the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Two years later, the partners are preparing for the next EU–CELAC summit, due to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 9 and 10 November 2025. This leaders’ meeting is deemed crucial for the EU to deepen its commitment to LAC and advance the strategic partnership. From the EU’s perspective, the Latin American region is key – not only politically, given the recent geopolitical challenges, and economically, because of its great potential as a market for industrial products, but also as a stable supplier of renewable energy sources and critical minerals such as lithium and copper that are crucial for the transformation of the global economy. Geopolitical developments have made it all the more urgent to intensify relations between the EU and CELAC: China has become a dominant player in LAC and is today a strong competitor for the EU and the United States (US). The US policy approach towards LAC under President Donald Trump is strained; this could be an opportunity for the EU to present itself as a reliable partner to the region. The promotion of inclusive and, in particular, mutually beneficial agreements on trade and on raw materials could be an advantage for the EU over its competitors. The summit in Santa Marta provides a chance to elevate the EU–CELAC relationship to the next level. The main tasks will include deepening and concretising the bi-regional relations on issues such as trade and investment and the green and digital transitions, and further strengthening cooperation on other issues such as the fight against organised crime. A litmus test for the strategic partnership will also be whether the partners manage to finalise the two key pending international agreements with Mexico and Mercosur respectively.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission has taken note of the executive orders of the Trump administration to terminate 83% of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes.
The impact will be immediate and felt globally with wide ranging consequences on people’s lives and on global stability and security.
The EU continues monitoring and assessing the overall impact and possible areas where intervention may be needed, with particular emphasis on key EU interests and life-saving humanitarian assistance.
Together with Member States, the EU already provides 42% of development aid and 28% of humanitarian aid globally and remains fully committed to the affected regions. However, the EU will not be able to fill in the gap left by the United States’ decision.
It is not common practice for the EU to co-finance actions together with USAID. However, the EU has engaged in regular exchange of information and coordination at local level, notably through donor coordination frameworks in areas of common interest (support to democracy, civil society, media, etc.) in the Western Balkans.
With regards to the impact of USAID funding to Cyprus[1], the USAID programme was the main assistance provided for bicommunal activities until 2006 when the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community[2] was launched and USAID withdrew.
The Commission did not formally evaluate USAID funding to Cyprus.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) traveled to Ottawa, Canada late last week to meet with Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, the Business Council of Canada, and other leading Canadian companies and business groups. The Senators underscored bipartisan support for a U.S.-Canada partnership and reiterated their commitment to a strong trading relationship between the United States and Canada. The U.S. policymakers released the following joint statement at the conclusion of their visit to Ottawa:
“We were glad to participate in a bipartisan delegation to Canada and meet with Prime Minister Carney, members of his new cabinet and Canadian business leaders. Our engagements in Ottawa served as an important reminder of the deep economic, security and cultural ties that bind our two nations. We held open and honest discussions on issues ranging from tariffs and trade to increasing defense spending and strengthening military cooperation through NATO, as well as continuing support for Ukraine. These conversations are emblematic of the historically constructive relationship the United States has had, and must continue to have, with our northern neighbor. The U.S.-Canada relationship has made us all safer and more prosperous, protecting our continent from foreign threats and transforming North America into a hub of global trade, innovation and investment. The trip has reaffirmed our joint desire to move past current tensions in the bilateral relationship and lay the groundwork for a stronger partnership moving forward,” said Shaheen, Welch, Cramer, Klobuchar, and Kaine.
View photos below:
Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Ottawa
Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Ottawa
Photo Credit: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, Lars Hagberg
On Wednesday, Senator Welch will convene Vermont businesses and manufacturers at the Orvis Rod Shop & Factory in Manchester to discuss President Trump’s tariffs and trade war. Senator Welch has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian leaders impacted by the trade war.
LOGISTICS: Who: Senator Peter Welch; Vermont businesses and manufacturers Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM Location: Orvis Rod Shop & Factory: 4182 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254 (parking in back of lot) Media Note: Press should RSVP to Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov
Source: United States Army
Back to
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
AGADIR, Morocco–The 21st edition of African Lion concluded this week with over 10,000 multinational troops from more than 50 nations executing synchronized operations across four countries, marking the largest and most dynamic iteration in the exercise’s over-25-year history.
This year’s exercise featured first-time integration of defensive cyber operations and expanded chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) scenarios, along with rigorous multinational academic instruction. African Lion 25 validated the United States’ commitment to building enduring partnerships, enhancing joint and combined force readiness and strengthening regional security. The exercise included HIMARS fire missions, airborne operations, amphibious landings, maritime interdiction, and planning exercises with partners from Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
Setting the Theater, Building Trust
“African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration that a combined approach of joint and multinational capabilities enhanced the readiness and lethality of our warfighters,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).
“The integration of cutting-edge technologies alongside our partners and allies reinforced our commitment to remain ready to address the most complex strategic challenges.”
Medical Reach with Tactical Impact
Medical professionals treated more than 10,000 patients across Morocco, Ghana and Senegal as part of AL25’s humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) programs.
“This has been one of the most diverse and capable teams we’ve brought to African Lion,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Micah Smith, commander of 151st Medical Group, Utah Air National Guard and HCA commander. “With members from 37 different units and expertise spanning cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and more, we’ve been able to provide care many here wouldn’t otherwise receive.”
“Working alongside about 180 Moroccan partners, we’ve operated 17 clinics and treated roughly 1,000 patients a day,” added Smith. “The Moroccan people have been incredibly gracious; it’s been an honor to be here with them.”
Logistics at Scale
Logistics efforts moved several thousand short tons of cargo across borders, validating the U.S. military’s ability to set the theater, sustain distributed operations, and integrate movement control teams across multiple entry points.
“The African Lion Exercise gives us the opportunity to put into practice the planning we have completed to set the theater for sustainment operations.” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tim Dowd, lead AL25 sustainment planner for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command.
“The complexity of moving several thousand short tons of cargo to four different countries spanning the distance of the continental United States, demonstrates that we can build, sustain, and adapt our logistical networks in support of any mission, anywhere in Africa.”
Regional Training, Local Impact
In Morocco, U.S. and partner forces conducted the largest array of academic instruction, including joint planning, cyber defense, and public affairs courses. CBRN response and HIMARS missions were integrated alongside a multinational planning exercise and humanitarian civic assistance missions in rural communities.
“African Lion enhances the United States’ interoperability with Morocco and other key partners to strengthen our collective ability to address regional security threats,” said Aimee Cutrona, Chargée d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.
“As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and security.”
“Guided by President Trump and King Mohamed VI, our bilateral cooperation benefits both Americans and Moroccans, making us safer and stronger,” added Cutrona.
Innovation and Burden-Sharing in Tunisia
In Tunisia, several notable firsts marked AL25’s evolution: for the first time, cyber offense training expanded beyond the usual defensive focus, enabling red-team experimentation. The 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment employed the Avenger Weapon System, demonstrating mobile short-range air defense with Stinger missiles.
Additionally, the 173rd Airborne Brigade received host-nation approval to deploy drone systems during maneuvers—another milestone in multilateral technological integration.
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora)
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“Through African Lion, Tunisia aspires to enhance joint coordination among partner countries, exchanging knowledge to achieve desired goals,” said Tunisian Senior Col. Majid Mguidich, the host nation AL25 exercise director.
“This training enables the Tunisian Armed Forces to increase its influence as a training and educational hub at the regional and international levels.”
Partnering for Readiness in Ghana
In Ghana, U.S. and partner forces conducted a multinational medical readiness exercise (MEDREX), a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) and a planning exercise (PLANEX). These engagements strengthened regional health resilience and interoperability among African and U.S. planners.
“Exercises like African Lion are a cornerstone of our bilateral military relationship,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mary Stuever, director of trauma for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the officer in charge of the Ghana MEDREX.
“Ghana continues to be one of our most capable and trusted partners in West Africa.”
Fighting Fit in Senegal’s Extreme Conditions
In Senegal, U.S. Soldiers trained in extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, conducting HIMARS fire coordination, airborne operations, and civil-military engagements.
These conditions showcased the Army’s readiness to operate in austere and climate-challenged environments while validating rapid deployment and sustainment capacity.
“Our primary objectives here in Senegal for African Lion are threefold,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general for the Army Reserve. “First, to achieve lethality and readiness for all participating forces—including the United States, Senegal, the Netherlands, Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire. Second, we’re focused on building true interoperability, so if a crisis occurs on the continent, we can fight together side by side with a shared understanding of command and control, tactics and systems.”
“Finally, we aim to exchange best practices and culture, because every force brings something unique to the fight,” Cederman said. “Together, these efforts help us achieve peace through strength and address regional security challenges as a unified team.”
A Message of Deterrence and Enduring Presence
As AL25 concludes, the scale and complexity of this year’s exercise reflect more than tactical success, they demonstrate enduring strategic value. From live-fire exercises and cyber innovation to humanitarian outreach and multinational planning, the exercise reinforced trust with key partners and proved the U.S. military’s ability to project power, set the theater, and operate decisively alongside allies across the African continent.
“I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security and readiness through rigorous, multinational training,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command. Exercises like African Lion showcase the value of our relationships with African partners, demonstrating our readiness to confront common threats and promote peace through demonstrated military.”
About African Lion
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Cornelia Schneider, Associate Professor of Education, Mount Saint Vincent University
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary in the United States, held a recent news conference and made uninformed comments on autism. His remarks created an uproar, especially among people with autism and other disabilities.
The news conference was related to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about autism.
Among other comments, Kennedy Jr. said:
“Autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be
suffering like this … And these are kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.”
Earlier, during a cabinet meeting, he promised to find the cause of autism by September.
We are researchers whose combined focus covers the rights of people with disabilities in educational systems and the history of disability in medical discourse. One of us is a sibling (Cornelia) and the other a parent (Martha) to people with intellectual disabilities.
These comments were deeply worrisome for us due to their resonance of dangerous ideas espoused during the eugenics movement.
Eugenics is the belief that society can and should be “improved” through selective breeding. It is based on a pseudo-scientific ranking of humans in a racist and ableist hierachy that judges non-white and disabled people to be the least desirable.
During the height of the movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eugenics was promoted by scientists, physicians, politicians and clergy, authoritative voices who encouraged the “fittest” to reproduce while recommending that those people with “undesirable” physical or intellectual traits be removed from society. Part of achieving this goal meant people with disabilities were sterilized or institutionalized.
Eugenics was applied in its most extreme form in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and ‘40s. Six million Jews, and millions more people, including an estimated 250,000 people with disabilities, were killed.
A formal condemnation of Nazi actions in the form of the Nuremberg Trials fostered a popular backlash to these Nazi horrors after the Second World War, resulting in a global repudiation of eugenic ideas and a gradual phasing out of practices such as sterilization and institutionalization of people with disabilities.
However, Kennedy Jr.’s comments remind us that eugenic ideas are alive and well, including, but not exclusively, amid the radical right and tech-enabled ideas about a return to “strongman” values.
Eugenics ideas exist in the form of what bioethicist and humanities scholar Rosemarie Garland-Thomson calls “eugenic logic.” This is the ongoing belief that erasing disability and people with disabilities is a desirable and common-sense objective.
The power of eugenics logic surrounds us. It shapes immigration policy that penalizes disability. It means reproductive technologies and medical practices are used to eliminate certain conditions that cause disabilities.
For example, recently, the Québec College of Physicians called for legislation to allow the euthanasia of severely disabled infants. This also affirms the views of popular but controversial philosopher Peter Singer, who argues that babies with disabilities lack qualities of personhood and therefore could be killed.
RFK Jr.’s eugenics ideas resonate strongly today. They square politically with neoliberalism to create a form of ableism that regards the individual citizen as “an able-bodied entrepreneurial entity.”
Neoliberal ableism links human value to their capacity to work, to what disability studies scholars Dan Goodley and Rebecca Lawthom refer to the ability to “productively contribute … bounded and cut off from others, capable, malleable and compliant.”
People with autism, and others who cannot serve society in this way, threaten the neoliberal order and capitalism. They are seen as a detriment to society.
Autism organizations heavily criticized Kennedy Jr. for his portrayal of autistic people as incapable.
However, some critics unwittingly reinforced his neoliberal and eugenic framing of human value. These critics rightly contradicted Kennedy Jr. by pointing out that many people with autism have capabilities that he denied them. However, focusing on those abilities gave support to the devaluation of people with autism — and others with disabilities — who do not possess them, and who cannot be independent or will never be “productive workers.”
Uninformed comments about autism by people in official health leadership positions threatens to undo decades of work that led to remarkable gains for people with disabilities.
The 1970s and ‘80s saw the development of what disability activists and scholars discuss as the social model of disability. This shifted the understanding of disability away from the “problem” of individuals’ physical/intellectual conditions. Disability is seen as a mismatch of the interactions between the impairment and the barriers it faces in the (social) environment.
This important shift in how disability is understood rejected the notion that disability is a personal fault or flaw. For the first time, it paid attention to environmental, financial and attitudinal barriers. It allowed people with disabilities unprecedented access to education and other aspects of society.
The progress made remains fragile.
All who value human diversity and the continued expansion of the rights of people with disabilities must push back against eugenics politics.
Political parties and broader society must commit to full participation and belonging of all people with disabilities by continuing to remove physical, attitudinal and financial barriers.
Accessibility legislation at the federal and provincial levels must be implemented and enforced. In Canada, this includes the re-establishment of a federal minister for disabilities, a post that previously existed as minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities) but is lacking under the new Liberal government and its smaller cabinet.
It means we need to heed the voices of disability advocates who have launched a court challenge against a key provision of Medical Assistance in Dying legislation. A recent version of this legislation accepts disability without a terminal condition as a reason to end life. As advocates recently told the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, this implies that a disabled life is not worth living.
Read more:
A dangerous path: Why expanding access to medical assistance in dying keeps us up at night
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed by the U.S.; signed and ratified by Canada) lays out the key ideas that Kennedy Jr. appears to reject: “Disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers.”
The lived experiences of the disability community must always be included in political decision-making.
It’s our responsibility to uphold and protect the human rights of all persons with disabilities, including those who require more intensive support.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics – https://theconversation.com/uninformed-comments-on-autism-are-resonant-of-dangerous-ideas-about-eugenics-256762
