Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined House and Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging them to investigate which big corporations are using the Trump tariffs as an excuse to raise prices in excess of actual cost increases caused by the President’s tariffs, and to prosecute individuals and companies that price gouge American consumers.
“President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs build an especially fertile environment for price-gouging. The new tariffs have created a cloud of uncertainty that gives companies cover to raise prices on all goods, regardless of whether they are subject to new tariffs or whether their costs have meaningfully increased, above and beyond what is necessary to cover any cost increases,” the members wrote.
“Armed with the knowledge that the FTC has turned a blind eye to this price-gouging tactic, companies now have free rein to use surveillance pricing to price gouge consumers. A former FTC official said, ‘The message that is coming out of this administration…is that the watchdog is gone and companies feel emboldened to rip people off.’ We urge you to fulfill your public commitment and to ensure President Trump’s trade war is not a ‘green light’ for price gouging,” concluded the members.
You can read the full text of the letter HERE.
Senator Rosen is working to lower costs and protect American consumers. Earlier this year, she sent a letter to the FTC expressing concern over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by corporations to target individuals with different prices for the same products through surveillance pricing. Senator Rosen was also part of a letter pressing the Trump Administration on how mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will hurt Nevada families. She has also introduced legislation to crack down on price gouging by corporate investors who are driving up housing prices. Last Congress, Senator Rosen successfully pushed the FTC to block the Kroger-Albertsons grocery store mega merger because it could reduce competition and raise grocery prices.
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a lower court’s decision to block President Trump from revoking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.
“Venezuelans still face dire and unimaginable conditions as a result of the Maduro regime’s brutality and oppression,” said Senator Rosen. “TPS has allowed law-abiding Venezuelans to escape political violence and economic collapse, and legally live in the United States and contribute to our economy. It’s outrageous that the Supreme Court is allowing Donald Trump to end this protection and send Venezuelans back into harm’s way.”
Senator Rosen has been clear in her support for securing the border and making sure the asylum process is humane and orderly. She has also been outspoken in opposing mass deportation, and strongly supporting DACA and TPS recipients and their families. Earlier this year, she condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to revoke a previously authorized TPS extension for Venezuelans and released a statement condemning President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to end birthright citizenship. Last month, Rosen helped introduce legislation to reaffirm access to legal counsel during immigration proceedings.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, introduced the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act. This bipartisan legislation would improve care for patients with diabetes by allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) – who often act as sole primary care providers for many patients with diabetes – to prescribe therapeutic shoes.
Diabetes can often lead to health complications, such as foot ulcers and calluses, and can even necessitate the amputation of toes, legs, and feet. In addition to managing the disease through physical activity, diet, and medication, diabetic patients often benefit from the use of therapeutic shoes, which are an important preventive measure to mitigate these complications.
“Therapeutic shoes are a proven method for preventing costly and painful complications related to diabetes, yet current Medicare regulations force patients to endure a time-consuming process to obtain them,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan legislation would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify their patients’ need for this important treatment method, saving patients time and allowing them to keep their current medical provider.”
“Ensuring patients with diabetes can access the full range of treatments in a timely manner is critical to helping them manage their diabetes and prevent medical emergencies,” said Senator Shaheen. “Therapeutic shoes can help put a stop to a number of complications caused by diabetes — so it’s only commonsense to clear the way for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe these life-changing shoes for their patients.”
“On behalf of more than 431,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) nationwide, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) thanks Senators Collins and Shaheen for their leadership on the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act,” said American Association of Nurse Practitioners President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP. “This legislation will authorize NPs to continue providing high-quality, cost-effective care for their Medicare patients with diabetes. By introducing this important legislation, Senators Collins and Shaheen have renewed their commitment to remove outdated barriers to care, improve patient access, and empower patients with diabetes to continue receiving care from their provider of choice.”
“Medical care for America’s aging population who live with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, should never be delayed by unnecessary restrictions. The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) extends our gratitude to Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen for their commitment to the health and well-being of those served by the Medicare program through the introduction of the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act. This bill would correct an undue barrier to care for Medicare beneficiaries by authorizing physician associates/assistants (PAs) to order diabetic shoes for their patients. With this change in the law, PAs will be able to provide timely care that means so much to the patient who needs it,” said American Academy of Physician Associates President and Board Chair Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA.
While NPs and PAs often act as sole primary care providers for patients with diabetes – particularly those in underserved and rural communities – current law requires that they send their diabetic patients on Medicare who need therapeutic shoes to a physician who will certify that they do in fact need these shoes. The physician is then required to become the provider managing the patient’s diabetic condition moving forward. Not only does the current law impose additional costs on the Medicare program by requiring the participation of an additional provider, it can also result in delays for patients in underserved and rural areas which could jeopardize their overall health. This bill would authorize NPs and PAs to certify a Medicare beneficiary’s need for therapeutic shoes, improving timeliness and access to care while reducing costs.
The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act is endorsed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Physician Associates.
The full text of this legislation can be read here.
LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alchera X (“AX”), a leading AI SaaS company specializing in visual and facial recognition technologies, is proud to highlight the success of its strategic partnership with Australia-based WatchTowers Network, a pioneer in emergency response technology. At the heart of this collaboration is FireScout, Alchera X’s cutting-edge AI system for real-time wildfire smoke detection—now a trusted tool in emergency operations centers across multiple continents.
What began three years ago as a promising integration effort to save property and lives in Australia, has matured into a fully operational, field-tested system that is transforming the way emergency services detect and respond to wildfires. Leveraging WatchTowers’ situational awareness platform, WatchTowers Command, FireScout has successfully been monitoring thousands of square miles 24/7, delivering automated wildfire detection alerts to first responders, that save precious minutes when every second counts.
“We built FireScout with one goal in mind: to give emergency responders critical time and insight to act before wildfires escalate,” saidMichael Plaksin, President & CEO of Alchera X.“Our partnership with WatchTowers proves that when advanced AI is combined with operational expertise, the result is smarter, faster, and more effective fire detection with 99.9% accuracy.”
Real-World Impact
Through rigorous real-world testing supported by the Minderoo Foundation, FireScout has been deployed in over 1,000 fire events, demonstrating exceptional accuracy in diverse conditions—including remote terrain, nighttime operations, and long-distance detection up to 37 miles (60 km) from a WatchTowers station. The system significantly reduces false positives by learning continuously from every confirmed or dismissed fire, increasing and improving the system’s accuracy over time.
As an example, FireScout detected smoke 10 minutes before emergency services were alerted via 911 in Sonoma County, California —offering emergency responders a critical window (or what’s known as “Golden Minutes”) to quickly react and help save property and lives.
Seamless Integration and Trusted Reliability
FireScout was meticulously integrated into the WatchTowers Command platform, allowing AI-generated alerts to trigger automated workflows—such as hazard flagging, camera zoom-ins, and inter-agency coordination—without manual intervention. The result is a streamlined response system that empowers teams to focus on action rather than surveillance.
As noted regarding WatchTowers’ recent press release:
“FireScout’s performance speaks for itself, but what truly sets Alchera X apart is their hands-on, solution-focused approach. From day one, they collaborated with us to help us overcome integration challenges and streamline the user experience for frontline teams. Their commitment to partnership—not just their premium wildfire detection product—has been instrumental in delivering real-world impact. We’re proud to work alongside them as a trusted technology partner.”
Global Reach, Expanding Impact
AX has already deployed its FireScout technology in the United States & Canada, Australia & the APACRegion, as well as parts of Europe, and are working with several partners to expand globally. FireScout was recently showcased at the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Conference in Reno over the past few years to global acclaim. Its versatility and reliability make it a cornerstone technology for agencies seeking to modernize their wildfire detection strategies.
FireScout leads the charge in real-time smoke detection, empowering emergency services with earlier, smarter alerts. Alchera X is an AI SaaS company based in Los Angeles, specializing in real-time visual and facial recognition solutions. One of its premier products, FireScout, leverages advanced machine learning to detect wildfires through live video analysis, helping emergency services act quickly and decisively. Alchera X is dedicated to safeguarding people, property, and ecosystems through innovation that makes a real-world difference protecting over 5 million square miles globally.
As climate volatility drives more frequent and intense fire seasons, Alchera X is committed to advancing the capabilities of FireScout—making it faster, more adaptable, and easier to deploy across new regions and networks around the world.
About WatchTowers WatchTowers Network builds real-time intelligence systems that help emergency agencies coordinate fast and effective responses. Its flagship platform, WatchTowers Command, brings together visual feeds, detection tools, and operational workflows into one seamless interface designed for high-stakes decision-making.
About AX Founded in 2016, AX is an artificial intelligence Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company that has developed award-winning proprietary technology in the areas of facial and visual artificial intelligence (AI) including facial recognition, wildfire detection, augmented reality, and more. AX develops and distributes innovative products that enhance safety and security across various industries worldwide.
AX’s FireScout product provides artificial intelligence to utilize visual recognition in real time on a 24/7/365 basis for wildfire detection. Our technology seamlessly integrates into existing camera/monitor systems. We offer the most informative, effective, and supportive user interface system in the market today. Our AI has been used on over 1,000 cameras throughout the Western United States and is considered to be the de facto standard in AI.
Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
For decades, most Americans thought of artificial intelligence (AI) as a make-believe character in science fiction movies. Now, the future has arrived. We are adjusting to a world full of AI.
Artificial intelligence is with us at the doctor’s office, helping detect cancer during our annual screenings. Companies use AI to support self-driving vehicles. On Facebook, users debate whether video clips are authentic or are eerily believable “deepfakes.” ChatGPT notoriously allows students to produce illicit term papers in seconds. On the battlefield, AI lets soldiers quickly analyze enemy activity. I could go on – to AI’s applications in finance, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.
The Risks and Rewards of AI
Those capabilities make people both excited and troubled. We call this intelligence “artificial” because scientists create it. They use math to teach computers how to solve problems and recognize patterns. Americans recognize that AI has nearly unlimited potential to benefit humanity. But the technology also raises difficult questions about privacy and job security.
Even the recently-elected pope understands these concerns. In his first address to the world, Pope Leo XIV said this rapidly developing technology raises, “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.” I believe the pope is right to recognize the high stakes. To use AI wisely, we need input from leaders in the church, government, academia, and the private sector.
In the U.S. Senate, my colleagues and I are working to balance the risks and rewards of AI. Earlier this year, we acted to protect Americans from some of the harmful uses of the technology. Congress passed and President Trump signed into law a bill called the Take It Down Act. A key part of that law sets punishments for those who use AI to create certain pornographic deepfakes.
Beat China in the AI Race
The Take It Down Act demonstrates the unfortunate fact that individuals can misuse AI to devastating effect. The same is true for our adversaries. For the past two decades, the Chinese Communist Party has been pouring trillions of dollars into its military, trying to challenge the United States in hard power. It has also been investing in cyber capabilities such as AI.
The United States is – and can remain – ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s technological ambitions. But we must act quickly to keep America’s edge. Simply put, if we do not win the AI race, China will – directly threatening our national security.
To Win, Unleash American Innovation
America is poised to succeed in AI because we have the world’s most dynamic talent, research, and business ecosystem. The government should do what it can to facilitate that marketplace. Any government regulations on AI must begin with a “light touch” so that innovators can experiment, prototype, and compete. In this way, we mirror the approach the government took with the internet, allowing that technology to grow and develop in the United States.
Unfortunately, President Biden took the opposite approach. In the final week of his term, officials set new rules that would have handicapped the supply chain for chips and semiconductors, which power AI. The rule would have gone into effect this month, weakening the American companies helping us win the technology race.
My Republican colleagues and I encouraged President Trump to block the heavy-handed rule, and he did so this month. The president replaced that Biden-era policy with a framework that makes the United States and our allies more competitive again.
On that positive note, it seems fitting to conclude with a summary written by ChatGPT: “America has always led the world in innovation. From the lightbulb to the moon landing to the internet, we have proven time and again that freedom fosters invention. AI should be no different.”
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today announced that McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. was selected as the site of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Safety.
“In 2020, Congress passed the PIPES Act, which improved pipeline safety and infrastructure. As part of the bill, I added language that created the first-ever National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety, but I didn’t stop there. I made sure in that bill that the newly created Center was required to be in Louisiana. Today, President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy announced that the Center will be headquartered at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, and I thank them,” said Kennedy.
“Producing and exporting LNG is one of the most powerful ways we can unleash American energy, and the Lake Charles region is a critical hub of LNG activity in the U.S. The sheer volume of product supplied by the state of Louisiana is unparalleled and growing, and there is no better place to locate our Center of Excellence,” said Duffy.
The Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020 required PHMSA to establish that the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety improve the federal government’s LNG facility expertise, act as an information repository on best practices for LNG facilities and facilitate collaboration among LNG stakeholders.
“The Center will advance LNG safety by promoting collaboration among government agencies, industry, academia, and other safety partners. Consolidating such remarkable levels of expertise will benefit the LNG sector for many generations to come,” said PHMSA Acting Administrator Ben Kochman.
“The PHMSA National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety at McNeese will be a game-changer for our region in terms of workforce development and groundbreaking research. We are excited to be on the forefront of helping ensure safety and sustainability in the energy sector and look forward to working with PHMSA to develop a world-class facility to house their staff,” said Wade Rousse, President, McNeese State University.
Kennedy has long fought for the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety and its presence in southwest Louisiana.
In 2020, Kennedy inserted a provision to the PIPES Act requiring that the Center be in Louisiana. The PIPES Act, including Kennedy’s addition, became law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
In May 2024, Kennedy questioned then-Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD Appropriations). In response to Kennedy’s questioning, Buttigieg confirmed that the Center would be located in Lake Charles, La.
During a May 2025 THUD Appropriations hearing, Kennedy questioned Secretary Duffy and confirmed that McNeese State University would be the site of the new Center. McNeese State University is the first undergraduate institution in the U.S. to offer a certificate program in LNG Business and is already the site of its own LNG Center of Excellence.
PHMSA and other federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, have worked together to ensure the Center is focused on its mission of making the U.S. the leader in LNG operations.
Additional information about the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety is available on PHMSA’s website.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
May 17, 2025
[CRYSTAL LAKE, IL] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted a town hall in Crystal Lake to hear directly from Veterans and other Illinoisans about how the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s draconian cuts to federal programs and indiscriminate firings of federal workers are impacting them. Duckworth, who serves on both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC), discussed her efforts at the federal level to help Veterans and shared information about local resources available to the community, including how her casework staff can assist Veterans and other constituents who are having issues receiving the benefits they’ve earned. Also joining Duckworth at today’s town hall was Army Veteran Major General James Mukoyama as well as representatives from McHenry County Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), Lake-McHenry County Habitat For Humanity, Illinois Joining Forces and local community leaders. Photos from today’s town hall can be found on the Senator’s website.
“Our government has an obligation to support our Veterans in a way that honors their service and sacrifice,” Duckworth said. “By firing thousands of Veterans, gutting the VA and jeopardizing Veterans care and benefits, Donald Trump is completely betraying that obligation. I appreciate all of the Veterans and local leaders who came out to share their stories at my town hall today, and I’m as committed as ever to pushing back against Trump’s efforts to privatize our VA and defending those who sacrificed to defend us.”
Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for Veterans, VA staff and Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) workers in the wake of the disastrous Trump-Musk layoffs at the VA. After the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate purge of Veterans and VA employees, including staff who help operate the VCL, Duckworth led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins on exactly who was impacted—requesting a list of public answers detailing the specific job categories that were impacted, how many of those fired were Veterans and more. After the first purge at VA laid off workers with the VCL—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments. Earlier this month, she criticized VA Secretary Doug Collins for erroneously firing workers with Veterans Crisis Line without cause in the first place and jeopardizing the lives of Veterans who depend on it.
This spring, Duckworth introduced a resolution to condemn the Trump-Musk layoffs and demand the immediate reinstatement of all Veteran federal employees illegally and indiscriminately fired since Trump took office. Ultimately, Republicans blocked the resolution. Pushing for this resolution came after Duckworth and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced their Protect Veteran Jobs Act in March, legislation that would reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in the Trump-Musk layoffs. Duckworth and Kim subsequently introduced their legislation as an amendment to Republicans’ slush fund continuing resolution. Republicans shamefully blocked it from passing.
In February, Duckworth also joined SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 34 Democratic Senators calling on VA Secretary Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated earlier that month who serve Veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees addressing Veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.
Additionally, Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services and their family members. In April, she introduced legislation that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Last year, she helped secure $2.9 billion to support family caregivers of disabled Veterans and $2.4 billion to expand benefits and services for military and Veteran caregivers to include health care and mental health services, among other things. Last month, she also renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans.
Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
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Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
May 19, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) helped U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY-06) introduce a bicameral and bipartisan resolution to mark May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The resolution recognizes the significant contributions that Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have made to this country.
“No matter what anyone says, AANHPI stories are the American story—from our struggles to our triumphs, our diversity has always made our nation stronger,” said Duckworth. “Every Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who came before us, uplift diverse stories and celebrate our community as we continue to forge that path toward a better tomorrow where the American Dream remains within reach for all.”
“I’m joining my Senate colleagues to introduce this resolution, recognizing the numerous contributions and achievements of the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities while also acknowledging the hardships they have faced. As a diverse nation, we are made stronger by celebrating the heritage and traditions of Asian Americans and uplifting their stories,” said Durbin. “Not just this month, but every day, it is also our responsibility to condemn and combat racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans.”
Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Hirono, this resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Full text of the resolution is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))
Washington, D.C. ─ Today, Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) reintroduced theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act.
Therapeutic Medical Physicists (TMPs) and Diagnostic Medical Physicists (DMPs) assist radiation oncologists in delivering high-quality cancer care and treatment for veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system. This bill lifts the arbitrary pay cap imposed on VA TMPs and DMPs that harm veterans’ access to care and exacerbate clinical staffing shortages at VA medical facilities.
Over the past fifteen years, TMP and DMP salaries have increased nationwide as radiation therapy has become more sophisticated and more common. However, VA TMPs and DMPs earn approximately $40,000 less than their private sector counterparts ― forcing the VA to overspend on contracted TMP/DMP services, which could be done more reliably in-house and at a much lower cost.
“Our veterans and wounded warriors deserve the highest quality cancer care available,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). Unfortunately, too many VA facilities lack the necessary staff needed to deliver for our veterans. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation corrects a long-standing gap that has prevented veterans from receiving the first-rate oncology treatment they have earned fighting for us on the battlefield.”
“When our veterans and wounded warriors return home, they deserve access to convenient and high-quality care, especially when it comes to receiving cancer treatment,” said Congressman Ciscomani (R-AZ). “However, far too often, VA facilities lack the necessary equipment and staff needed to properly care for our veterans. The brave men and women who serve in our military are America’s heroes, and I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure they are able to receive the oncology care they need at VA facilities.”
“Medical physicists form an integral part of a patient’s clinical care team, ensuring safe and precise diagnosis and treatment of disease, most often cancer,” said Dr. M. Mahesh, President of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. “If signed into law, this bill will ensure our veterans have access to the highest quality of radiology and radiation oncology care. We commend Representatives Cherfilus-McCormick and Ciscomani for their leadership on this important issue.”
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) have endorsed this legislation.
The full text of the legislation can be foundhere.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29. The counties are Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington.
“This season’s weather pattern has brought one destructive severe storm after another to Missouri, and the April 29 storms led to widespread damage in six counties – damage that is simply beyond their capabilities and those of the state to sustain without federal assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missourians are rallying to rebuild and support one another and will continue to do so as we now respond to the latest deadly and highly destructive storms that swept across the state on Friday, May 16.”
Governor Kehoe is requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance based on documented damage and emergency response costs that exceed $16.5 million in Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington counties alone. Those cost estimates were gathered during joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials and include damage to a public elementary school, a Missouri Department of Transportation facility, essential utility distribution lines, roads and other public infrastructure as well as debris removal.
If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
As of May 19, there have now been four major storms in the state of Missouri. The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe’s federal assistance requests:
March 14-15 Storms
Status:Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On April 2, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
March 30 – April 8 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 1, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state, resulting in six confirmed deaths.
April 29 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29.
May 16 Storms
Status:FEMA to participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments
Sent request for federal Emergency Declaration to authorize Direct Federal Assistance and up to $5 million in immediate funding to the state
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), and a group of Senate colleagues introduced a resolution demanding that Hamas release all remaining 58 hostages, and calling on the White House to take all possible steps to ensure their release. The resolution also celebrated the release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander.
“Hamas is pure evil,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They kill Jews, kidnap Americans, and use people as human shields. We must do everything in our power to bring the hostages home.”
“As part of its terrorist attacks on Israel, Hamas took innocent Americans and Israelis hostage. Since that day, we have grieved the lives of those murdered in captivity by Hamas, gladly welcomed home those who have been freed, and continued to demand the safe release of the remaining hostages,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan resolution that reaffirms the United States will not give up until all hostages are free.”
Cassidy and Young were joined by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the resolution. U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) and French Hill (R-AR-02) introduced the resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Hamas’s brutal, premeditated attack on Israel and its ongoing captivity of innocent civilians must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reflects our unwavering commitment to securing the freedom of all hostages, standing with their families, and honoring the victims of Hamas’s atrocities,” said Representative French Hill. “As Co-Chair of the Hostage Task Force, I am proud to co-lead this effort and stand alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a clear and united message: America will never relent in the pursuit of justice and accountability for those who harm our citizens.”
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) took a critical step toward unleashing American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports that were halted under the Biden administration. With this action, DOE has completed the final hurdles left over from the Biden administration’s pause on LNG export permits, paving the way for the Trump administration to fully unleash American LNG exports.
“Democrats led a full-out assault on American energy during the Biden administration. We’re still fixing their mess,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It’s great to finally have an administration on the side of Louisiana energy workers.”
Background
In January, Cassidy released a statement applauding President Trump’s executive order to lift the Biden administration’s harmful pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permitting. In March, Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in reiterating support for President Trump’s approach to American energy.
Last year, immediately following the Biden administration’s announcement that they would freeze pending applications for LNG export permits, Cassidy led 25 of his Republican colleagues in condemning the decision. Cassidy later delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor blasting the decision. In February 2024, Cassidy penned an op-ed with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Houston Chronicle underscoring the devastating economic, environmental, and national security impacts of the LNG export freeze.
Cassidy also introduced the LNG Security Act to reverse President Biden’s LNG export ban and require DOE to approve LNG exports to all countries that have imported, currently import, or are capable of importing Russian or Iranian natural gas. Additionally, he introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, which depoliticizes the export of American LNG. It eliminates the requirement for the DOE to authorize exports and instead gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process.
Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced that their bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act was signed into law.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and requires social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim.
“Passing the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law is a major victory for victims of online abuse – giving people legal protections and tools for when their intimate images, including deepfakes, are shared without their consent, and enabling law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This is also a landmark move towards establishing common-sense rules of the road around social media and AI. Thank you to the victims, advocates, and law enforcement officials who have banded together to work with Senator Cruz and me to pass this legislation. The support of the First Lady has been key to this effort, and I am glad the President is signing this historic bill into law.”
“The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material,” said Sen. Cruz. “This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online.”
The TAKE IT DOWN Act protects and empowers victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by:
Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish, or threaten to publish, NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication.
Protecting good-faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good-faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases.
Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section.
Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Both events include displays, timelines and chances to provide feedback
CARBONADO – Community members are invited to learn more about options for the future of State Route 165 and crossing the Carbon River at two in-person open houses in June.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will hold one event at Carbonado School from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 2, and one at Wilkeson Elementary School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. Both sessions will include information about the WSDOT planning study underway after a permanent bridge closure.
The planning study will develop data-driven recommendations to address long-term transportation needs for SR 165 across the Carbon River Valley.
WSDOT also will host an online open house on its Engage page beginning Wednesday, May 28. The information in the online open house will be the same as the in-person open house events. A link to the online open house will be shared in a subsequent news release and on the planning study website.
SR 165 Carbon River- Fairfax Bridge Planning Study in-person open houses
June 2 open house
When: 4 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 2 Where: Carbonado School, 301 O’Ferrell Drive, Carbonado WA 98323
June 11 open house
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 11 Where: Wilkeson Elementary School, 640 Railroad Avenue, Wilkeson, WA 98396
Details: There is no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the events. Project team members will be available to answer questions about the study and the options presented. The same information will be presented at both events, so participants can choose the one that best meets their schedules. Details also will be available on an online open house on the Engage page beginning Wednesday, May 28.
Background
WSDOT permanently closed the Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge on April 22. Recent inspections of the 103-year-old bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports across the bridge. Since 2009, the bridge operated under vehicle weight restrictions. The structural challenges the bridge faced were brought on by years of deferred preservation due to lack of funding.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight spoke on the Senate floor about how health care is at risk for millions, and challenged President Trump to join him and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in working to lower prescription drug prices through concrete, durable legislation, such as the recently-introduced, bipartisan Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act:
“The bottom line is that President Trump issued an executive order that I support—my hope is that he’s going to follow through, because we are going to need the leadership of the president of the United States, and the influence he has in Congress, to…make more progress on price negotiation. All for the goal of making lifesaving medications more accessible to folks on Medicare, folks on Medicaid, to folks who have private insurance, and also to bring down the cost for our employers,” said Senator Welch.
Watch more here:
■■■
Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:
Senate Committee on Finance
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution
Senate Committee on Rules & Administration
Learn more about his work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Win for Hardworking Americans
Middle Class Americans will benefit from substantial tax relief
Washington, May 19, 2025
WASHINGTON —The facts are in. Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill to deliver President Trump’s America First Agenda is a WIN for hardworking American families. From preventing the largest tax hike in U.S. history to eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, our One Big Beautiful Bill is transformative legislation that will provide tangible relief for American workers and unleash America’s economic revival.
One Big Beautiful Bill Provides Historic Tax Relief for Middle and Working Class Americans
Democrats claim this legislation is just a tax break for the wealthy. That is a lie. The One Big Beautiful Bill makes permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which gave the largest tax cut to low-income working families.
The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) found extending the Trump tax cuts will increase wages up to $11,600. The typical American family with two children will see their take-home pay INCREASE by up to $13,300 a year.
On top of making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, the One Big Beautiful Bill also eliminates taxes on tips and taxes on overtime. This will provide real relief for the over 80 million hourly workers and the four million Americans who work in tipped occupations.
According to the CEA, tipped workers on average will see a pay increase of $1,675, and overtime workers will receive a tax cut up to $1,750 a year.
Our One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Generational Investment in the American Economy
This legislation will be jet fuel for the American economy. According to the CEA, the One Big Beautiful Bill is projected to increase U.S. investment by up to 14.5% and GDP by up to 5.2% over four years.
This economic revival will secure over 4 million more full-time equivalent jobs to unlock opportunity for the American worker. In our most distressed communities, $100 billion in investment will supercharge workforce development.
Overall, American workers will enjoy higher wages, higher take-home pay, more investment, and increased economic opportunity. And House Democrats are going to vote against all of it.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representative Scott Peters’ (CA-50) Veterans Claims Education Act (VCEA), which provides educational resources to steer veterans to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredited entities instead of scammers. This will limit the ability of predatory companies to take advantage of and unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits. The House passed the legislation by voice vote.
The VCEA is inspired by a constituent who wrote to Rep. Peters seeking assistance after he hired a for-profit company to maximize his VA benefits, but ended up having to pay more money to the company than benefits he was receiving.
Speaking in support of his legislation, Rep. Peters said, “It is unconscionable that for-profit entities, known as ‘claims sharks,’ prey on the trust and goodwill of our veterans to line their own pockets. Republicans and Democrats may have sincere policy disagreements about how to provide world-class care to our nation’s veterans and their families, but I know we all agree that no one should be able to profit from the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Multiple veterans service organizations have endorsed the VCEA, including the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Specifically, the bill requires VA to:
Inform all veterans filing a claim that there are accredited entities that can assist them.
Provide the web address of an online search tool that lists accredited entities that can assist veterans with filing a claim.
Provide a publicly accessible web address where veterans can file a complaint to report entities that are unaccredited and target veterans by charging a fee for their services.
Background:
Upon separating from military service, veterans may file a disability claim with the VA on their own or by utilizing VA-backed resources, such as an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). An accredited representative or VSO must pass an exam, complete a background check, and take continuing education courses to ensure they provide up-to-date information to veterans. These accredited resources may file an initial claim with VA on the veteran’s behalf free of charge. Unfortunately, an ecosystem of non-accredited for-profit entities has emerged which preys upon veterans’ frustrations with VA’s claims process. These companies often provide “consulting” services to help veterans prepare and present relevant paperwork needed to file a claim with VA in exchange for lump sum payments, a percentage of the total dollar amount awarded for a successful claim, or some other payment mechanism. Such fees lead many veterans to receive far too little of the benefits to which their service entitles them. Current legislative proposals designed to curb the excess of these companies focus on more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL7
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 297 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 650 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Western and Northern Arkansas Southeast and Eastern Oklahoma Far Northeast Texas
* Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 650 PM until 200 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Several tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to 3.5 inches in diameter likely Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80 mph likely
SUMMARY…Multiple supercells and clusters will spread northeastward this evening and into the early overnight hours. Several tornadoes appear likely given a rather favorable environment for severe thunderstorms, and a couple of these should be strong to intense (EF2-3+). Some upscale growth is anticipated later this evening, with an increasing threat for numerous to widespread severe/damaging winds. Peak gusts may reach up to 70-80 mph. Large hail up to 2.5-3.5 inches in diameter also appears likely with embedded supercells.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 95 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles east southeast of Durant OK to 20 miles northeast of Harrison AR. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 292…WW 293…WW 294…WW 295…WW 296…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Gleason
SEL7
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 297 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 650 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Western and Northern Arkansas Southeast and Eastern Oklahoma Far Northeast Texas
* Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 650 PM until 200 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Several tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to 3.5 inches in diameter likely Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80 mph likely
SUMMARY…Multiple supercells and clusters will spread northeastward this evening and into the early overnight hours. Several tornadoes appear likely given a rather favorable environment for severe thunderstorms, and a couple of these should be strong to intense (EF2-3+). Some upscale growth is anticipated later this evening, with an increasing threat for numerous to widespread severe/damaging winds. Peak gusts may reach up to 70-80 mph. Large hail up to 2.5-3.5 inches in diameter also appears likely with embedded supercells.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 95 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles east southeast of Durant OK to 20 miles northeast of Harrison AR. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 292…WW 293…WW 294…WW 295…WW 296…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Gleason
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW7 WW 297 TORNADO AR OK TX 192350Z – 200700Z AXIS..95 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 50ESE DUA/DURANT OK/ – 20NE HRO/HARRISON AR/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 85NM E/W /71S MLC – 57SSE SGF/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 33669725 36469461 36469119 33669394
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU7.
Watch 297 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Mod (60%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
High (80%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Washington, D.C., United States– President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, D.C. is a significant and positive step in strengthening the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and the United States.
Speaking to SAnews ahead of the President’s arrival in the US capital, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, underscored the importance of the visit.
Monyela expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting on Wednesday will provide an opportunity to address and clarify issues, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two nations.
“We want to appreciate the fact that there is an opportunity for the two leaders to engage. The fact that President Ramaphosa is here in Washington, D.C. accompanied by four Ministers to meet with President Trump and his delegation is a positive step for this important and strategic relationship between the two countries.
“This is a mutually beneficial relationship, and we believe that this platform avails an opportunity to explain, clarify and contextualise some of the issues that have been in the public domain.
“We look forward to the meeting on Wednesday because this will help in enhancing this important relationship between us and the United States,” Monyela said on Monday.
Describing the US as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, Monyela emphasised that the two countries have been strategic partners for many years.
“This is an important meeting between two countries that have been strategic partners for many years in a mutually beneficial relationship.
“The US is our second biggest trading partner. We run the most diverse, powerful, number one economy on the African continent, currently holding the Presidency of the G20, so this is an important platform for the two countries to come together and talk about matters that will enhance the existing strong and cordial ties between the two countries to the benefit of the people of the two nations.
“Of course, there are issues that need to be explained and clarified but at the end, we are quite confident that this platform will help us get closer and keep moving forward as strategic partners, and enhance the mutually beneficial relationship,” he said.
Monyela highlighted the reciprocal nature of economic relations between the two nations, noting that South Africa is not only a trading partner but also an investor in the US economy.
“We also invest in the US economy. South African companies such as Nando’s are operating there. If you go to Louisiana, you will find many US nationals employed by South African companies,” he said.
“We come to this meeting not as a country that offers nothing to the table. This is why it is important to enhance the existing relations between the two countries because they are indeed mutually beneficial,” Monyela said.
President Ramaphosa will meet with his US counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with multiple water utilities and research partners revealed widespread cyanotoxin occurrence in Cascade Range rivers that provide municipal drinking water to over 1.5 million Oregonians.
Cyanotoxins produced by harmful algal blooms (HABs) threaten people, pets, recreation, and aquatic ecosystems. Exposure through drinking, swimming, and dialysis can cause illness, liver damage, neurological effects, and even death. HABs, whether they produce cyanotoxins or not, impact aquatic habitats and impair water quality by blocking sunlight, depleting oxygen, and may cause fish kills. Recreational advisories at popular waterbodies occur each summer, harming local economies, and HABs can sometimes make drinking water unusable.
Example of a a Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) sampler. Passive samplers like this one are left in the river to accumulate toxins over time for later analysis.
The 2016-20 study examined sources and downriver transport of four cyanotoxins—microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins, and saxitoxins —across reservoir-river systems in northwestern Oregon that supply 18 drinking water treatment plants. The study utilized direct sampling of cyanobacterial mats and materials collected with plankton net tows, and the deployment of Solid-Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers to assess toxin presence in reservoirs, rivers, and tributaries. Over 300 samples from 65 sites across seven river basins, including the Clackamas, North Santiam, McKenzie, and North Umpqua rivers, were assessed.
Key findings indicate that cyanotoxins were frequently detected in cyanobacteria from both reservoir and river environments, with over 90% of concentrated samples containing at least one toxin. The research identified both planktonic (drifting in the water) cyanobacteria in reservoirs and benthic (occurring in the riverbed) cyanobacteria in rivers as primary sources of these toxins, which can persist in the water column and be transported into drinking water supply intakes. “This study provides critical insights into the types of streams and specific locations supporting toxin producing cyanobacteria” said Kurt Carpenter, USGS lead scientist on the study. “The occurrence of multiple cyanotoxins in raw source waters for several drinking water supply plants highlights the need for continued monitoring to protect public health.”
Funding for the study was jointly provided by the Clackamas River Water Providers: the Cities of Estacada, Clackamas, Gladstone, Oak Lodge, Oregon City, Tigard and West Linn, the Sunrise Water Authority and South Fork Water Board, Clackamas County Water Environmental Services, City of Salem, Eugene Water & Electric Board, and the Congressionally Directed USGS Cooperative Matching Funds (Directed HABs) Program.
For more information, access the full study: Reservoir and Riverine Sources of Cyanotoxins in Oregon’s Cascade Range Rivers Tapped for Drinking Water Supply
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the appointment of Katherine Reilly as the agency’s Acting Inspector General. Ms. Reilly is currently serving as a Deputy Inspector General at the SEC. She replaces Deborah Jeffrey, who has served as the SEC’s Inspector General since 2023 and is retiring.
“Our Inspector General’s office champions transparency and seeks to root out redundancy and overlap to ensure our agency is running as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “Katherine possesses the experience and expertise to continue these oversight efforts. We also thank Deb for her leadership and dedication in this area during these past two years.”
Prior to her arrival at the SEC, Ms. Jeffrey served as inspector general at AmeriCorps for 11 years after working in the private practice of law for 25 years. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Law School, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.
Ms. Reilly joined the SEC’s Office of Inspector General in 2020 as Counsel to the Inspector General. She later served as Acting Inspector General in a rotating role prior to Ms. Jeffrey’s arrival and served as the Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations from December 2022 to March 2025.
Ms. Reilly began her career as an antitrust lawyer at the Federal Trade Commission before transitioning to private practice in the field of antitrust and commercial litigation. She joined the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) in 2005 and ascended to become Director of Legal Services before leaving in 2013 to join the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review, where she served in the roles of Chief Counsel for Employee and Labor Relations as well as Deputy Director. In June 2019, Ms. Reilly returned to the USPS-OIG as Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Mission Support.
Ms. Reilly is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate degrees. Ms. Reilly also has a Master of Laws degree from The University of Melbourne, Australia.
The SEC’s Office of Inspector General is an independent unit that promotes the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the SEC’s critical programs and operations through rigorous and objective oversight.
Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, inspectors general have a dual and independent reporting relationship to the Commission and Congress. Appointments are made without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.
Headline: Justice Department Establishes Civil Rights Fraud Initiative
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws. Violations of the False Claims Act can result in treble damages and significant penalties.
COLORADO SPRINGS/PUEBLO – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law in Colorado Spring and Pueblo to make Colorado safer by strengthening public safety, save Coloradans and businesses money on energy, expand access to the healthcare needed to thrive, support Colorado’s advanced industries, and more.
At the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Governor Polis signed HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Andrew Boesenecker, and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Dafna Michaelson Jenet.
“Today, we are taking important steps to make Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the nation. From now on anyone convicted of first degree motor vehicle theft ineligible to possess a firearm, keeping guns out of the wrong hands and protecting our communities. I am proud of our work to improve public safety in Colorado, and with this bill signed into law, I look forward to continuing our bold progress to protect Coloradans and our communities,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also signed the bipartisan HB25-1177 – Utility Economic Development Rate Tariff Adjustments, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Ty Winter and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Byron Pelton.
“In Colorado, utility rates remain below the national average, and this new bipartisan law will help reduce costs, saving Coloradans and businesses money on energy. This law will provide utilities and businesses the certainty needed to secure new investment, help lower electricity costs, and allow communities and businesses to plan for the future, all while advancing our climate goals, continuing embracing new money-saving clean energy, and protecting our clean air,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also signed SB25-008 – Adjust Necessary Document Program sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Cathy Kipp and Representative Meg Froelich.
Then, Governor Polis visited SkyView Middle School, one of Colorado’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award Winning schools. With today’s visit, Governor Polis has visited all four Colorado Blue Ribbon schools. Governor Polis previously visited Mesa View Elementary School in Grand Junction, DSST: Cedar Ridge High School in Denver, and Zach Elementary School in Fort Collins.
“Providing every Colorado student with a high-quality education at every level of K-12 education is important for students’ futures, our workforce, and economy. I was honored to visit SkyView Middle School to celebrate its well-deserved national recognition as a blue ribbon school, and learn about how successful strategies at SkyView can help other schools across Colorado,” said Governor Polis.
Later this afternoon, Governor Polis will sign the bipartisan HB25-1184 – Community-Based Continuing Care for Seniors, sponsored by Representatives Amy Paschal and Anthony Hartsook and Senators Dylan Roberts and John Carson.
“In a Colorado For All, every Coloradan, no matter your age or ability, should have access to the care you need when you need it. Thanks to this law, Coloradans awaiting admission to supportive living facilities will not need to wait before receiving necessary care. By expanding access to the care seniors need, we are ensuring that Colorado is the best state for anyone to live out their golden years,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis will also sign the bipartisan HB25-1157 – Reauthorize Advanced Industries Tax Credit, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and William Lindstedt, and Senators Marc Snyder and Mark Baisley.
“Colorado is a state of innovators, leading the way in the cutting-edge emerging technologies of the future. Advanced industries support hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, find solutions in every sector from transportation to health care and agriculture, and are leading the way. These tax credits will ensure that our advanced industries continue to drive our innovation and economy,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis will also sign the following bipartisan bills:
HB25-1270 – Patients’ Right to Try Individualized Treatments, sponsored by Representatives Rose Pugliese and Lindsay Gilchrist and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Lindsey Daugherty
SB25-116 – Spousal Maintenance Guidelines sponsored by Senators Marc Snyder and Lisa Frizell and Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws. Violations of the False Claims Act can result in treble damages and significant penalties.
“Institutions that take federal money only to allow anti-Semitism and promote divisive DEI policies are putting their access to federal funds at risk,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate these violations of civil rights – inaction is not an option.”
“America has watched a tidal wave of anti-Semitism sweep our universities and seen public institutions codify inherently divisive policies like DEI at an unprecedented rate,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In advancing the initiative, the Department of Justice’s Civil Fraud Section and Civil Rights Division will work in concert – alongside other Department components and government agencies – to identify and root out instances in which recipients of federal funds fail to uphold their basic obligations under federal civil rights laws. The days of using federal funds to further discrimination are over.”
The Department strongly encourages anyone with knowledge of discrimination by federal funding recipients to consider filing a qui tam action under the False Claims Act. See 31 U.S.C. § 3730. When a qui tam action is successful, the whistleblower typically receives a portion of the monetary recovery. The Department also encourages the public to report instances of such discrimination to the appropriate federal authorities. Please visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/report-fraud for more information.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
ICYMI: Murray, Kaptur call for reversal of arbitrary cap on DOE-funded research—a policy already blocked in federal court for university grants
Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright expressing deep concern about the Department’s recently announced caps on indirect costs for DOE research for a variety of recipients. The new caps, which follow the Department’s previously announced arbitrary cap on indirect costs for research at universities, will jeopardize critical research and innovation—and Murray and Kaptur call for the immediate reversal of the policy.
“We write in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to impose sweeping new caps on indirect cost rates across a wide spectrum of its funding recipients—including state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit partners,” write Murray and Kaptur. “Capping indirect cost rates far below their current values compounds the detrimental policy you have already announced cutting funding for university-led research, and these proposed cuts put energy innovation and economic development in communities across the country at serious risk.”
The lawmakers note the policy will disproportionately hurt smaller research institutions: “Ultimately, this policy threatens to prevent smaller, under-resourced organizations from getting the support they need to conduct cutting-edge research, which will stifle innovation in regions that need investment the most.”
“If left to stand, the consequences of these cuts will be severe: multi-sector collaboration will be chilled, community-led innovation efforts across the US will be disrupted, and thousands of jobs supporting energy and infrastructure will be at risk. This abrupt policy change will undercut the very institutions—state and local governments, non-profits, and research organizations—that drive energy innovation, workforce development, and clean energy solutions in local communities,” Murray and Kaptur write.
They conclude by calling for an immediate reversal of the policies and demanding answers on how the Department determined the caps, whether it consulted with stakeholders, and whether it considered the economic consequences.
The full letter is available HERE and below:
The Honorable Christopher Wright Secretary of Energy U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20585
Dear Secretary Wright,
We write in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to impose sweeping new caps on indirect cost rates across a wide spectrum of its funding recipients—including state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit partners. While direct costs support salaries, supplies, and equipment, indirect costs provide essential support for general operations and infrastructure. Capping indirect cost rates far below their current values compounds the detrimental policy you have already announced cutting funding for university-led research, and these proposed cuts put energy innovation and economic development in communities across the country at serious risk. Like so many actions your Department has already taken, these new cuts will also raise energy costs for American families and businesses.
By imposing an arbitrary, inflexible cap of 10 or 15% on indirect costs—regardless of organizational type, mission, or financial structure—the Department is undermining the ability of its grantees and partners to deliver on DOE’s core priorities. Ultimately, this policy threatens to prevent smaller, under-resourced organizations from getting the support they need to conduct cutting-edge research, which will stifle innovation in regions that need investment the most. These indirect cost caps disregard the essential infrastructure required to administer safe, scalable, and high-impact projects.
Local governments and non-profits, already stretched thin, now face arbitrary limitations that will squash efforts to fortify electricity grids to be robust to storms and other disruptions, initiatives to ensure all community members can access affordable and reliable energy, and emerging technology deployment at the local level.
If left to stand, the consequences of these cuts will be severe: multi-sector collaboration will be chilled, community-led innovation efforts across the US will be disrupted, and thousands of jobs supporting energy and infrastructure will be at risk. This abrupt policy change will undercut the very institutions—state and local governments, non-profits, and research organizations—that drive energy innovation, workforce development, and clean energy solutions in local communities. America’s energy future must be built on strong partnerships—not policies that penalize those on the front lines of progress.
These abrupt changes have been announced without the transparency you have promised, without public engagement, and without any meaningful justification. Worse, they appear to ignore the diverse cost structures and compliance burdens that entities must absorb to responsibly manage federal funds. These are not “wasteful” administrative expenses—they are essential costs of conducting federally sponsored research that benefits the American people.
We reiterate our call to immediately reverse these harmful caps, urge you to engage stakeholders and experts in crafting any future reforms, and request written responses to the following questions by no later than May 30:
What will happen to existing (conditional and nonconditional) awards if they do not meet the new terms and conditions in this policy?
What data and models did DOE use to conclude that a uniform 10 or 15% cap would be sufficient and sustainable across such varied institutional types (e.g., local governments, non-profits, for-profits)? Will DOE release this analysis publicly?
How does DOE justify this cap given that many organizations and governments currently operate with indirect cost rates significantly higher than the new proposed cap?
How does DOE reconcile these cost caps with existing negotiated indirect cost rates under OMB Circulars and 2 CFR 200, particularly where they exceed the new ceilings?
What outreach or consultation—if any—did DOE undertake with non-profit, municipal, or private-sector stakeholders prior to issuing these policy changes?
What specific exemptions, waivers, or appeal mechanisms will DOE make available for awards where capped indirect costs would result in program delays, layoffs, or funding shortfalls?
Has DOE assessed the potential regional economic and workforce consequences of capping indirect costs on state, local, and non-profit implementation partners? If so, will DOE release that analysis publicly?
We look forward to your responses and attention to this critical issue.
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
Hickenlooper: “Rev. Peters carried that same commitment when he came to Denver and to Colorado. That same commitment to justice… Along the way, he had a significant impact on many of Colorado’s leaders. I was one of them.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in memory of longtime civil rights leader Reverend Dr. James D. Peters, Jr.
“He knew that they were – that we are – strongest when we’re united, marching hand in hand. Walking next to Rev. Peters, it was impossible not to feel buoyed up by the enduring hope he carried with him pretty much at all times,” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor.
Reverend Peters was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in the Denver metropolitan area for 28 years and previously chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. He passed away on Saturday, May 10th.
Hickenlooper continued: “As Rev. Peters’ friend and mentor Dr. King famously said that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ Like many around the country today, I’ve felt that, in recent years, that arc has not bent as far as we had hoped. But, if Rev. Peters’ taught us one thing, it is that neither today or tomorrow is the day to bow our heads.”
Hickenlooper with Rev. Peters outside of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery.
To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:
“I come to the floor today to honor the incredible life of Rev. Dr. James D. Peters, seated here.
“Rev. Dr. James D. Peters, I should say, who passed away last week at the age of 92. And what a life he lived.
“James was truly one of the greatest men I’ve ever known.
“Rev. Peters’ story started not far from these walls here in Washington, D.C.
“He grew up in Washington during a time of deep segregation and became an early leader in the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s and into the 1970s.
“In 1957, he helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“He worked with Dr. King for many years to help shape the course of American history.
“He marched unbowed in the March on Washington in 1963 and numerous other marches. Notably, Selma across the Edmund Pettus bridge in 1965.
“Rev. Peters carried that same commitment when he came to Denver and to Colorado. That same commitment to justice.
“For more than 28 years, he preached Dr. King’s gospel of freedom and unity as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, the largest Black church in Denver.
“He also served many years on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to make Colorado a better place for all our residents.
“Along the way, he had a significant impact on many of Colorado’s leaders. I was one of them.
“In 2003, I was the newly elected Mayor of Denver. Not quite inaugurated yet when on July 5th, Paul Childs was shot and killed in his own front hall by an inexperienced Denver police officer.
“Paul was only fifteen years old. But he was beloved by his community and his death shook the entire city.
“Following that awful tragedy, Rev. Peters, alongside my predecessor, Wellington Webb, who’s one of the great mayors of the 20th century, they helped organize their community and mentored me on the appropriate ways to address this tragedy in such a way that it could be constructive. That somehow the community could be made more stronger and more resilient.
“Reverend Peters knew that the community had to change and use this tragedy to make a better future for the entire community.
“He was one of those leaders who helped us create Denver’s first Citizen Oversight Board to oversee the Denver Police and Sheriff Departments, and make sure any allegation of police misconduct could be investigated. And to make sure all neighborhoods would have an active voice in how their neighborhoods were policed.
“He also helped us start the Office of the Independent Monitor, with subpoena power again to make sure that allegations of police misconduct could be fully investigated.
“Over the past twenty years, the Citizen Board and the Independent Monitor has worked to improve the policies of Denver’s police departments and improve the relationship and the trust between the community and law enforcement.
“Many, many years later, about eight years ago, I was fortunate enough to join Rev. Peters, along with Rev. Dr. Patrick Demmer and a small group, in Montgomery to visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice – our country’s first national memorial to victims of lynching and racial terrorism in the United States.
“And it’s hard to describe the feeling of that memorial. The power is so immense. The weight of our country’s nagging, persistent shame remains so heavy.
“Walking through the memorial with Rev. Peters, he spoke about his life growing up in Washington D.C. during segregation and his fierce belief in nonviolence and nonviolent movements.
“He reflected on how their nonviolent tactics led more and more people to join them. He knew that they were – that we are – strongest when we’re united, marching hand in hand.
“Walking next to Rev. Peters, it was impossible not to feel buoyed up by the enduring hope he carried with him pretty much at all times.
“I think so many of those lessons from Rev. Dr. Peters still ring true today.
“As Rev. Peters’ friend and mentor Dr. King famously said that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
“Like many around the country today, I’ve felt that, in recent years, that arc has not bent as far as we had hoped.
“But, if Rev. Peters’ taught us one thing, it is that neither today or tomorrow is the day to bow our heads.
“We can’t give up our work and our dreams that Dr. Peters fought for.”
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the SNAP Next Step Act. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined the bill as the leading Democrat co-sponsor. The bill would authorize the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds for employment and training activities under the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill was modeled after asuccessful State of Nebraska program initiated when Ricketts was Governor.
“SNAP Next Step worked in Nebraska and will help workers across America on the path to a stable financial situation,” said Senator Ricketts. “When I was governor, this program helped workers find better employment. It helped increase monthly income. And it reduced or eliminated their need for government assistance. I am eager to work with my colleagues to make this proven Nebraska solution a reality for workers across America.”
The text of the bill is available here.
BACKGROUND:
The SNAP Next Step Act assists SNAP beneficiaries in pursuing better job and career opportunities through services like job search coaching, interview preparation, and resume writing. This legislation adds no new costs to taxpayers. It would allow already available SNAP administrative funds to be utilized in enrolling SNAP recipients in Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programs. The bill also urges states to develop benefits calculators that show participants the real-world impacts of increased wages on eligibility for all government assistance programs.
In 2016, then-Governor Ricketts’ administration implemented SNAP Next Step. Since then, SNAP Next Step has helped hundreds of Nebraska families find new employment and more predictable hours, allowing them to spend more time together as a family. They’ve also increased their monthly income by more than $2,100. About 60% of these families no longer rely on state food assistance and the other 40% have reduced their need for SNAP benefits.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov
c: 202.913.0126
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:
“With a single shameful Supreme Court ruling, more than 350,000 Venezuelans who were promised and granted refuge from the brutal dictatorship they fled will find themselves in the grips of that regime again. Make no mistake: this is a humanitarian betrayal of unprecedented proportions.
“Weaponizing the suffering of the most vulnerable people on the planet just to appear tough on immigration to his base is a new level of despicable behavior from this president. To add insult to injury, while Trump shuffles Black and Brown people back to their countries, kidnaps legal residents, and condemns others to the most notorious prisons in the world, he chooses to offer asylum to South African Apartheid sympathizers.
“Trump’s cruel and xenophobic agenda has been built on misinformation, scapegoating, and labeling all those looking for a better life as criminals. Today, the judicial branch has given him a pass to continue politicizing the struggles of migrants and furthering his unconstitutional immigration policies, and that is truly disgraceful.”