. Pillen, Sen. DeKay and NDA Director Vinton Celebrate Passage of Nebraska Law Addressing Fake Meat
O’NEILL, NE –Today, Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Senator Barry DeKay and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton at Shamrock Locker in O’Neill to ceremonially sign LB246. The new law bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of lab-grown or cultivated meat in Nebraska. Passage of the measure during the most recent legislative session builds on the Governor’s executive order from last year which prohibits agencies from purchasing lab-grown meat and requires state contractors to certify they will not discriminate against natural-meat producers in favor of lab or cultivated meat producers.
“Nebraska feeds the world and saves the planet. I know first-hand that the food products we sell overseas are in high demand, largely because of the care with which we raise our crops and our animals,” said Gov. Pillen.
“The idea of a meat substitute makes no sense and only serves to undercut the livelihood of our producers. If someone wants meat from a bioreactor, they can buy it through Amazon. They won’t find it on our store shelves.”
Nebraska is a leading beef producing state, consistently ranking high in cattle slaughter and exports. In 2024, the state processed 6.8 million head of cattle, more than any other state. It also leads the nation in beef and veal exports, sending over $2 billion of high-quality products to international markets.
While securing the state’s livestock industry is essential, the new law is also meant to protect consumers. Long term health effects of eating fake meat are currently unknown, as noted by NDA Dir. Vinton.
“Lab-grown meat has been marketed as an ethical and environmental alternative to the traditional beef industry, but the truth is, we do not know the true health impacts of the fake meat and the growth agents used to cultivate it, nor the long-term environmental benefits,” said Dir. Vinton. “Lab-grown meat is an experiment with the intent of replacing not only traditional meat, but traditional agriculture.”
Sen. DeKay said he was pleased to introduce LB246 on the Governor’s behalf.
“He and I were in agreement that the prospect of synthetic meat entering the marketplace is a bridge too far,” noted Sen. DeKay. Cultured meat advocates have made no secret that their ultimate goal is to socially engineer our diets and end animal husbandry. I am thankful to the Governor for not going quietly into that future.”
A delegation of 10 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Brazil from 21 to 23 July and will visit Brasília and São Paulo.
The mission will focus on advancing dialogue on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and strengthening trade relations between the European Union and Brazil.
During the visit, Members of the European Parliament will engage with Brazilian ministers, and officials as well as representatives from industry, civil society and think tanks to discuss the political, economic and environmental dimensions of the agreement.
The delegation is lead by LANGE Bernd, Chair of the INTA, S&D (Germany) and also includes:
SOUSA SILVA Hélder, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil, EPP (Portugal)
REGNER Evelyn, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur, S&D (Austria)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)
Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense funding bill:
“At a time when the United States should be showing strength and moral leadership on the global stage, this bill does the exact opposite. It abandons our allies, hands Putin a strategic win, and jeopardizes our military readiness with divisive policies and culture wars.
“Women and LGBTQ+ servicemembers make the same sacrifices all of our servicemembers make to defend our freedom, they all deserve our full respect. But Donald Trump has proven time and again that he does not support our troops – from calling them suckers and losers, to the devastating cuts he has made at the VA. This bill is yet another example of Trump’s horrific leadership as the Commander in Chief. This unserious funding bill is an attack on women and LGBTQ+ servicemembers, and serves as another example of Trump and his congressional leadership prioritizing culture wars instead of funding the support our troops need and deserve.
“Despite including two of my amendments that would benefit Colorado, I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that otherwise undermines our values, weakens our global standing, and fails to support the servicemembers who put their lives on the line for this country.”
Specifically, Republicans’ FY 26 Department of Defense spending bill:
Weakens Ukraine and empowers Russia by eliminating support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Undermines democracy at home and abroad by allowing disinformation and extremist views to flourish.
Limits women’s access to abortion by preventing service personnel from traveling to seek reproductive health care.
Harms our military readiness with divisive provisions that undermine morale and fail to support our service personnel, by:
Continuing DOGE and the Administration’s cuts to vital civilian positions;
Attacking the LGBTQ+ community with hateful policies; and
Banning funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Two of Rep. Pettersen’s amendments were included in the FY 2026 Defense bill:
Pettersen’s amendment advances cutting-edge aerospace research and strengthens national security through lunar technology.
Pettersen’s other amendment supports using quantum computing to predict and prevent threats to our electrical grid, bolstering national security and grid resilience.
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To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the nomination of Jim Murphy and Scott Mayer to be Board members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union, issued the following statement:
Trump’s anti-worker agenda and disrespect for the rule of law continue to be on full display. President Trump is seeking to replace National Labor Relations Board Member Gwynne A. Wilcox, an experienced Black woman who is well steeped in labor law, with two anti-worker men, who have elevated corporate interests above workers’ rights for decades. It’s way past time to return Gwynne A. Wilcox to her rightful position at the NLRB, to implore Congress members to confirm only fully qualified individuals committed to the NLRB’s mission and to actually represent the interests of American workers and their families, to urge the Supreme Court to respect and preserve the Constitution and full separation of powers of the three branches of government, and to call out the President for his anti-worker and unlawful actions.
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About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Representatives Lois Frankel, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Program, Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Grace Meng, Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus International Women’s Rights Task Force, issued a statement on their introduction of legislation to ensure U.S. taxpayer-purchased foreign aid commodities reach their intended beneficiaries rather than go to waste or be destroyed.
According to recent reports, the Trump administration plans to destroy more than $9 million worth of family planning supplies and incinerate 500 metric tons of emergency food assistance that expired after officials refused for months to authorize delivery. The food alone could have fed approximately 1.5 million children for a week, or 27,000 people for an entire month. The contraceptives, depending on the method mix, represent millions of doses and other essentials—enough to support the reproductive health needs of hundreds of thousands of women and families. These commodities—meant for some of the world’s most vulnerable people—were purchased with taxpayer dollars but left to rot or burn.
“The Trump administration is incinerating critical U.S.-purchased commodities—like contraceptives and emergency food—denying women health care, keeping meals from starving families, and literally sending millions of taxpayer dollars up in smoke,” said the Members. “This cruel and senseless destruction is a textbook example of the very waste, fraud, and abuse the administration claims to oppose.
Our legislation prohibits the destruction of food and medical supplies purchased with taxpayer funds unless every effort has been made to ensure those supplies can be used as intended. That’s common sense—and the humane thing to do—for American taxpayers and for vulnerable communities around the world.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Ranking Member Brian Schatz introduced the bill in the Senate last week.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) joined her Democratic Women’s Caucus colleagues, including Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA), in urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Government Accountability Office, and the Warden of Richwood Correctional Center to conduct an immediate investigation into the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s mistreatment of women in their custody. The Members raised serious concerns about ICE and CBP’s disturbing patterns of abuse, mistreatment, and medical neglect of women, including pregnant and postpartum women. Reports detail cases of women being violently detained, denied medical care, and subjected to inhumane treatment while in detention.
Specifically, the Members highlighted the troubling cases of Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus and Cary López Alvarado. Monterroso-Lemus, a pregnant detainee, suffered a stillbirth after ICE repeatedly denied her requests for medical care. Doctors later concluded her baby’s death was a result of the lack of prenatal care, which she had repeatedly sought.
López Alvarado, a U.S. citizen who was nine months pregnant at the time, was violently shoved by an ICE agent after identifying herself as pregnant while trying to protect her husband. She was hospitalized with sharp pains after her release and received no documentation about the incident.
“Disregard for women’s health and safety is not just a one-time instance, the abuse and neglect are part of a larger, systemic failure to treat women with dignity, compassion, and basic medical care,” the members explained in the letter.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus is demanding transparency, accountability, and immediate action from the administration. The Members are calling for a full investigation into Monterroso-Lemus’ pregnancy loss and broader patterns of mistreatment of women in ICE and CBP custody, particularly pregnant and postpartum individuals.
“Over and over again, women are being mistreated by ICE, CBP, and contractors from detainment to detention. These horrifying stories are the result of systemic neglect, cruelty, and policy failures that we must confront head-on. We demand answers, accountability, and action. Your administration cannot claim to ‘protect women’ when your agents are on video ripping babies out of women’s arms and pushing them to the ground aggressively.”
The letter was also signed by Representatives Alma Adams, Yassamin Ansari, Suzanne Bonamici, Shontel Brown, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Diana DeGette, Maxine Dexter, Sarah Elfreth, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Sylvia Garcia, Pramila Jayapal, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernández, Doris Matsui, April McClain Delaney, Betty McCollum, Gwen Moore, Kelly Morrison, Eleanor Norton, Ilhan Omar, Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Delia Ramirez, Luz Rivas, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Norma Torres, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.
The full letter can be found here and below:
The Honorable Kristi Noem Secretary Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20528-0525
The Honorable Gene Dodaro U.S. Comptroller General Government Accountability Office 441 G St., NW Washington, DC 20548
The Honorable Joseph V. Cuffari Inspector General Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Lane SW Washington, DC 20528-0305
Ms. Lisa Bowen Warden Richwood Correctional Center 180 Pine Bayou Circle Monroe, LA 71202
Dear Secretary Noem, Inspector General Cuffari, Comptroller General Dodaro, and Mr. Deville:
As members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, we write with grave and urgent concern about the treatment of women in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Too many disturbing stories have emerged from women’s interactions with ICE agents over the last few months–even elected officials have encountered aggressive, unprovoked, and unacceptable treatment. In addition to this aggression, we are deeply concerned about women’s access to health care, especially maternal health care, in ICE detention. The reported assaults, medical neglect, and overall mistreatment of women by ICE agents and contractors demands immediate and thorough oversight and accountability, and this abuse must stop immediately. We request an immediate and in-depth investigation into the violations against women while in ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody.
These accounts of abuse are horrifying but not new. In September 2020, during Trump’s first term, a complaint was filed at the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) regarding the unethical treatment of detainees at ICDC – medical neglect and a concerningly high rate of women undergoing gynecological procedures without proper informed consent. It was also reported that ICDC staff downplayed the health concerns from detainees. These reports were confirmed in an investigation in 2022. It is beyond our comprehension that women were unknowingly sterilized without their consent while in government custody. Although the facility was shut down, this was not an isolated case; rather, this is a consistent pattern perpetrated by this administration.
We also know that this is an intentional action by the administration and not an unintended consequence to mass detention. In May, CBP quietly repealed protections for pregnant and postpartum women in custody, removing requirements for appropriate medical care, lactation accommodations, and basic supplies like diapers and baby formula. Your disregard for women’s health and safety is not just a one time instance, the abuse and neglect are part of a larger, systemic failure to treat women with dignity, compassion, and basic medical care.
In May 2025, Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, a pregnant woman, was arrested in Lenoir City, Tennessee and taken into ICE custody. Throughout her detainment, Monterroso-Lemus repeatedly requested medical care but was denied. Monterroso-Lemus reported experiencing pain and no fetal movement for three days, yet she was ignored. She told reporters on a phone call, “They didn’t give me medical attention — nowhere. Not in Louisiana, not in Alabama. I was in Alabama too, sleeping on the floor.” After multiple transfers and too many pleas, she was finally admitted to a hospital on April 29th, where she delivered a stillborn baby. The doctors noted that her loss was a result of not receiving prenatal care – the care she asked for repeatedly.
In the same facility that Monterroso-Lemus was overlooked and neglected during her pregnancy pains, multiple reports surfaced that highlighted Richwood’s horrific conditions. In 2020, the National Immigrant Justice Center alongside several other organizations released a report that found numerous reports of delayed care and medical neglect at the Richwood Correctional Center. For example, the medical staff interviewed admitted that treatment for a broken arm could take a week. In 2023, the Office of Inspector General conducted an investigation and found that the detention center violated and compromised the health, safety, and rights of detainees. Richwood Correctional Center was found not to have a reliable system for detainees to file grievances and denied detainees the right to file medical grievances. How can women like Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus seek justice and reconciliation if the facility refuses to permit a system of accountability?
In addition to the treatment of women in detention, we are deeply worried about the aggression ICE agents have shown when arresting people, particularly women. Earlier this month Cary López Alvarado, a nine-months pregnant U.S. citizen was detained by agents in Harthorne while trying to protect her undocumented husband and co-worker on private property. Agents accused her of obstructing an arrest, despite her repeatedly stating she was pregnant and unable to resist. During the confrontation, she was shoved by an officer, falling to the ground. Following her release from ICE detention, López Alvarado was hospitalized for sharp pains and monitored due to concerns of her and her baby’s well being, as her due date was only a week away. She was told agents would contact her regarding the obstruction allegations, but received no documentation or citation related to the incident.
Over and over again, women are being mistreated by ICE, CBP, and contractors from detainment to detention. These horrifying stories are the result of systemic neglect, cruelty, and policy failures that we must confront head-on. We demand answers, accountability, and action. Your administration cannot claim to ‘protect women’ when your agents are on video ripping babies out of women’s arms and pushing them to the ground aggressively. We request a response to the following questions within 60 days of receipt:
What concrete and immediate steps will this administration take to protect the rights, health, and lives of women in detention?
How will you ensure transparency, accountability, and oversight across bodies responsible for their care?
How will you uphold women and their babies’ basic human dignity and ensure their health needs are met without delay or discrimination?
We demand a full, transparent investigation into the pregnancy loss of Iris Dayana MonterrosoLemus’s and the broader mistreatment of pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and CBP custody. We request a report that outlines the incident, accountability, and corrective actions.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus will not stay silent while women, many of them mothers, many of them fleeing violence and hardship, are mistreated and neglected in government custody. Again, we request a prompt and thorough investigation into the treatment of women within ICE and CBP custody.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) joined Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) in announcing the introduction of the No Secret Police Act, legislation that would prohibit law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from concealing their identities during immigration enforcement operations.
The bill would require DHS agents, including those working for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to clearly display their name, agency, and official insignia when detaining or arresting individuals. It would also ban the use of homemade or non-tactical masks that obscure an officer’s face.
“Trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is the foundation of public safety. When federal agents conceal their identities behind masks and anonymity, it fractures that trust and calls into question the very legitimacy of their authority,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “These tactics have no place in a democracy. No one should live in fear of being taken from their home or community by individuals who refuse to identify themselves, nor should anyone ever have to question who is detaining them, or whether those individuals are acting under lawful authority. This bill is not just about transparency – it’s about making clear that no agent of the federal government operates above the law or beyond public accountability.”
“As a former federal prosecutor for ten years, I have worked alongside ICE and DHS agents to get violent criminals off our streets – and none of them ever wore masks,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “Across the country, plain-clothed federal agents in homemade face coverings are lying in wait outside immigration courts to snatch law-abiding, non-violent immigrants going through our legal system the right way. This isn’t about protecting law enforcement, it’s about terrorizing immigrant communities. The United States is not a dictatorship, and I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation ensuring that our federal government’s laws are enforced by identifiable human beings, not anonymous, secret agents of the state.”
“If you uphold the peace of a democratic society, you should not be anonymous. DHS and ICE agents wearing masks and hiding identification echoes the tactics of secret police authoritarian regimes – and deviates from the practices of local law enforcement, which contributes to confusion in communities. Many immigrants come to America seeking opportunities, hope, and freedom to escape draconian practices, and under no circumstance should they, or anyone, fear being disappeared by masked and armed individuals in unmarked vehicles. If you are upholding the law, you should not be anonymous. Our bill aims to safeguard from tyranny while upholding the values of our nation,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The No Secret Police Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals. Specifically, the bill would:
Prohibit DHS officers from wearing face coverings or any item that conceals their face during detentions or arrests
Require officers to identify the specific component of DHS they work for (e.g., ICE, CBP)
Mandate that official insignia or uniforms be clearly visible to others
The bill also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and in coordination with relevant departmental components, to conduct research and development to enhance the visibility of law enforcement officers’ official insignia or uniforms. This includes developing technologies that ensure these identifiers remain clearly visible during detentions or arrests, particularly under varying conditions such as different locations, times of day, and weather circumstances.
Authored by Rep. Dan Goldman, the No Secret Police Act is also co-sponsored by Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), John Garamendi (D-CA), Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), J. Luis Correa (D-CA), Dave Min (D-CA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Luz M. Rivas (D-CA), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), George Latimer (D-NY), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Donald S. Beyer (D-VA), Hillary J. Scholten (D-MI), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), John B. Larson (D-CT), Marc A. Veasey (D-TX), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), and Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA).
ATLANTA (July 18, 2025)—On Tuesday, July 22, Sen. Josh McLaurin (D–Sandy Springs) will host a press conference on journalist Mario Guevara’s continued United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.
Guevara, who has lawfully resided in the U.S. for over 20 years, was placed in ICE custody on June 18, where he remains, despite being in the country legally since April 2004. Guevara has developed a large following in Atlanta and national recognition for his reporting on immigration issues.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: July 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
This event is open to the public.
Speakers include:
Giovanni Diaz, managing partner of Diaz & Gaeta and Mario Guevara’s lawyer
Katherine and Oscar Guevara, Mario Guevara’s children
Katherine Jacobsen, Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator
Nora Benavidez, Free Press’ senior counsel and Georgia First Amendment Foundation board member
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Zach Pishock at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
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Sen. Josh McLaurin represents the 14th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-4228 or by email at josh.mclaurin@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine, announce the arrest of Yonaidry Lascano Rosario, 24, in Bethel, ME. Rosario, a known member of the Trinitarios Gang, was wanted for 2 counts of Assault to Murder (Armed), Accessory After the Fact, Assault and Battery with Dangerous Weapon, Assault with Dangerous Weapon, and Firearm Carry without License. All warrants were issued out of the State of Massachusetts.
The USMS led, Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF), received a collateral lead from the USMS District of Massachusetts in April of 2025. For months, Maine Investigators conducted surveillance, interviews, and developed leads which finally resulted in a credible location for Rosario.
Thursday night, federal task force members surrounded a residence in Bethel, Maine and ordered Rosario to surrender. Rosario was identified and apprehended without incident. As a result of the arrest, a search warrant was also executed, resulting in firearm(s) and a quantity of drugs being seized by Investigators. Rosario was charged as a Fugitive from Justice, pending his extradition back to Massachusetts.
It is alleged that “Trinitarios” undertake efforts to dominate communities by intimidating rival gangs while trying to establish control over certain neighborhoods. As seen in previous charging documents throughout the country, “Trinitarios” tend to utilize violence, including murder, in furtherance of the organization’s goals and purposes.
The U.S. Marshal’s MVOTF received significant assistance from the FBI Maine Safe Streets Task Force, Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, Rumford Police Department, Norway Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.
The District of Maine’s, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal, Josh Taylor said, “This is simply the direct result of multi-agency collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who are dedicated and sharply focused on apprehending dangerous persons in Maine communities in order to safeguard our residents.”
The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive, please contact the United States Marshals Service, District of Maine at med.tipline@usdoj.gov.
A delegation of 10 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Brazil from 21 to 23 July and will visit Brasília and São Paulo.
The mission will focus on advancing dialogue on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and strengthening trade relations between the European Union and Brazil.
During the visit, Members of the European Parliament will engage with Brazilian ministers, and officials as well as representatives from industry, civil society and think tanks to discuss the political, economic and environmental dimensions of the agreement.
The delegation is lead by LANGE Bernd, Chair of the INTA, S&D (Germany) and also includes:
SOUSA SILVA Hélder, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil, EPP (Portugal)
REGNER Evelyn, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur, S&D (Austria)
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, wrote a letter to the owner of the Boston Red Sox and the CEO of the Red Sox’s concessioner, Aramark, calling on them to respect the dedication and sacrifice of Fenway Park workers by negotiating with them in good faith for living wages and protections from automation.
“Attending a Red Sox game would not be the memorable experience that it is—and the Red Sox would not draw such crowds—if it were not for your workers. Unfortunately, it is my understanding that you have not been negotiating in good faith on their very reasonable demands for living wages and basic job protections from automation. In my view, that is not acceptable,” Sanders wrote. “I write to urge you to immediately bargain in good faith with UNITE HERE Local 26 and reach a fair union contract with the 1,000 workers employed by Aramark at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall.”
This week, Sanders met with Fenway Park workers, some of whom had worked in the ballpark for decades. They shared with him how they are taking home less and less as their managers try to replace human workers with machines that reduce gratuities and diminish the experience for both fans and workers. In June, Fenway Park workers voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike if Aramark does not bargain with workers in good faith.
“I recently spoke with a number of your workers and what they told me was heartbreaking. All of them told me how much they love working at Fenway Park and how much they have enjoyed the meaningful and lasting relationships that they have developed with your loyal-season ticket holders and fans for years, if not decades. But all of the workers I talked to were sick and tired of being underpaid, underappreciated and overworked,” Sanders continued. “Moreover, many of your workers told me that, as a result of Fenway’s aggressive move to self-service concession machines, jobs have been lost and tips have been cut in half. These machines are not only harming your workers, they are undermining the experience of attending a game at historic Fenway Park.”
Sanders noted the economic success of both the sports franchise and the concessioner, which are valued in the billions of dollars and which make hundreds of millions of dollars in profits every year. While many of the workers at Fenway struggle to pay the rent and put food on the table, Mr. Henry, the owner of the Red Sox, has seen his wealth more than double over the past five years from $2.6 billion to $5.5 billion. Since Mr. Henry acquired the Red Sox in 2002 for $380 million, the value of this team has gone up by more than $4.3 billion. Aramark made $262 million in profits last year and is worth over $11 billion.
To Red Sox owner John Henry, Sanders wrote: “The Boston Red Sox are not a poor baseball team. They are not going broke… If you can afford to sign a $120 million three-year contract for your injured third baseman, you can afford to treat all of your hard-working and dedicated workers at Fenway Park with the dignity and the respect they deserve.”
To Aramark CEO John Zillmer, Sanders wrote: “If Aramark can afford to pay you $18.7 million in compensation and provide nearly $100 million in dividends for your wealthy shareholders, it can afford to pay all of your workers a living wage and not threaten to take away their jobs and their income with faceless Mashgin touchscreen computers.”
“Your workers have made years and sometimes decades worth of sacrifices to continue working at Fenway and serving Red Sox fans because they love their jobs and their community. It is not a radical idea to pay your workers a living wage and to treat all of them with respect, not contempt,” Sanders concluded. “[D]o the right thing. Treat all of your workers with the respect and the dignity they deserve. Sit down at the negotiating table with your union workers. Bargain in good faith. Sign a union contract that is fair and that is just.”
Read the letter here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon Announces Priorities Included in Defense Appropriations Bill
Secures over $2.3B for Nebraska Defense Research and Air Force Investments
Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced the successful inclusion of over $2.3 billion in critical Nebraska priorities in the Defense Appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority.
“Nebraska has long been recognized as an engine of innovation in the agriculture, medical, financial services, construction, transportation, and technology sectors. Additionally, over the last several years, Nebraska has earned a reputation as one of America’s leading centers of defense and national security research,” said Rep. Bacon. “With today’s House vote we’re a step further in cementing Nebraska’s growing leadership in national security.”
Rep. Bacon’s Nebraska priorities incorporated in the Defense Appropriations bill passed today include:
$1.8 billion for development of the new E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft to be based at Offutt AFB
$474 million for 2 additional EA-37B Compass Call aircraft for the 55th Wing
$26 million to equip the new Nuclear Command, Control and Communications REACH facility in Bellevue
$5 million for the Air Force Infectious Disease Aerial Transport training program at UNMC Omaha
$4.5 million for the University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute in Omaha
$5 million to upgrade RC-135 aircraft based at Offutt AFB
$4.8 million for commercial weather data to improve forecasting for the 557th Weather Wing
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congresswoman Elvira Salazar (FL-27) introduced a new and improved version of the DIGNITY Act – the DIGNITY Act of 2025: a bold, historic, and commonsense immigration reform bill.
They were joined by a group of 20 members including Reps. Veronica Escobar (TX-16),Mike Lawler (NY-17), David Valadao (CA-22), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Young Kim (CA-40), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Susie Lee (NV-03), Adam Gray (CA-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mike Levin (CA-49), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).
“This bill fortifies border protections, ends all catch and release and solves illegal immigration once and for all. It also provides smart reforms to our asylum and broken immigration system, and provides the American workforce with stability,” said Rep. Bacon. “Those who entered America illegally in the past but otherwise working and a being good neighbor will pay a fine and not be eligible for citizenship. This allows them to continue working and contribute to our economy and workforce.”
“The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.”
“I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Immigrants – especially those who have been in the United States for decades – make up a critical component of our communities and also of the American workforce and economy. The vast majority of immigrants are hard-working, law-abiding residents; and, most Americans recognize that it is in our country’s best interest to find bipartisan reforms. We can enact legislation that incorporates both humanity and security, and the Dignity Act of 2025 offers a balanced approach that restores dignity to people who have tried to navigate a broken system for far too long. The reintroduction of this legislation includes changes that reflect the challenges in today’s political environment. I’m proud of my bipartisan work with Representative Salazar, who has been a strong partner on this issue since December 2022. It is our hope that Congress seizes the opportunity to take an important step forward on this issue.”
The Dignity Act delivers a long-overdue solution: it secures the border, restores law and order, revitalizes the American Workforce, and allows certain long-term undocumented immigrants to earn legal status, without amnesty or a path to citizenship. The bill restores order while offering a tough but fair opportunity for those who have contributed to the country.
Unlike past efforts, the DIGNITY Act is fully funded through restitution payments and application fees made by immigrants, requiring NO taxpayer dollars.
“In conversations across NY-17, I’ve heard a lot of frustration, both from employers struggling to fill jobs and families looking to reunite with their loved ones,” said Congressman Lawler. “We must do this by fixing our broken legal immigration system, securing our borders, and creating a fair, earned process for those who are already here and contributing. The Dignity Act honors America’s legacy of being a nation of immigrants and that’s why I’m proud to support it.”
“It’s past time for Congress to move reasonable immigration reform that restores law and order, ends illegal immigration, and provides a solution to undocumented immigrants—who meet certain requirements—the chance to live and work here legally,” said Congressman Valadao. “Immigration reform has long been one of my top priorities, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to secure our border, fix our immigration system, and strengthen our economy.”
“As the grandson of Mexican immigrants and a former cop and soldier, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of a secure border and a fair immigration system,” said Congressman Evans. “I’m proud to help introduce Congresswoman Salazar’s bipartisan DIGNITY Act, which prioritizes border security while delivering a practical solution for immigrants who want to work hard, follow our laws, and be productive members of society. Our legislation accomplishes what Latino business owners and community members have been asking for: give immigrants positively contributing to our community an opportunity to pursue the American Dream.”
Key provisions of the Dignity Act include:
Border Security: Fully funds modern border infrastructure and enforcement.
Mandatory E-Verify: Prevents illegal hiring and protects American jobs.
Asylum Reform: Ends catch-and-release, and ensures timely and credible outcomes.
Dreamer Protections: Grants legal status and a path to permanent residency.
The Dignity Program: A 7-year earned legal status program allowing undocumented immigrants to live and work legally, with renewable status based on good conduct and restitution.
Workforce Development: Expands training, apprenticeships, and education for American workers.
Legal Immigration Reform: Updates visa categories to align with 21st-century economic needs.
With growing bipartisan support and endorsements from immigration groups, faith leaders, businesses, the agricultural sector, educators, and community leaders, the Dignity Act presents the strongest and most viable opportunity in years to achieve meaningful, lasting immigration reform.
The legislation acknowledges a key truth: most undocumented individuals are not seeking citizenship at all costs, but rather the dignity of living and working legally, contributing to society, paying taxes, being safe from deportation, and traveling to see family during the holidays.
At the same time, the Dignity Act makes clear that this will be the final fix, because real border security and enforcement must be in place to prevent future crises.
WHY NOW?
The immigration crisis is no longer confined to border towns. From the recent riots in Los Angeles to overwhelmed communities across the country, the consequences of a broken system are unfolding in plain sight. Millions live in the shadows, our economy suffers from labor shortages, and the border remains a flashpoint of national concern.
For too long, Congress has failed to act, leaving communities, law enforcement, and immigrants caught in a system that doesn’t work.
The Dignity Act delivers a real solution: secure the border and provide undocumented immigrants who meet strict conditions with an earned opportunity to live and work legally, with dignity and accountability.
It balances compassion with law and order.
This is a defining moment to act. The American people want security, dignity, and a system that works. The Dignity Act makes that possible.
BACKGROUND:
For generations, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence, seeking opportunity, and building a better life. But our broken immigration system has left too many in the shadows and too many Americans without answers.
The Dignity Act reaffirms that while we are a nation of laws, we are also a nation of second chances. By restoring order and creating a clear, enforceable process, this legislation renews the American legacy of hope and opportunity.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Turman Forest Products, Inc., based in Bedford County, Virginia, a $300,000 grant. The funding supports upgrades to a mill debarker. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:
“Wood innovations grants help local timber businesses meet demands for sustainably sourcing wood to make products.
“This USDA grant for $300,000 helps Turman Forest Products provide quality wood products and support rural manufacturing jobs.”
BACKGROUND
According to its website, Turman Forest Products specializes in the manufacturing of green Appalachian hardwood lumber.
The Wood Innovations Grant program invests in proposals that expand traditional wood utilization projects, promote using wood as a construction material in commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings, and expand wood energy markets.
H.R. 2027 would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate 30 percent of its employees from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., to regional offices throughout the United States and reduce its headquarters office space by 30 percent. Those changes would be contingent upon the agency determining that they would reduce costs to the federal government.
Estimated Federal Cost
The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 2027 is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 370 (commerce and housing credit).
Table 1.
Estimated Changes in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 2027
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2025-2030
Salaries and Benefits
Estimated Authorization
*
-4
-10
-8
-2
-2
-26
Estimated Outlays
*
-3
-9
-9
-3
-2
-26
Overhead Expenses
Estimated Authorization
0
5
6
-5
-5
-5
-4
Estimated Outlays
0
4
6
-3
-5
-5
-3
Total Changes
Estimated Authorization
*
1
-4
-13
-7
-7
-30
Estimated Outlays
*
1
-3
-12
-8
-7
-29
Basis of Estimate
CBO assumes that H.R. 2027 will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2025, that the SBA would not begin to relocate employees until 2026, and that the Congress would reduce annual appropriations by the estimated amounts each year. Outlays were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates.
Spending Subject to Appropriation
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2027 would decrease spending subject to appropriation by $29 million over the 2025-2030 period. The Congress appropriated $974million for the SBA’s administrative expenses in fiscal year 2025.
Salaries and Benefits. H.R. 2027 would require the SBA to relocate 30 percent of its employees currently assigned to work at the headquarters in Washington, D.C., to regional offices throughout the United States within one year and to adjust their compensation for the new location. Additionally, employees would no longer be allowed to telework unless they qualify for an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
There are currently about 900 full-time employees assigned to work at the SBA headquarters; under the bill, about 270 employees would need to be relocated. CBO assumes that half of those employees would relocate in 2026, and half would choose to leave the agency. CBO expects that it would take about two years for the SBA to hire new employees at regional offices to replace those that leave the agency. The lag in hiring new employees accounts for about 50 percent of the estimated reduction in costs for salaries and benefits.
Salaries and benefits for federal employees vary by location. Based on information from the SBA, CBO expects that the average salaries and benefits of those employees in 2026 would decrease from about $208,000 to $201,000. Employees that relocate would be eligible to receive amounts to cover their household’s transportation expenses, temporary housing and assistance with selling and purchasing a home.
Using information from the Department of Agriculture, which relocated two subagencies in 2019, CBO estimates that average relocation expenses would be about $70,000 per employee. Additionally, some employees that leave the SBA would be eligible for severance averaging about $55,000 per employee. After accounting for anticipated inflation, attrition, and the time required to hire new employees, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2027 would reduce the costs of SBA’s salaries and benefits by $26 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any reduction in spending would be subject to future appropriations being reduced by the estimated amounts.
H.R. 2027 also would require the SBA to report within six months on the number of employees at its headquarters who would be eligible to be relocated and a plan for implementing those changes. CBO estimates that the report would cost less than $500,000.
Overhead Expenses. H.R. 2027 also would require the agency to reduce office space at its headquarters location by 30 percent within two years. Using information from the SBA, CBO estimates that overhead expenses (including rent, security, and telecommunications services) for the affected employees at the SBA headquarters totaled about $6 million in 2025 compared to costs of about $1.5 million at regional offices for the same number of employees.
Finally, the SBA would require assistance from the General Services Administration (GSA) to locate and set up additional office space in regional offices. Using information from GSA, CBO estimates that the new working and meeting space, furniture, and workstation purchases, and installation of information technology and audiovisual equipment would cost $10 million. CBO expects those costs would be incurred in 2026 and 2027.
After accounting for inflation, attrition, and the time required for hiring, and acquiring space and under the assumption that the SBA would reduce its office space in Washington, D.C., CBO estimates that implementing the bill would reduce overhead costs for the SBA by $3million over the 2025-2030 period. Any reduction in spending would be subject to future appropriations being reduced by the estimated amounts.
Uncertainty
CBO’s estimate of H.R. 2027 is subject to uncertainty because determining how many employees would relocate and the costs associated with their relocation is uncertain. For example, if the SBA paid severance to those that choose to leave the agency, decided not to hire new employees to offset expected attrition, or paid higher or lower relocation expenses, the actual costs could be higher or lower than those estimated.
Additionally, if employees chose to retire and collect retirement benefits earlier than they would under current law, spending on retirement benefits, which are recorded in the budget as direct spending, would change.
Pay-As-You-Go Considerations
Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 2027 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.
Mandates
The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Previous CBO Estimate
On June 27, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 298, the Returning SBA to Main Street Act, as reported by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on March 4, 2025. The two bills are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.
Federal Costs: Aurora Swanson
Mandates: Rachel Austin
Estimate Reviewed By
Justin Humphrey Chief, Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit
Kathleen FitzGerald Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit
H. Samuel Papenfuss Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
H.R. 2027 would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate 30 percent of its employees from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., to regional offices throughout the United States and reduce its headquarters office space by 30 percent. Those changes would be contingent upon the agency determining that they would reduce costs to the federal government.
Estimated Federal Cost
The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 2027 is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 370 (commerce and housing credit).
Table 1.
Estimated Changes in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 2027
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2025-2030
Salaries and Benefits
Estimated Authorization
*
-4
-10
-8
-2
-2
-26
Estimated Outlays
*
-3
-9
-9
-3
-2
-26
Overhead Expenses
Estimated Authorization
0
5
6
-5
-5
-5
-4
Estimated Outlays
0
4
6
-3
-5
-5
-3
Total Changes
Estimated Authorization
*
1
-4
-13
-7
-7
-30
Estimated Outlays
*
1
-3
-12
-8
-7
-29
Basis of Estimate
CBO assumes that H.R. 2027 will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2025, that the SBA would not begin to relocate employees until 2026, and that the Congress would reduce annual appropriations by the estimated amounts each year. Outlays were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates.
Spending Subject to Appropriation
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2027 would decrease spending subject to appropriation by $29 million over the 2025-2030 period. The Congress appropriated $974million for the SBA’s administrative expenses in fiscal year 2025.
Salaries and Benefits. H.R. 2027 would require the SBA to relocate 30 percent of its employees currently assigned to work at the headquarters in Washington, D.C., to regional offices throughout the United States within one year and to adjust their compensation for the new location. Additionally, employees would no longer be allowed to telework unless they qualify for an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
There are currently about 900 full-time employees assigned to work at the SBA headquarters; under the bill, about 270 employees would need to be relocated. CBO assumes that half of those employees would relocate in 2026, and half would choose to leave the agency. CBO expects that it would take about two years for the SBA to hire new employees at regional offices to replace those that leave the agency. The lag in hiring new employees accounts for about 50 percent of the estimated reduction in costs for salaries and benefits.
Salaries and benefits for federal employees vary by location. Based on information from the SBA, CBO expects that the average salaries and benefits of those employees in 2026 would decrease from about $208,000 to $201,000. Employees that relocate would be eligible to receive amounts to cover their household’s transportation expenses, temporary housing and assistance with selling and purchasing a home.
Using information from the Department of Agriculture, which relocated two subagencies in 2019, CBO estimates that average relocation expenses would be about $70,000 per employee. Additionally, some employees that leave the SBA would be eligible for severance averaging about $55,000 per employee. After accounting for anticipated inflation, attrition, and the time required to hire new employees, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2027 would reduce the costs of SBA’s salaries and benefits by $26 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any reduction in spending would be subject to future appropriations being reduced by the estimated amounts.
H.R. 2027 also would require the SBA to report within six months on the number of employees at its headquarters who would be eligible to be relocated and a plan for implementing those changes. CBO estimates that the report would cost less than $500,000.
Overhead Expenses. H.R. 2027 also would require the agency to reduce office space at its headquarters location by 30 percent within two years. Using information from the SBA, CBO estimates that overhead expenses (including rent, security, and telecommunications services) for the affected employees at the SBA headquarters totaled about $6 million in 2025 compared to costs of about $1.5 million at regional offices for the same number of employees.
Finally, the SBA would require assistance from the General Services Administration (GSA) to locate and set up additional office space in regional offices. Using information from GSA, CBO estimates that the new working and meeting space, furniture, and workstation purchases, and installation of information technology and audiovisual equipment would cost $10 million. CBO expects those costs would be incurred in 2026 and 2027.
After accounting for inflation, attrition, and the time required for hiring, and acquiring space and under the assumption that the SBA would reduce its office space in Washington, D.C., CBO estimates that implementing the bill would reduce overhead costs for the SBA by $3million over the 2025-2030 period. Any reduction in spending would be subject to future appropriations being reduced by the estimated amounts.
Uncertainty
CBO’s estimate of H.R. 2027 is subject to uncertainty because determining how many employees would relocate and the costs associated with their relocation is uncertain. For example, if the SBA paid severance to those that choose to leave the agency, decided not to hire new employees to offset expected attrition, or paid higher or lower relocation expenses, the actual costs could be higher or lower than those estimated.
Additionally, if employees chose to retire and collect retirement benefits earlier than they would under current law, spending on retirement benefits, which are recorded in the budget as direct spending, would change.
Pay-As-You-Go Considerations
Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 2027 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.
Mandates
The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Previous CBO Estimate
On June 27, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 298, the Returning SBA to Main Street Act, as reported by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on March 4, 2025. The two bills are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.
Federal Costs: Aurora Swanson
Mandates: Rachel Austin
Estimate Reviewed By
Justin Humphrey Chief, Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit
Kathleen FitzGerald Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit
H. Samuel Papenfuss Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
Airmen and F-325A Lightning II aircraft from the 325th Fighter Wing led RED FLAG-Alaska 25-3, a large-scale joint combat training exercise at Eielson AFB. The deployment marked the wing’s first major overseas exercise since Hurricane Michael in 2018 and test their ability to operate in unfamiliar, high-threat environments.
LONDON — On July 14, 2025, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commissioner Kristin Johnson convened the third annual international financial markets regulation roundtable in London. The agenda and engagement focused on rapidly evolving technologies — with emphasis on the increasing integration of artificial intelligence, the proliferation of cyber threats, and the rapid adoption of digital assets across global financial markets.[1] During the Emergent Technologies Roundtable, Commissioner Johnson explained “AI holds significant promise for making financial services more inclusive, efficient, and accessible. But its deployment must be underpinned by robust governance, ethical design, and global regulatory collaboration. For global regulatory leadership … the challenge is to balance innovation with stability, openness with security and privacy protections, and the benefits of automation with the value of human oversight.” Reflecting on the need for effective governance, Commissioner Johnson explained that “governance — at the firm level and the system level — matters more than ever. Fintechs must invest in model risk management, ethical design, and responsible data practices. Supervisory approaches must evolve to keep pace with the changes occurring in the markets subject to our supervision.” The Roundtable also explored issues of operational resilience in the face of mounting cyber attacks launched by sophisticated actors operating from dark corners in many jurisdictions around the world with the potential to severely disrupt local and global financial markets. “Cyber resilience is a critical gateway issue for protecting market integrity, and an area where we need to be ‘all hands on deck’ on both sides of the pond. Cyber resilience is only as strong as its weakest link. It is important to stay vigilant and collaborate closely on best practices and lessons learned,” Commissioner Johnson said. According to Commissioner Johnson, “convening regulators offers an exceptional opportunity for colleagues to share learning and understanding on emerging and persistent issues that directly impact market integrity, stability, and security. It has been my pleasure to coordinate an annual conversation among regulators each year of my service as a Commissioner.” Roundtable attendees included representatives of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Bank of England, the Financial Conduct Authority, Banco de España (the central bank of Spain), the European Securities and Markets Authority, Deutsche Bundesbank (the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany), the Comisión National del Mercado de Valores (the Spanish Securities Market Commission),the City of London, the Financial Action Task Force, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, and the London School of Economics Law School, among others. The attendees discussed a number of issues, including regulatory responses to cyber threats and operational resilience for systemically important financial institutions and market participants; risk management concerns and effective oversight of non-financial institution third party service providers; the impact of increasing reliance on AI; and strategies to enhance integrity, stability, and accountability in global financial markets. “I extend my gratitude to the roundtable attendees,” Commissioner Johnson continued. “Hopefully, the insightful dialogue inspires harmonization, coordination, and collaboration across financial banking and market regulation.”
Starting on Friday night, July 25, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have lane and ramp closures lasting through the weekend at the I-295/Route 37 interchange in Cranston. During this time, RIDOT will complete construction on a new flyover ramp that will carry drivers from Route 37 East to I-295 North.
The closures begin at 8 p.m. Friday and remain in place through 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. Motorists should plan additional time for travel. The affected lanes and ramps include:
I-295 North & South: The high-speed lane will be closed for both northbound and southbound drivers, reducing the number of travel lanes on I-295 from two to one.
Route 37 East to I-295 North: The ramp will be closed. Drivers should remain on Route 37 East and use the Route 2 interchange to reverse direction onto Route 37 West, then use the I-295 North ramp.
The new ramp was built as part of RIDOT’s Cranston Canyon project, and will take traffic over I-295 North so drivers will enter the highway on the right-hand side instead of the left-hand side. This more conventional design will improve safety and reduce crashes.
When the new flyover bridge opens, RIDOT also will open a new service road alongside I-295 North at the ramps for Route 37. This will provide more room for traffic entering and exiting the highway in a separate lane from I-295 through traffic.
The new flyover bridge is being constructed as part of a larger $85 million project to make numerous improvements, rebuild six bridges and build one new bridge along the Route 37 corridor west of Pontiac Avenue in Cranston. It includes a number of improvements to improve safety and reduce congestion at the interchange of Route 37 and I-295 and along I-295 itself in the section commonly known as the “Cranston Canyon” because of the rocky walls along the highway. Last year RIDOT completed work on a third travel lane from Route 37 all the way to Route 6 to reduce chronic backups often occurring during rush hour.
It is the second of three Route 37-focused projects, representing more than $300 million of improvements to address all bridges and safety concerns along the entire highway. Route 37 is a critical east-west freeway in central Rhode Island, linking the cities of Cranston and Warwick, major retail, office and residential areas, Interstate highways and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. With a daily traffic count of 42,000 vehicles, Route 37 is one of the state’s busiest corridors.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.
The construction of the new flyover bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas nurse practitioner pleaded guilty today to conspiring to fraudulently bill Medicare for amniotic wound allografts for patients that were medically unreasonable and unnecessary in exchange for illegal health care kickbacks.
Mary Huntly, 67, was charged with one-count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks. United States District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2025.
According to court documents and admissions made in court by Huntly, she applied medically unnecessary allografts to Medicare beneficiaries that were procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes. Huntly admitted that, from September 2022 through April 2024, her wound care company fraudulently billed Medicare approximately $14,333,550, and Medicare paid approximately $9,105,563 based on those false claims.
“The defendant applied medically unnecessary allografts for patients and received millions in illegal kickbacks from the fraudulent Medicare claims,” said United States Attorney Chattah for the District of Nevada. “We are committed to working with our partners at the FBI, HHS-OIG, and DCIS to pursue and hold criminal actors accountable for preying on vulnerable citizens and stealing from health care programs.”
“Medicare and Medicaid, crucial components of our nation’s health care system, are funded by a limited pool of resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Amir Ehsaei for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Mary Huntly admitted to exploiting the system and taking advantage of America’s most vulnerable populations. She was a trusted healthcare provider, focusing on wound care, and her abuse is significant. The FBI and our federal partners will continue to bring rapacious healthcare professionals like Huntly to justice.”
“Health care professionals who aim to enrich themselves by performing medically unnecessary procedures undermine the integrity of Federal health care programs and expose their patients to potential harm,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit health care fraud.”
At sentencing, Huntly faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Amir Ehsaei for the FBI Las Vegas Division; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; and Acting Special Agent in Charge John E. Helsing for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and DCIS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorneys Monica Cooper of the Texas Strike Force and Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man today admitted his role in a health care fraud and kickback scheme that caused more than $4.8 million in losses to Medicare, United States Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Charles P. Kasbee, Jr., 48, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From February 2019 to September 2019, Kasbee and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to submit claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary cancer genetic screening (CGX) tests that were procured through a web of bribes and kickbacks. Kasbee utilized the services of marketing call centers, which employed deceptive telemarketing techniques to obtain Medicare beneficiaries’ personal and medical information. Then, Kasbee and others arranged for CGX testing kits to be sent to the identified beneficiaries. Once the CGX test kits were completed by the beneficiaries, the kits were shipped to a testing laboratory, which submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare. Kasbee received kickback payments exceeding $1,200 for each CGX test resulting in Medicare reimbursement.
To conceal the scheme, Kasbee entered into contracts with his co-conspirators that falsely labeled kickback and bribe payments as “expenses.” Then, Kasbee and his co-conspirators created false invoices that disguised the true reasons for the kickback and bribe payments. Instead, Kasbee received payments based solely on the number of CGX tests that Medicare reimbursed, in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
As a result of the health care fraud and kickback scheme, Kasbee and his co-conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $4.8 million.
Conspiracy to commit health care fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett J. Schuman of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit.
###
Defense counsel: Joshua S. Lowther, Esq., Atlanta, GA
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)
Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) was joined by Congressmen Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and Don Davis (NC-01) in introducing a House Resolution to congratulate the Airmen of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings for successfully completing Operation Midnight Hammer.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Operation Midnight Hammer was executed with unparalleled coordination, precision, and competence to decapitate Iran’s nuclear program,”said Congressman Alford.“The men and women of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings out of Whiteman Air Force Base showed their exemplary dedication and skill. They deserve the recognition of the American people’s elected representatives. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this Resolution to honor their service and success.”
“The B-2s’ historic precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities highlighted the unparalleled capability of the United States military, as well as the exceptional bravery of the bomber and fighter pilots, crew members, and maintenance teams who flawlessly executed the mission,”said Congressman Davis.“These individuals are our heroes who have effectively worked to protect America and our allies in response to increasing threats from the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies.”
“During my 20 years of military service, including multiple campaigns in the Middle East, I served side by side with the finest troops in the world. No matter what the mission is, American servicemembers always rise to the challenge, and Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran is no exception. There is no other military in the world that could have executed a precision strike on nuclear sites with such excellence, and the men and women who made it happen deserve full recognition for their efforts,”said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Read the full text of the resolutionhere.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Rep. John Carter (TX-31), Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06).
Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District, which Congressman Alford represents, includes Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, the Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing, and the Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing. Congressman Alford is also the Co-chair of the Congressional Long Range Strike Caucus.
Congressman Moran Votes to Strengthen National Defense and Support America’s Servicemembers
The FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill Reins in Wasteful Spending and Invests in Military Readiness
Washington, D.C., July 18, 2025
Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 4016), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today:
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re finally rebuilding the strength and resolve of our Armed Forces. This bill reflects that effort—by investing in servicemembers, eliminating waste, countering foreign threats like China and Iran, and ensuring our defense dollars are focused on combat readiness, not left-wing social experiments.
“The FY26 Defense Appropriations Act supports our troops, prioritizes taxpayer accountability, and delivers critical investments for military families across East Texas. I was proud to vote for this bill and will continue standing with those who defend our nation.”
Securing Texas Wins
Increases funding for pay and benefits for active-duty military and reserve personnel across all branches, including over $10.2 billion for the Army National Guard and $5.3 billion for the Air National Guard, both with strong Texas footprints.
Delivers $575+ million for environmental restoration across Army, Navy, and Air Force installations, including former sites in Texas.
Provides over $36.9 billion for shipbuilding and naval modernization, supporting Gulf Coast industrial jobs tied to defense manufacturing.
Maintains support for hypersonic and next-generation weapons research, much of which is based in Texas institutions.
Cutting Waste, Refocusing Defense Priorities
Saves taxpayer dollars by reducing inefficient Pentagon programs and bureaucratic offices.
Blocks efforts to consolidate legislative liaison offices that reduce transparency and Congressional oversight.
Securing the Border and Combating Terrorism
Fully funds $357 million for the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, including tight vetting restrictions to prevent funding terrorist-linked individuals or groups.
Expands National Guard and Reserve Equipment Procurement by $800 million, bolstering homeland defense and disaster response readiness.
Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
Deterring China, Iran, and Other Foreign Adversaries
Increases funding for DOD’s Cooperative Threat Reduction program ($282 million) to reduce chemical, biological, and nuclear risks, particularly from regimes like Iran and North Korea.
Provides new authority and funding for DOD-led cybersecurity and supply chain risk reduction to block Chinese espionage and hacking efforts.
Ensuring Oversight & Accountability
Requires quarterly public reporting to Congress on use of funds for foreign military assistance and classified operations.
Expands restrictions on use of funds for procurement from countries hostile to U.S. national security interests.
You can learn more about the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act HERE.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: How does organized retail crime impact Main Street businesses and customers?
A: Organized crime syndicates are rampaging retail stores and cargo fleets across the country through sophisticated criminal schemes. It’s costing businesses and consumers billions of dollars a year. We’re not talking about a kid stealing a candy bar or pack of gum near the checkout counter. These schemes include cybercrime, fraud and other complex cons that have surged in recent years, with the average loss per cargo theft incident exceeding $200,000. Transnational criminal organizations target U.S. shippers, retailers and the supply chain with aggressive tactics overwhelming local law enforcement. Cargo theft costs the supply chain up to $35 billion each year, contributing to higher consumer prices and driving up insurance costs.
According to the National Retail Federation, more than 73 percent of retailers report shoplifters are exhibiting more violence and aggression than the previous year, putting their employees, customers and law enforcement and security personnel at risk. These orchestrated crimes plunder large quantities of merchandise from retail stores, warehouses and the supply chain. Then criminal enterprises turn around to resell the stolen goods online or through other illicit channels for profit. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I held a congressional hearing in July to hear from retailers, shippers and others impacted along the supply chain by these crimes. An executive with the American Trucking Association called for a coordinated federal response to address this dangerous and costly criminal activity and backed my bipartisan bill, the Combatting Retail Crime Act, to establish a multi-agency response, giving law enforcement new tools to respond to the surge in cargo theft across the country.
At the hearing I brought up recent efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice that indicted 11 defendants, including nine illegal immigrants, with stealing nearly a half-million dollars of Nike shoes from rail cars. Even more serious is when criminals steal from the food supply chain, like from a pallet of groceries or infant formula, since they break the safety seal of the shipping container and ruin the entire cargo container of goods. I also brought up another investigation that connected thefts at a mall in Katy, Texas to a cartel that’s believed to be responsible for over $100 million in theft across the country. It’s a sweeping problem that demands swift justice. Homeland Security Investigations estimate the average American family will pay more than $500 in additional costs each year due to organized retail crime.
Q: How would your bill combat these crimes?
A: A few years ago, I convened a roundtable in Cedar Rapids to hear concerns and learn from local retail leaders and law enforcement about the rise in organized retail crimes. Since then, I’ve pushed for a coordinated response at the federal level. The Department of Homeland Security has found that cartels, terrorists and human traffickers facilitate organized retail and supply chain crime and use the proceeds to finance other crimes. It’s a criminal hamster wheel that spans the globe and demands an informed and beefed up response from the nation’s counterterrorism and intelligence agencies. At the Senate hearing in July, I asked the District Attorney for San Diego County why it’s important for prosecutors to aggregate the value of stolen goods. She explained that aggregation distinguishes between someone who shoplifts food to eat from the repeat criminal offender who goes into a store with a calculator to stay under a $950 threshold so that the criminal would only be subject to a misdemeanor. That misguided policy led to retail stores locking up merchandise, instead of prosecutors locking up the perpetrators stealing the merchandise. I was pleased to hear California changed this poppycock policy to allow prosecutors to aggregate stolen merchandise in the pursuit of justice. I’ll continue pushing in Congress for criminal action to be met with criminal punishment.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, welcomed the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating July as “National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month.” The bipartisan effort aims to drive awareness of the economic importance of trademarks and their role in protecting consumers.
Grassley and Coons are joined on the resolution by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
“Counterfeit products threaten our economy and consumers’ health and well-being,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to lead this bipartisan effort to educate Americans on the dangers of illicit knockoffs and the economic value of trademarks.”
“Americans should have confidence that the products they’re buying are legitimate and safe – that they have been tested for dangerous chemicals, comply with regulatory standards and aren’t supporting criminal enterprises,” Coons said. “Businesses should be able to protect and sell their innovative products without fear that every new idea will be stolen. My resolution with my Congressional Trademark Caucus co-chair, Senator Grassley, protects American businesses, the public and our economy by raising awareness of counterfeit goods, and I’m glad the Senate has shown it shares this goal by unanimously passing our resolution.”
“Counterfeit products hurt American businesses and put consumers at serious risk,” Tillis said. “I’m proud to support this resolution recognizing the importance of trademark protections and raising awareness on the dangers of counterfeiting.”
“The true cost of counterfeiting cannot be measured in dollars alone, but in the injuries to consumers caused by often dangerous fakes, in diminished investments to drive the next wave of innovation by American businesses, in jobs lost to unfair competition, and increasingly, by the threats such products pose to our national security,” said Travis Johnson, Vice President for Legislative Affairs of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition. “We applaud the passage of S.Res. 314, and thank the sponsors – Senator Grassley, Senator Coons, Senator Hirono and Senator Tillis – both for their leadership on this issue, and for their recognition of the vital role that education can play in helping to protect consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy as a whole.”
“Illicitly traded goods—including apparel, footwear, accessories, and travel goods—undermine trusted American brands but also threaten the jobs and livelihoods of millions of U.S. workers and the safety of American consumers and the environment. Thank you to Senator Grassley and Senator Coons for again recognizing the need for this ‘National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month’ – bringing vital attention to the role trademarks play in both the U.S. economy and the protection of consumers. AAFA applauds these essential national efforts to continue to raise consumer awareness of the dangerous and growing counterfeit crisis,” said Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
Read the full resolution HERE.
Background:
As co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley is a longtime advocate for consumer safety and intellectual property rights. In 2021, the Grassley-backed INFORM Consumers Act was signed into law, ensuring transparency of third-party sellers in online retail marketplaces. Grassley has also introduced legislation to halt counterfeit imports and spearheaded a resolution highlighting the dangers of counterfeit prescription drugs.
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that an Anderson County man has been sent to prison for sex crimes against minors. On July 16th, Julio Cesar De La Cruz Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 3rd degree, and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd degree.
On August 18, 2023, Special Investigator Kevin Atkins with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office conducted a proactive investigation into the use of a file-sharing network for the distribution and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. While conducting this investigation, Investigator Atkins discovered a user of the network sharing files. Further investigation revealed that the files were being shared from the Anderson County residence of Julio Reyes. A search warrant was executed at the home on February 9, 2024. When law enforcement talked to Reyes, he admitted ownership of the child sexual abuse material. He also disclosed that in addition to watching and sharing child sexual abuse material, he had sexually assaulted a minor in Anderson County. Reyes was taken into custody at that time. A forensic examination of his cell phone was done by forensic examiner Jamie Johnson of the South Carolina Attorney General’s office. In all, 392 images and videos of child sexual abuse material were found on the device, including images of babies and toddlers.
Judge R. Lawton McIntosh sentenced Reyes to 15 years at the SC Department of Corrections on the CSC with a Minor, 3rd degree charge, and 10 years at the SC Department of Corrections on the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd degree charge. These sentences will run concurrently, and he received credit for 527 days of time served. He will have to register as a sex offender.
Headline: 325th Fighter Wing leads the way during Red Flag-Alaska 25-3
Airmen and F-325A Lightning II aircraft from the 325th Fighter Wing led RED FLAG-Alaska 25-3, a large-scale joint combat training exercise at Eielson AFB. The deployment marked the wing’s first major overseas exercise since Hurricane Michael in 2018 and test their ability to operate in unfamiliar, high-threat environments.
NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 21Shares US LLC today announced that it has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for two Funds, the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF.
The exchange-traded funds are the first crypto basket ETFs to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Each Fund is designed to offer diversified exposure to the crypto market through dedicated indexes, constructed by 21Shares and maintained by FTSE Russell.
The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF tracks a market cap-weighted index of the top ten largest crypto assets globally. This index dynamically adjusts to reflect the size and success of each asset, allowing the market itself to determine the leaders. Larger, more relevant cryptocurrencies naturally hold greater weights, capturing the evolving landscape of the crypto space.
The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF tracks a separate FTSE Russell index that excludes Bitcoin, investing exclusively in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks that focus on real-world applications beyond Bitcoin’s macro hedge proposition.
Asset inclusion in the index is subject to a dual-layer research review by both FTSE Russell and 21Shares.
Structured as 1940 Act funds, the ETFs also offer investors a familiar and more tax-efficient vehicle, qualifying for Form 1099 tax reporting instead of the more complex K-1 forms often associated with other structures.
“These filings represent a step in 21Shares’ regulatory engagement in the U.S.,” said Federico Brokate, Head of U.S. Business at 21Shares. “Investors are increasingly looking for diversified and easy-to-access ways to participate in the long-term growth of digital assets, and 21Shares aims to provide ETF structures to satisfy this demand, subject to regulatory approval.”
“The methodology and structure behind our digital asset pricing and indices were developed to give investors strategic allocation tools”, said Kristen Mierzwa, Head of Digital Assets at FTSE Russell. “Collaborating with 21Shares on a market exposure pair – with and without Bitcoin – underscores our commitment to innovation in digital asset investing.”
21Shares is launching the two Funds in partnership with ETF Solutions by Teucrium, who serves as the adviser and white-label platform supporting the development and efficient market entry of these products.
A registration statement relating to the Funds has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective.
About 21Shares
21Shares AG, an affiliate of 21Shares US LLC, the sponsor to the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF, is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers, and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialised research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.
21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com.
The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or other offering material and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities or financial instruments in any jurisdiction, including the United States. Some of the information published herein may contain forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Additionally, there is no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or availability of the information provided and 21.co and its affiliated entities are not responsible for any errors or omissions. The information contained herein may not be considered as economic, legal, tax, or other advice and viewers are cautioned not to base investment or any other decisions on the content hereof. Investments in crypto-related securities involve significant risk, including volatility and regulatory uncertainty. There is no guarantee that the Funds will be approved by the SEC or made available to investors.
A registration statement relating to the securities of the Index ETFs has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.
Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today he has joined Senate colleagues in condemning the Trump administration for its recent decision to terminate the consent order against Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), effectively excusing it from accountability for charging millions in illegal surprise overdraft fees to their members – primarily active-duty service members, veterans, Department of Defense employees, and their families.
“In 2024, the CFPB found that between 2017 and 2022, NFCU charged overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases – even when accounts showed sufficient funds,” the senators wrote in a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Acting Director Russell Vought. “In response, the Bureau issued a consent order requiring NFCU to pay $95 million in penalties and restitution: $80.6 million directly to harmed consumers and $15 million to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.”
That order was rescinded on July 1, 2025.
“As former CFPB officials have noted, this decision raises serious concerns about whether the Bureau is still capable – or even willing – to fulfill its legal mandate,” the senators continue. “At a minimum, the public and Congress deserve answers.”
The letter was led by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. In addition to Wyden, the letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md.
“The Trump-era CFPB cannot reverse this consent order and simultaneously claim that it is prioritizing the interests of servicemembers,” said Adam Rust, Director of Financial Services for the Consumer Federation of America. “This action has diverted millions of dollars owed to military families—an unacceptable breach of trust. Acting Director Vought owes the public a clear and immediate explanation.”
NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 21Shares US LLC today announced that it has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for two Funds, the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF.
The exchange-traded funds are the first crypto basket ETFs to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Each Fund is designed to offer diversified exposure to the crypto market through dedicated indexes, constructed by 21Shares and maintained by FTSE Russell.
The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF tracks a market cap-weighted index of the top ten largest crypto assets globally. This index dynamically adjusts to reflect the size and success of each asset, allowing the market itself to determine the leaders. Larger, more relevant cryptocurrencies naturally hold greater weights, capturing the evolving landscape of the crypto space.
The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF tracks a separate FTSE Russell index that excludes Bitcoin, investing exclusively in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks that focus on real-world applications beyond Bitcoin’s macro hedge proposition.
Asset inclusion in the index is subject to a dual-layer research review by both FTSE Russell and 21Shares.
Structured as 1940 Act funds, the ETFs also offer investors a familiar and more tax-efficient vehicle, qualifying for Form 1099 tax reporting instead of the more complex K-1 forms often associated with other structures.
“These filings represent a step in 21Shares’ regulatory engagement in the U.S.,” said Federico Brokate, Head of U.S. Business at 21Shares. “Investors are increasingly looking for diversified and easy-to-access ways to participate in the long-term growth of digital assets, and 21Shares aims to provide ETF structures to satisfy this demand, subject to regulatory approval.”
“The methodology and structure behind our digital asset pricing and indices were developed to give investors strategic allocation tools”, said Kristen Mierzwa, Head of Digital Assets at FTSE Russell. “Collaborating with 21Shares on a market exposure pair – with and without Bitcoin – underscores our commitment to innovation in digital asset investing.”
21Shares is launching the two Funds in partnership with ETF Solutions by Teucrium, who serves as the adviser and white-label platform supporting the development and efficient market entry of these products.
A registration statement relating to the Funds has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective.
About 21Shares
21Shares AG, an affiliate of 21Shares US LLC, the sponsor to the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF, is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers, and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialised research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.
21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com.
The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or other offering material and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities or financial instruments in any jurisdiction, including the United States. Some of the information published herein may contain forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Additionally, there is no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or availability of the information provided and 21.co and its affiliated entities are not responsible for any errors or omissions. The information contained herein may not be considered as economic, legal, tax, or other advice and viewers are cautioned not to base investment or any other decisions on the content hereof. Investments in crypto-related securities involve significant risk, including volatility and regulatory uncertainty. There is no guarantee that the Funds will be approved by the SEC or made available to investors.
A registration statement relating to the securities of the Index ETFs has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.