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U.S. Senators Challenge Treasury on LNG Tanker Tax Credits Impact

U.S. Senators Challenge Treasury on LNG Tanker Tax Credits Impact

A group of Democratic U.S. senators, including Jeff Merkley, Elizabeth Warren, and Chuck Schumer, have raised concerns with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the eligibility of large liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers for the Alternative Fuel Excise Tax (AFET) credit. This tax credit, established in 2005 under former President George W. Bush, was intended to promote the use of alternative fuels in smaller motorboats to reduce oil dependency. The senators argue that applying this credit to LNG tankers, which are significantly larger than the motorboats originally targeted, does not align with the credit's purpose. They contend that LNG tankers, which are designed to burn off LNG during transit, do not contribute to reducing oil dependence or environmental protection. The senators' letter highlights that providing these credits to LNG tankers could result in unnecessary taxpayer expenditure without achieving the intended environmental benefits.

US lawmakers press Bessent on LNG ships that are taking tax credit

US lawmakers press Bessent on LNG ships that are taking tax credit

By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - A group of Democratic U.S. senators on Tuesday pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on whether enormous tankers that ship liquefied natural gas qualify for a lucrative tax credit meant for smaller boats that burn the fuel.

White House FY2027 Budget Proposal Excludes Funding for IMLS and School Libraries

White House FY2027 Budget Proposal Excludes Funding for IMLS and School Libraries

The White House's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget has omitted funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program. This move aligns with the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to cut what it describes as 'woke programs,' including diversity and inclusion training. IMLS, a federal agency, provides essential grants to libraries across the U.S., while IAL supports school libraries. The American Library Association (ALA) is actively campaigning for Congress to increase appropriations for these programs, emphasizing the critical role libraries play in communities.

US Army Staff Sergeant's Wife Released from Immigration Detention Amid Policy Changes

US Army Staff Sergeant's Wife Released from Immigration Detention Amid Policy Changes

Annie Ramos, the wife of US Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank, was released from immigration detention after being held at a Louisiana military base. Ramos, who was born in Honduras and entered the US as a child, faced deportation due to a final order of removal issued when her family missed an immigration hearing in 2005. Her detention drew criticism from military family advocates, who argued that such actions could harm military recruitment and morale. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently shifted its policy, no longer considering military service of family members as a mitigating factor in immigration enforcement. This change is part of a broader agenda under the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws more strictly, affecting military families who previously might have been granted leniency.

The Latest: US and Israel strike Iran's oil, rail and bridges ahead of Trump deadline

The Latest: US and Israel strike Iran's oil, rail and bridges ahead of Trump deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” but said Iran still has time to capitulate ahead of a deadline he set for 8 p.m. Tuesday in Washington

Trump proposes to cut 9,400 TSA workers, $1.5 billion from budget

Trump proposes to cut 9,400 TSA workers, $1.5 billion from budget

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - The White House is proposing to cut more than 9,400 workers and just over $1.5 billion from the 60,000-employee Transportation Security Administration that handles airport security operations, according to budget documents.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission to End Agency-Led Security Drills

Nuclear Regulatory Commission to End Agency-Led Security Drills

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has decided to phase out agency-led security inspections at nuclear power plants. This decision marks a shift from the 'force-on-force' inspection program, which involved mock commando-style attacks to test plant security. The NRC plans to transition to a training-focused approach, allowing plant managers to conduct exercises with independent oversight. The move has raised concerns about the potential impact on plant security amid ongoing threats to U.S. infrastructure.

White House FY2027 Budget Excludes Funding for IMLS, Sparking Concerns

White House FY2027 Budget Excludes Funding for IMLS, Sparking Concerns

The White House's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget excludes funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program. This decision continues the Trump Administration's trend of targeting IMLS, which administers grants for libraries nationwide. The budget also suggests cuts to programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The American Library Association (ALA) is advocating for increased appropriations for IMLS and IAL, emphasizing the importance of libraries to millions of Americans.

Trump will pursue stability with China's Xi in May meeting, USTR Greer says

Trump will pursue stability with China's Xi in May meeting, USTR Greer says

By David Lawder and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. economic and trade relationship with China is stable and President Donald Trump will aim to keep it that way in a meeting next month with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Tuesday.

Surge in Veterans Affairs Spending Raises Questions on Effectiveness

Surge in Veterans Affairs Spending Raises Questions on Effectiveness

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has seen a significant increase in its budget, reaching over $400 billion last year, nearly half of the Pentagon's baseline budget. This surge in spending has outpaced other federal departments, with a 446% increase from 2004 to 2024. Despite this, questions remain about the effectiveness of the spending in improving veterans' outcomes. The VA's workforce has more than doubled, yet the veteran population has declined. While there have been improvements in some areas, such as a reduction in homeless veterans, challenges persist, including rising veteran suicide rates and issues with mental health care access.

Sen. Kaine Questions Feasibility of $1.5 Trillion Military Budget Proposal

Sen. Kaine Questions Feasibility of $1.5 Trillion Military Budget Proposal

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, has expressed doubts regarding the Trump administration's proposed budget for 2027, which seeks $1.5 trillion in funding for the Defense Department. During an appearance on 'Meet the Press,' Sen. Kaine voiced his skepticism about Congress's willingness to approve such a substantial budget request. The proposal is part of a broader financial plan put forth by the administration, aiming to bolster the United States' defense capabilities. This budget request comes amid ongoing discussions about national security priorities and fiscal responsibility.

President Trump Proposes Privatization of TSA Screening Operations

President Trump Proposes Privatization of TSA Screening Operations

President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to begin privatizing airport security operations currently managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, with the White House budget suggesting a $52 million cut to TSA funding. The plan would require small airports to use private screeners, a move that the administration claims could lead to cost savings. The TSA, which employs around 50,000 federal workers, has faced criticism from President Trump for inefficiencies and privacy concerns. The proposal comes at a time when the TSA is dealing with staffing challenges and increased air travel demands.