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Technology Modernization Fund Reauthorization Excluded from NDAA, Future Uncertain

Technology Modernization Fund Reauthorization Excluded from NDAA, Future Uncertain

The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) reauthorization was not included in the final text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), leaving its future uncertain. With the fund's authorization set to expire in four days, nearly $160 million in funding for government technology projects is at risk of being frozen. The TMF, established in 2017, supports long-term modernization projects that do not align with the annual appropriations cycle. Despite efforts from political leaders and the House Oversight and Reform Committee to secure reauthorization, the fund's future remains unclear. The General Services Administration (GSA) has highlighted the TMF's impact, including saving 378 million work hours and delivering billions in cost savings.

U.S. Treasury Department Proposes Central Role in Anti-Money Laundering Enforcement

U.S. Treasury Department Proposes Central Role in Anti-Money Laundering Enforcement

U.S. Treasury Department Proposes Central Role in Anti-Money Laundering Enforcement

US trade deal with Indonesia at risk of collapse, US official says

US trade deal with Indonesia at risk of collapse, US official says

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - A U.S. trade agreement reached with Indonesia in July is at risk of collapsing because Jakarta has backtracked on several commitments it made as part of the deal, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

Trump Administration Considers Demolition of Historic Federal Buildings

Trump Administration Considers Demolition of Historic Federal Buildings

The Trump administration is reportedly considering the demolition of four historic federal buildings in Washington, D.C., including those housing the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Voice of America. This move, alleged by a former government official, is being pursued without the involvement of the General Services Administration (GSA), which typically oversees such processes. The GSA has not conducted the necessary procedures under historic preservation and environmental laws. The administration's actions have raised concerns among preservation groups, who are challenging the potential demolitions in court.

President Trump Considers Demolition of Historic Federal Buildings in Washington

President Trump Considers Demolition of Historic Federal Buildings in Washington

The Trump administration is reportedly considering the demolition of four historic federal buildings in Washington, D.C., including those that housed the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Voice of America. This information was revealed by a former government official in a court declaration. The White House is allegedly seeking bids for the demolition without consulting the General Services Administration (GSA), which is responsible for maintaining government buildings. The GSA has not conducted the necessary procedures under historic preservation and environmental laws for these buildings, according to the declaration. The buildings in question include the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building, the GSA Regional Office Building, and the Liberty Loan Building. The declaration was presented during a court hearing involving a lawsuit by historic preservation groups aiming to block President Trump from altering another historic building.

President Trump to Sign Executive Order Blocking State AI Laws Amid Bipartisan Pushback

President Trump to Sign Executive Order Blocking State AI Laws Amid Bipartisan Pushback

President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order that would prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations. This move comes after a failed attempt in the Senate to preempt state AI laws through a defense budget bill. The executive order aims to establish a unified national framework for AI regulation, arguing that state-level laws could create a fragmented regulatory environment that stifles innovation. Silicon Valley leaders, including OpenAI President Greg Brockman and AI czar David Sacks, support the order, citing the need for a consistent regulatory approach to maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge against China in AI development. The order would also establish an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state laws and direct federal agencies to evaluate and potentially override state regulations.

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Bailout for American Farmers Amid Tariff Revenue Utilization

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Bailout for American Farmers Amid Tariff Revenue Utilization

President Donald Trump has announced a $12 billion bailout package aimed at supporting American farmers. This announcement was made during an event where President Trump specified that the funds for this bailout would be sourced from tariff revenue. The move is seen as a response to the economic challenges faced by farmers due to international trade tensions and tariffs that have impacted agricultural exports. The bailout is intended to provide financial relief to farmers who have been adversely affected by these trade policies, ensuring they can sustain their operations despite the economic pressures.

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Farm Aid Plan to Mitigate China Tariff Impact on U.S. Farmers

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Farm Aid Plan to Mitigate China Tariff Impact on U.S. Farmers

President Donald Trump has announced a $12 billion aid package aimed at supporting U.S. farmers affected by the trade tensions with China. The aid is designed to offset the financial strain caused by increased tariffs on Chinese goods, which have led to rising costs and shrinking export markets for American agricultural producers. The announcement was made during a White House roundtable with key figures including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The plan allocates $11 billion through the Agriculture Department’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program, providing one-time payments to farmers growing row crops like soybeans and sorghum, which have been significantly impacted by China's retaliatory tariffs. An additional $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops. This move comes as China has not fully met its purchase commitments of U.S. soybeans, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing trade war.

President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump has announced a $12 billion farm aid package designed to support U.S. farmers affected by global trade disputes. This initiative comes as part of efforts to stabilize the agriculture sector, which has been impacted by tariffs and strained trade relationships, particularly with China. The package includes direct payments and subsidies to help farmers manage the financial volatility caused by these trade tensions. Additionally, the Trump administration has proposed a 5% tariff on Mexican imports, which could further complicate U.S.-Mexico trade relations and affect a significant portion of U.S. agricultural exports. The aid package is intended to provide immediate relief to farmers, though its long-term effects remain uncertain.

President Trump to Issue Executive Order on AI, Challenging State Regulations

President Trump to Issue Executive Order on AI, Challenging State Regulations

President Donald Trump plans to issue an executive order to establish a unified national framework for artificial intelligence (AI), bypassing the need for companies to navigate varying state regulations. This decision comes amid ongoing debates about the role of state versus federal oversight in AI governance. While tech companies like Google and Meta support national standards to avoid the complexities of state-by-state compliance, state leaders argue for the necessity of local regulations to protect citizens. The executive order aims to streamline AI regulation, but details on its implementation remain sparse.

Italy sets tough terms on personal data protection to clear Chinese JD.com's takeover of Ceconomy

Italy sets tough terms on personal data protection to clear Chinese JD.com's takeover of Ceconomy

By Giuseppe Fonte ROME, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Italy has set tough terms on personal data protection to clear Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com's takeover of German electronics retailer Ceconomy, a government decree seen by Reuters showed on Tuesday.

USDA leaves US soybean export outlook unchanged after China sales resume

USDA leaves US soybean export outlook unchanged after China sales resume

By Karl Plume CHICAGO, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture left its U.S. soybean export forecast unchanged in a monthly report on Tuesday as sales to China have resumed after the top importer had shunned purchases for months amid a bruising trade war with Washington.