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House Subcommittee Advances Bills to Strengthen Energy Sector Cybersecurity

House Subcommittee Advances Bills to Strengthen Energy Sector Cybersecurity

The House Subcommittee on Energy has advanced five bills aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity and physical security of the United States' energy infrastructure. These bills are designed to update Department of Energy (DOE) programs, improve grid and pipeline protections, and prioritize cybersecurity for vulnerable sectors. Among the bills is the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, which aims to bolster the DOE's capabilities in responding to energy emergencies. Another bill, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, supports a cybersecurity program for rural electric cooperatives and small utilities. The SECURE Grid Act focuses on enhancing community-level energy infrastructure resilience. Additionally, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act seeks to improve DOE's coordination in securing pipelines and LNG facilities. The Energy Threat Analysis Center Act reauthorizes the center to conduct preventative analysis and information sharing on cyber threats. These bipartisan bills have passed the subc...

Congress Introduces Bills to Boost U.S. Robotics and Security

Congress Introduces Bills to Boost U.S. Robotics and Security

Two new bills have been introduced in Congress aimed at enhancing U.S. competitiveness in robotics. The National Commission on Robotics Act proposes the creation of a commission to evaluate and recommend policies for U.S. robotics competitiveness. The Humanoid ROBOT Act seeks to prevent the federal acquisition of humanoid robots from foreign entities, particularly those linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. These legislative efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain U.S. leadership in robotics and address national security concerns related to foreign technology.

Venezuelan Tanker Loads Gasoline for Potential Cuba Delivery Amid U.S. Oversight

Venezuelan Tanker Loads Gasoline for Potential Cuba Delivery Amid U.S. Oversight

An oil tanker, which has been transporting Venezuelan fuel to Cuba since April of the previous year, recently completed loading a 150,000-barrel cargo of gasoline. This development, as reported by a shipping schedule seen by Reuters, suggests that Venezuela might be preparing to send these supplies to Cuba. The tanker was last tracked in Venezuelan waters on Monday, according to TankerTrackers.com, but its final destination remains unconfirmed. The movement of any tanker from Venezuelan waters currently requires U.S. approval due to the ongoing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Cuba's President Miguel Diaz Canel addressed the nation's energy challenges from Havana, highlighting the growing lines for gasoline and diesel at fuel stations.

Congress Faces Deadline to Fund DHS Amid Immigration Enforcement Disputes

Congress Faces Deadline to Fund DHS Amid Immigration Enforcement Disputes

The U.S. Congress is under pressure to finalize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget within two weeks following a narrow House vote to fund most government offices through September. The negotiations are complicated by disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats are pushing for mandates requiring judicial warrants for arrests by immigration officers, citing constitutional concerns. Meanwhile, Republicans are divided, with some opposing changes to current practices. The debate also includes whether agents should be allowed to wear face coverings, with Democrats advocating for a ban.

Treasury Secretary Bessent Criticized for Alleged Conflicts in Trump Family's Cryptocurrency Venture

Treasury Secretary Bessent Criticized for Alleged Conflicts in Trump Family's Cryptocurrency Venture

During a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced criticism from Democratic members, particularly Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York. The criticism centered on Bessent's perceived failure to address potential conflicts of interest involving World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture co-founded by President Trump and his family. Meeks highlighted concerns over a $500 million investment from a United Arab Emirates official in the company, suggesting it could pose national security risks due to the intertwining of foreign policy and business interests. Meeks demanded a thorough investigation into these conflicts and urged a halt on any bank charter or licensing applications related to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which Bessent oversees. Bessent, however, maintained that the OCC operates independently and did not commit to the requested actions.

Partial Government Shutdown Ends After Four Days with Funding Package Approval

Partial Government Shutdown Ends After Four Days with Funding Package Approval

The U.S. government has ended a partial shutdown after the House approved a spending package funding most federal agencies through September 2026. The shutdown, which began on Saturday, affected several departments, including Defense, Labor, and Education. The House's approval followed the Senate's earlier passage of the bill, with most Democrats voting against it and most Republicans in favor. The package includes provisions for back pay for furloughed workers. The Department of Homeland Security will receive temporary funding until February 13, as negotiations continue on broader immigration and security issues.

Democrats Demand Immigration Reforms in DHS Funding Negotiations

Democrats Demand Immigration Reforms in DHS Funding Negotiations

House and Senate Democrats have outlined their demands for immigration enforcement reforms as Congress works to prevent a shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS received only two weeks of stopgap funding in a recent law that reopened most of the government. Democrats are withholding support for a full-year appropriations bill until Republicans agree to reforms, which include mandatory body cameras for immigration officers, restrictions on warrantless arrests, and an end to 'roving' patrols. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for these changes, citing recent incidents of violence by federal agents. The negotiations are challenging, with a looming deadline of February 13 for another potential shutdown.

Former Agriculture Leaders Criticize Trump Immigration Policy's Impact on U.S. Food Production

Former Agriculture Leaders Criticize Trump Immigration Policy's Impact on U.S. Food Production

A bipartisan group of former USDA officials and agricultural leaders have expressed concern over President Trump's immigration policies, which they claim are harming U.S. food production. In a letter to Congress, they highlighted issues such as mass deportations and the lack of reform in the H-2A visa program, which are disrupting labor availability in sectors like dairy, fruit, and meat processing. The letter urges Congress to take action to prevent a potential collapse of American agriculture, emphasizing the need for reliable labor and policy reforms to support the industry.

US lawmakers introduce bill to screen sales of potentially dangerous synthetic DNA

US lawmakers introduce bill to screen sales of potentially dangerous synthetic DNA

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators this week introduced a bill that would create new rules around the sale of synthetic gene sequences that could be used to create bioweapons.

Brothers of Renee Good Speak in Washington Following Fatal ICE Shooting

Brothers of Renee Good Speak in Washington Following Fatal ICE Shooting

Renee Good's brothers recently spoke at a forum in Washington, D.C., addressing the fatal shooting of Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred in January, has sparked discussions on the use of force by immigration enforcement agencies. The forum provided a platform for Good's family to voice their concerns and seek justice for Renee. The shooting has drawn attention to the broader issues of immigration enforcement and the protocols surrounding the use of deadly force by ICE agents.

Congress Considers New NASA Authorization Bill to Advance Space Exploration

Congress Considers New NASA Authorization Bill to Advance Space Exploration

Congress is once again considering a NASA authorization bill, known as the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR 7273), introduced by Rep. Brian Babin. The bill aims to set priorities for NASA, including returning to the Moon under the Artemis program, addressing crew access to low Earth orbit, and investing in research and development for orbital debris and lunar communications. This legislative effort is part of an annual exercise to establish NASA's agenda, although past attempts have often stalled. The bill's introduction marks a renewed effort to codify NASA's missions and ensure continued support for space exploration initiatives.

Trump signs extension of Africa duty-free trade program, USTR says

Trump signs extension of Africa duty-free trade program, USTR says

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a law extending a preferential trade program for Africa through December 31, effective retroactively from September 30, 2025, the chief U.S. trade negotiator said. U.S.