POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Marc Brousseau 9, Dec 11 mins
11 mins
The Ritz Herald
United States Department of State, Washington, DC. © Alex Wong
Accountability actions to counter global corruption and human rights abuses

On International Anti-Corruption Day and on the eve of Human Rights Day the United States is taking the following actions to promote accountability for perpetrators of corruption and human rights abuse around the world.

The Department of State is designating 14 individuals, including immediate family members for involvement in significant corruption and one official for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (“Section 7031(c)”), rendering them ineligible for entry into the United States. The Department of State is also further taking steps to impose visa restrictions on dozens of individuals pursuant to multiple policies under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Additionally, on the anniversary of President Biden issuing Presidential Proclamation 10685, the Department has taken action under this authority to restrict the visas of individuals who have enabled, facilitated, or otherwise been involved in significant corruption and their immediate family members.

Concurrently, the United States, in close coordination with the United Kingdom, is sanctioning nine individuals and 19 entities comprising a global corruption network based in Zimbabwe under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and three individuals and entities in Yemen and Syria connected to human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and the Syria sanctions program. For more information about Treasury’s action, please see their press release.

ACTIONS TAKEN TO PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CORRUPTION

North Macedonia

Artan Grubi, Former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia
Enver Bexheti, Judge for North Macedonia Court of Appeals

  • Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Artan Grubi and Enver Bexheti for their involvement in significant corruption by…

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U.S. Sanctions Five Gulf Cartel Associates for Involvement in IUU Fishing and Criminal Activities
The Ritz Herald

The Department of the Treasury today imposed sanctions on five Mexican individuals associated with the Gulf Cartel, one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations, for involvement in criminal activities associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico.

Under the Maritime…

Stratcom Commander Discusses Nuclear System Modernization
The Ritz Herald

As global tensions rise, the United States confronts a complex and evolving geostrategic landscape, demanding it modernize its strategic nuclear forces. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, outlined the stakes during a “fireside chat” at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. His remarks illuminated…

Paralyzed Veterans of America Applauds House Passage of Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Act, Urges Senate Approval
The Ritz Herald

Paralyzed Veterans of America National President Robert Thomas issues the following statement in response to the House’s passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation is a comprehensive bipartisan package of bills that expands services for veterans, their families and caregivers,…

U.S. Department of State Brings OneBeat Exchange Program Alumni Entrepreneurs to the U.S. for Creative Economy Residency
The Ritz Herald

As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which elevates music as a platform for promoting peace and democracy, the Department recently hosted the OneBeat Institute’s ‘Resilient Futures’ residency from October 27 to November 7. This year’s Institute brought together five teams of OneBeat…

Biden Thanks Vets for Service, Says Nation Has Obligation to Honor, Support Them
The Ritz Herald

President Joe Biden thanked veterans for their service to the nation and their fellow Americans and emphasized that the nation must keep the faith with those who stepped up to defend the United States.

Biden spoke at the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, this morning. Vice President…

4 mins
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C. © ElevenPhotographs
The Ritz Herald
Senate Passes bipartisan legislation to reauthorize National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program amid urgent need for safety measures

Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced that the Senate passed their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) through Fiscal Year 2028. Senate passage of the bill comes after a series of major earthquakes struck Northern California this morning, triggering tsunami warnings and underscoring the urgent need for early warning systems and earthquake safety programs like NEHRP. The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill would authorize a total of $175.4 million per year from FY 2024-2028 across the four federal agencies responsible for long-term earthquake risk reduction under NEHRP: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

“As today’s devastating Northern California earthquakes remind us, it is never a matter of if, but when the next major earthquake will strike,” said Senator Padilla. “The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program supports crucial tools like the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System, advances scientific understanding of earthquakes, and strengthens earthquake resilience in communities nationwide. With the safety of our communities at stake, we must stay vigilant. After today’s unanimous Senate…

2 mins
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon, Dec. 3, 2024. © Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
The Ritz Herald
Centcom destroys threatening weapons systems in Syria

U.S. Central Command Tuesday morning successfully engaged and destroyed several weapon systems that posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces in Syria, the Defense Department announced.

The weapons destroyed — which included three truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers, a T-64 tank and multiple mortars — presented a “clear and imminent threat” to U.S. and coalition forces in the vicinity of eastern Syria’s Mission Support Site Euphrates, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told the media this afternoon.

“The self-defense strike occurred after the mobile multiple rocket launchers fired rockets that landed in the vicinity of MSS Euphrates, and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces,” Ryder said.

He added that, while DOD is still assessing who was operating the weapons, Iranian-backed militia groups are operating in the region that have attacked MSS Euphrates in the past.

Tuesday morning’s incident was the second time in less than a week that Centcom forces were used to neutralize a hostile threat in the region.

On Nov. 29, Centcom employed A-10 fighter aircraft to successfully engage a hostile target that imposed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces at MSS Euphrates.

“Individuals were observed preparing a rocket rail,” Ryder said of the threat.

“These self-defense actions likewise eliminated…

U.S. Department of Defense Eyes Smooth Transition to Next Administration, Austin Says
The Ritz Herald

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a recent message to the force that emphasized the Defense Department’s commitment to a professional, orderly and calm transition to the next commander in chief, the Pentagon announced today.

In that message sent out Wednesday, “Secretary Austin reiterated that the U.S. military…

FLEOA Congratulates President-Elect Donald J. Trump, Offers Its Counsel to New Administration
The Ritz Herald

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association is extending its congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump, and is extending its thanks to local and state election officials across the country for their role in safeguarding the right to vote for all, and aiding Americans to cast their votes in record…

U.S. Army Boosts Financial Readiness for Service Members and Families With Comprehensive Support and Resources
The Ritz Herald

Discussing matters related to finances is crucial for the future well-being of service members. That is why the Army offers comprehensive support and resources to enhance financial readiness for both Soldiers and their Families. The Army is promoting responsible spending, implementing effective budgeting strategies and addressing the challenge of…

U.S. and CARICOM Strengthen Cooperation Against Firearms Trafficking at High-Level Meeting
The Ritz Herald

On October 31, the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) co-hosted a high-level interagency coordination meeting to strengthen U.S.-Caribbean cooperation to counter firearms trafficking through the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU).

Convened under the auspices of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) in Washington DC, the U.S. delegation…

Space Systems Command Outlines Organizational Priorities
The Ritz Herald

Citing the growing criticality of effective, ready and reliable space capabilities in an era of Great Power Competition, Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, Space Systems Command commander, has authored and released his command plan highlighting the organizational improvements necessary to pave the way forward for excellence.

Garrant, joined by U.S….

4 mins
The Ritz Herald
Sailors man the rails as USS George Washington (CVN 73) returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. © Petty Officer 3rd Class Lucas Hastings
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned to Yokosuka, Japan, for the first time since being relieved from the post in 2015 by the USS Ronald Reagan
By / Associate Writer

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan as the United States’ only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Nov. 22.

This marks the second time George Washington has served as the forward-deployed naval forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in 2015.

“A US carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability we have, and it’s the most advanced investment we can make in the security of Japan and of the Western Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “The George Washington returns with modernized, cutting-edge technology that represents our investment in deterrence and security in this region.”

During George Washington’s transit from Norfolk, Virginia to Japan, the crew completed Exercise Southern Seas in U.S. 4th Fleet and a seven-week transit from San Diego.

“Arriving here in Yokosuka has been a milestone for this crew for many months, and for some the journey started in April when we departed from Virginia,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “I could not be more proud of this team. Not only have we arrived safely and on time, but from day one of deployment we have met every goal, exceeded all expectations, and were ready for tasking the day we arrived in the 7th Fleet area of operations.”

George Washington, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, recently participated in the multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force…

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U.S. Military Recruitment Hits New High With 225,000 Enlisted in FY 2024 Despite Challenges
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The Defense Department’s armed services branches recruited 12.5% more people in fiscal year 2024 than in the year prior despite a challenging and disinterested recruiting market.

While speaking at a multiservice panel on 2025 recruiting issues at the Pentagon earlier this week, Director of Military Accession Policy Katie Helland said…

South Carolina Guardsmen Deploy to Centcom
The Ritz Herald

A departure ceremony was held Oct. 19 for South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

The Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, will provide air defense in theater in…

U.S., South Korea Concerned North Koreans May Soon Fight Against Ukrainians
The Ritz Herald

The Defense Department is closely tracking the unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

Austin met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun today for the 56th annual security consultative meeting. They also held a joint news briefing…

6 mins
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III video chats with service members for Thanksgiving in Washington, Nov. 26, 2024. © Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech, DOD
The Ritz Herald
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engages with troops worldwide in heartfelt holiday calls

This week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reached across the globe to connect with service members stationed stateside and deployed abroad. Through video conference and phone calls, he expressed gratitude, shared stories and offered encouragement to troops and their families who have sacrificed the comforts of home while serving their country.

Austin’s 41 years in the Army give him a unique perspective on serving during the holidays, but he noted these tours will create lifelong bonds. He opened each call by inviting service members to introduce themselves, what role they serve in and where they are from.

In every discussion, Austin emphasized that teammates look out for one another, a theme that resonated whether he was speaking with soldiers in Poland, sailors aboard a Navy destroyer or airmen in Qatar.

Austin treated the calls as an opportunity to thank service members for their dedication, delivering a heartfelt message of appreciation on behalf of the nation. “What you’re doing is deeply appreciated,” he told them. ” we can enjoy Thanksgiving in peace and security.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III conducts Thanksgiving holiday morale calls with airman deployed to Al Udeid Air...
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U.S. Department of Defense Consults With Interagency Partners on Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Roles

Brousseau / RH
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire which could lead to a cessation of Hezbollah attacks on Israel and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, according
‘Maritime Big Play’ in Pacific Demonstrates AUKUS Partner Compatibility
The Ritz Herald

This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in “Maritime Big Play,” a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region, meant to enhance capability development and improve interoperability between the partners.

As part of the experiments…

Soldiers Injured in Raid on ISIS Locations Earlier This Week Headed to Walter Reed
The Ritz Herald

On Tuesday morning, Iraqi Security Forces, working with service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, conducted strikes and follow-on raids on multiple ISIS locations in central Iraq.

Two service members were injured during the raid and are now headed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland,…

U.S., Japan, and Philippines Hold Trilateral Talks in Manila to Tackle Economic Coercion and Foster Resilience
The Ritz Herald

Today, senior government officials from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines convened an informal trilateral discussion in Manila on countering economic coercion and promoting economic resilience. The discussion was chaired by Ms. Ma. Corazon Halili—Dichosa, Executive Director for Industry Development Services at the Board of Investments of the…