POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
National Guard Bureau leaders meet with guardsmen supporting 60th Presidential Inauguration
Today, about 7,800 National Guard troops are on duty during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, as part of a large interagency presence to ensure the transition of power, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration.
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau; Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau John Raines; Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, director, Army National Guard; and other NGB leaders met with guardsmen at various locations across the nation’s capital Sunday.
Sporting a special shoulder patch with a minuteman in the middle and the words “Always Ready, Always There,” stitched across the bottom to make them easily identifiable, these guardsmen — representing 40 states, territories and the District of Columbia — form Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, led by the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, Army Maj. Gen. John Andonie, and JTF commander, Army Brig. Gen. Craig Maceri.
At the request of civil authorities, JTF-DC personnel are staged throughout the city to support the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police by providing troops for crowd management; traffic control points; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response; civil disturbance response; and sustainment operations.
Service members of…
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New Research Links Urban Sprawl to Reduced Intergenerational Mobility for Low-Income Families
Urban sprawl is not just unsightly. It could also be impeding intergenerational mobility for low-income
U.S. Home Prices Show Slower Growth in October 2024, Led by New York With 7.3% Annual Increase
S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) released the October 2024 results for the S&P CoreLogic
Padilla, Schiff, Bipartisan California Congressional Delegation Applaud President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration for Los Angeles County Fires
Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to the devastating ongoing impacts of the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst fires…
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Attend UDCG Amid $2.5 Billion Aid Package
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is scheduled to travel to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Jan. 7, to attend the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the Defense Department announced.
The UDCG, which was founded under Austin in response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on…
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Integrity Tech for Cyber Intrusions Linked to China
The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Beijing-based cybersecurity company Integrity Technology Group, Incorporated (Integrity Tech), which has links to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of State Security, for its role in multiple computer intrusion incidents against U.S. victims.
Integrity Tech is a large PRC government…
Federal Reserve and FDIC Announce Updated 2025 Asset-Size Thresholds for Community Reinvestment Act Compliance
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced the 2025 updated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) “small bank” and “intermediate small bank” asset-size thresholds.
The CRA regulations establish the framework and criteria by which the relevant agencies assess a financial institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of…
U.S. Air Force Accessions Center Achieves Rapid Success in Officer Selections and Training Amid Mid-Year Production Increase
Within the first week of declaring Initial Operational Capability, personnel at the Air Force Accessions Center demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly to evolving accession requirements, resulting in dozens of highly qualified cadets being notified of a pilot career field selection.
These additions came after Headquarters Air Force Manpower, Personnel and…
HHBN, U.S. Army South welcomes new leadership in change of responsibility ceremony
Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), U.S. Army South (USARSOUTH), conducted a change of responsibility ceremony on January 10, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, marking the transition of senior enlisted leadership within the battalion.
Command Sgt. Maj. Deitra Alam relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Honsinger in a ceremony presided over by HHBN commander, Lt. Col. Laura Hamilton.
During the ceremony, Hamilton highlighted the significant contributions of Alam while welcoming Honsinger and his Family to the battalion.
“Today, we bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Deitra Alam, a leader who has profoundly shaped this battalion and our organization,” Hamilton said. “For seven months, I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside her, and I can confidently say that she is the embodiment of what a command sergeant major should be: a mentor, a guide, and an unwavering advocate for Soldiers.” – Hamilton expressed her enthusiasm for working with Honsinger.
“To Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Honsinger, wife Adriana, and son Paul, welcome to the team,” Hamilton exclaimed. “I am excited to work alongside you and your Family as we continue to lead this battalion together. Your reputation for excellence and dedication precedes you, and I have no doubt that you will bring incredible energy and…
Defense Innovation Board Advances Military Innovation With Key Studies and Strategic Recommendations
Defense innovation board recommendations continue to advance national security efforts
Over the past three years, the Defense Innovation Board has been a powerful advisory resource to advance innovation within the Defense Department, and to provide the secretary and deputy secretaries of defense with independent, practical, and actionable advice and recommendations about how to make use of that innovation.
“The Defense Innovation Board has played a pivotal role in driving innovation within the ,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. “Over the past four years, the DIB’s diverse expertise and practical recommendations have provided the department with valuable insights and actionable strategies to accelerate innovation at speed and scale, ensuring that the DOD remains at the forefront of technological advancements and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.”
The board originally stood up in February 2016. After a brief hiatus and subsequent reappointed in 2021, the insights and recommendations provided by the DIB have continued to strengthen department efforts to scale and adopt innovative technologies and systems.
“Innovation is a never-ending imperative for DOD, and I’m deeply proud of the progress we’ve made over the last four years — substantially lowering barriers to innovation across the DOD-enterprise, from the boardroom to the battlespace,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen…
U.S. Navy Receives Newest Attack Submarine, USS Iowa, Enhancing Undersea Capabilities
The U.S. Navy Submarine Force’s newest attack submarine, the future USS Iowa (SSN 797) was delivered to the Navy on Dec. 22, 2024, marking the 12th battle force ship delivered to the Navy this calendar year.
SSN 797 is the 24th Virginia-class submarine (VCS) co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat…
U.S. Sanctions Georgian Officials for Human Rights Violations Amidst Brutal Crackdowns on Protests and Media
Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two Georgian officials from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs which has engaged in brutal crackdowns on media members, opposition figures, and protesters — including during demonstrations throughout 2024. These officials are being sanctioned under Executive Order (E.O.)…
U.S. Special Operations Forces Play Key Role in Countering Great Power Competition With China and Russia, Says Defense Official
Special operations forces have been crucial in U.S. counterterrorism efforts, but they also have a place in what is also known as a great power competition, said Chris Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict.
Maier spoke at the Center for a New American Security,…
U.S. Space Force Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Reflections on Achievements and Future Goals
The U.S. Space Force, which stood up Dec. 20, 2019, is America’s newest military service branch. Last Friday, service leaders marked Space Force’s 5th birthday with a small celebration in the Pentagon.
“I’m very reflective on our 5th birthday of all the things that we’ve accomplished,” said Chief of Space…
Senate Passes Bipartisan Outdoors for All Act to Enhance Urban Park Access for Underserved Communities
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Senate passed his bipartisan Outdoors for All Act, legislation that would expand outdoor recreational opportunities in urban and low-income communities across the nation. The bill passed today as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which…
Project part of a $10 billion multi-phase replacement to modernize one of the world’s busiest bus terminals
By Sandy Di Angelis / Associate WriterThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Build America Bureau (Bureau) today announced it provided a $1.89 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to the PANYNJ to modernize the Midtown Bus Terminal, one of the world’s busiest bus terminals, serving 65 million annual passengers. The loan supports construction of bus storage and staging facilities, new ramps accessing the Lincoln Tunnel, and 3.5 acres of publicly accessible open green space, the first phase of a $10 billion plan for a new 2.1-million-square-foot main terminal. The Bureau helps communities accelerate delivery of infrastructure projects and reduce project costs by providing low-interest, flexible term loans and other financing tools.
“For decades, one of the busiest bus terminals in the world deteriorated and needed major upgrades and modernization,” said Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Christopher Coes. “With over 250,000 daily passengers and even higher demand predicted, this project is crucial to the region and the health of our economy, creating 6,000 construction jobs in the process.”
“It’s important to acknowledge the impact that this project will have on the community and the Port Authority’s innovative approach to make this long-planned project finally become a reality,” said Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian, Ph.D. “By using TIFIA and embracing innovative financing, the Port Authority will provide a state-of-the-art, reliable, and efficient bus facility much sooner than it otherwise could.”
The new Midtown Bus Terminal will replace the 74-year-old obsolete and deteriorated terminal with a world-class facility. Reliable and efficient bus service between New York and New Jersey is…
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California National Guard Mobilizes to Combat Devastating Wildfires as Federal Support Intensifies
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks Outlines Key Lessons for U.S. Strategic Competition With China
U.S. Designates Individuals and Entities for Supporting North Korea’s Military Provocations and Ties With Russia
The United States is designating eleven individuals and eight entities for their actions, enabling the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and its support to Russia.
On October 31, 2024, the DPRK conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, the first since December 2023. Subsequently, on November 5, 2024, the…
Concern Grows Over Drone Sightings Above Military Installations in New Jersey
In recent weeks, a number of drones have been sighted over New Jersey, prompting concern and thousands of telephone calls to report them. Some of those drones have even been sighted over Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, both in New Jersey.
During an on-background telephone call today, officials…
U.S. Missile Defense Agency Achieves First Successful Ballistic Missile Intercept From Guam
The Missile Defense Agency, on Tuesday, conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target from Guam, the Pentagon has announced.
Partnering with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and other Defense Department partners, MDA’s Guam test represented the first ballistic missile defense test executed from that U.S. territory, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary…
Soldiers and airmen from California's Army National Guard and Air National Guard spent the weekend combating the multiple wildfires that have been wreaking destruction in Los Angeles County
Soldiers and airmen from California’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard spent the weekend combating the multiple wildfires that have been wreaking destruction in Los Angeles County for the past week.
“As the situation with the devastating California wildfires continues to evolve, remains closely engaged and committed to supporting the response efforts,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told the media during a briefing today.
“The department remains committed to providing assistance and support to those affected by the wildfires,” Ryder added. “And we’ll continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners to respond to this disaster as we enter the final days of the current administration.”
There are currently eight Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft currently on station at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in nearby Ventura County working to assist in firefighting efforts, Ryder said.
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Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks Outlines Key Lessons for U.S. Strategic Competition With China
U.S. Takes Firm Action Against Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses on International Anti-Corruption Day
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…
Senate Passes Padilla, Murkowski Bill to Reauthorize National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
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…
U.S. Central Command Conducts Successful Self-Defense Strikes Against Threats in Eastern 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…