Category: Policies & Impacts

White House Announces ‘Cyber Trust Mark’ Labeling Initiative for Smart Devices

The Biden administration is planning to launch a new cybersecurity certification and labeling program aimed at helping Americans make more informed decisions when it comes to purchasing smart devices that are less vulnerable to cyberattacks. Known as the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” program, the initiative will be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according…


US Needs to Step Up Efforts in Arctic as China, Russia Eye Alliance in Region: Experts

Experts say China’s communist regime is positioning itself to exert influence above the Arctic Circle through an alliance with Russia. They warn that the United States must take steps to protect its interests before it’s too late. “America cannot afford to fall behind,” said Luke Coffey, a senior fellow with the Hudson Institute. Mr. Coffey…


Biden Admin to Grant Funds for Environmental Protection in Trump Border Wall Case

The Biden administration has agreed to settle lawsuits related to former President Donald Trump’s construction of the border wall and will fund environmental protection measures to compensate for the alleged harm to nature caused by such construction activities. A coalition of 18 states, led by California, had sued the Trump administration in 2019 and 2020,…


Biden’s Student Bailout May Cost Taxpayers $475 Billion: Penn University Study

President Joe Biden’s proposed income-based student loan repayment plan could cost $475 billion over a period of 10 years and end up encouraging “more loan borrowing” among college students, according to the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Biden’s “Saving on A Valuable Education” (SAVE) scheme aims to reduce the income-based monthly payments on student loans by…


Federal Judge Rules That Oregon Gun Measure Is Constitutional

Following a week-long trial in early June, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut ruled on July 14 that Oregon’s voter-approved gun safety laws are constitutional under the United States Constitution. For now, though, Ballot Measure 114 remains on hold due to a state court injunction. The case is among the first challenges heard since the…


Education Secretary Tells Students With Loans to ‘Pay What You Can Afford’

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on Monday that the department will continue to extend support for student loan holders and look for ways to provide more relief for existing borrowers, two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a government attempt to forgive millions of such loans. “The goal is to be able to pay…


Biden Administration Targeting Schools That Removed Sexually Explicit Books: Conservatives

Conservatives say the Biden administration is once again cracking down on parental rights by going after schools where parents fought to remove sexually inappropriate books. The White House released a statement on June 8 announcing the appointment of a new DEO coordinator “to address the growing threat that book bans pose for the civil rights…


Treasury Secretary Yellen Doesn’t Expect a Recession in US

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said during an interview that the U.S. economy would not be hit by a recession. While Ms. Yellen was in attendance at a G-20 summit in Gandhinagar, India, she told Bloomberg on July 17 that the United States was making good progress in bringing inflation down this year. Ms. Yellen…


House Republicans Seek Transparency on Meta’s Content Moderation Policy on Threads

House Republicans sent a letter demanding Meta answer if policies on its new Twitter-style platform, Threads, violates free speech. The letter, which was obtained exclusively by CNBC, is a hint that Meta’s latest product could bring it further scrutiny in Congress. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asked Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on July 17 to send…


DeSantis Lays Out His Middle East Policy Supporting Israel

Speaking to Christian Zionists, Ron DeSantis outlined his strong support for Israel as Florida’s governor and before that in Congress. If elected, he told Christians United For Israel (CUFI) on July 17 at their annual Washington summit, he would push for an Israel–Saudi peace deal to end Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. He said he…