Tommy Tuberville backs down on military holds
On Tuesday, The Hill reported that U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) has backed down and will no longer blockade hundreds of military promotions. Tuberville has come under withering fire from Republicans and Democrats over his refusal to give unanimous consent to Biden’s military promotions. Tuberville began his months-long blockade of the promotions in response to the Biden Administration’s policy of paying for abortion-related travel expenses for servicemembers and their families – a policy that Tuberville says was implemented illegally without the approval of Congress and which violates the Hyde Amendment. Critics of Tuberville’s stance say that the holds are damaging military readiness – a criticism that Tuberville has denied. Tuberville said he is jumping on board with an idea presented by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) that would release his holds on military officers at the 3-star level and below. A hold will remain in place for the roughly ten nominations for 4-star generals and above. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) has been threatening to bring a proposed rule change to the floor of the Senate this week that would change the Senate rules to limit the power of individual Senators to place holds on promotions and nominations. That rule change passed out of committee on a party-line vote, but some Republican Senators have threatened to vote in favor of the rule change if it comes to the floor if that is what it was going to take to end the impasse on the promotions issue. Tuberville had assured colleagues that he would find a way to resolve this issue before a rules change vote. “We just came to a conclusion that all of us are against a rule change in the Senate,” Tuberville told reporters in comments shared with Alabama Today. “We are all against it. Now, it has been a long fight. We fought hard. We did the right thing for the unborn and for our military, fighting back against executive overreach and an abortion policy that is not illegal. That being said Senator Schumer changed the rules on us in the NDAA. When you change the rules it is hard to beat somebody.” “I not am not going to hold the promotions of these people any longer,” Tuberville said. “We just released them. Everybody, I think about 440 of them. Everybody but the ten or eleven four stars. Those will continue to be held. We are going to ask Senator Schumer to bring up one at a time One at a time. The way our military is today, our top, top leaders need to be vetted just like everybody else. We need to know who they are and why they are making all the decisions of our military. It is so so important.” Below is audio of Tuberville’s press comments. “It has been tough,” Tuberville said. “It almost took a year since I sent that letter, but the big thing is that we are all together in our caucus that nobody – it will be 100 percent – will vote against any standing order in the Senate that will change the rules for these holds.” Growing tensions in the world, including the rapidly worsening situation with Iran in the Middle East, Chinese provocations towards Taiwan in Asia, and setbacks by Ukraine in their war with Russia, have only increased concerns that the military’s readiness should take precedence over all other concerns right now. Tuberville was elected to the Senate in 2020 after decades coaching football. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Federation of Republican Women elect new leadership
The Alabama Federation of Republican Women recently elected new leadership. Tiffany Noel was elected President last week during their annual conference. In an email to the membership, Noel stated, “I want to express my gratitude for those who supported me in the election. For those of you who had hoped for a different outcome, I look forward to earning your trust as we unite our federation and begin the job of electing Republicans in 2024 and beyond. I am honored to serve you as AFRW President. I also want to congratulate the entire slate of newly elected officers.” The newly elected officers are: 1st Vice President – Judy Motlow 2nd Vice President – Diane Caldwell 3rd Vice President – Jane Wardrobe 4th Vice President – Robin Foy Recording Secretary – Libby Franklin Assistant Recording Secretary – Judy Hamrick Corresponding Secretary – Leslie Olson Treasurer – Teresa Rima Assistant Treasurer – Liz Bishop The email continued, “It’s time to begin putting our plans into action and build on the legacy and foundation of the many women who have come before us. I have some big hopes and dreams for the future of the federation. As I told you on Friday, I want to lead with grace, optimism, and perseverance. I know that if you turn on the news these days, things look bleak. The media wants us to believe that Republicans are too divided and fractured to come together and win. But I am optimistic that with grace and perseverance, we can unite. The things that unite us – liberty, freedom, and love for our country are much bigger than the things that divide us. Let’s thank God for the grace He has shed on our country, the grace he has freely given each of us, and because of that, the grace we give to each other. Let’s always be optimistic in the face of what might seem insurmountable odds. Let’s persevere when times get tough. Never back down. Never quit. My promise to you is that I will lead with these principles in mind.”
Gov. Kay Ivey says Alabama is making progress on expanding digital infrastructure
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) on Monday continued her broadband tour with an event at Cullman Electric Cooperative in Cullman County. Ivey discussed upcoming broadband projects in Cullman and Winston counties. “Our presence in Cullman County today underscores our commitment to providing access to high-speed internet for every Alabamian,” said Gov. Ivey. “The remarkable strides made here, supported by the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund and Cullman Electric Cooperative, signify our dedication to connecting unserved residents. This milestone represents our journey towards statewide connectivity, demonstrating that when one community gains access, we all move closer to a more connected and prosperous Alabama.” Ivey was joined by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, Cullman Electric Cooperative CEO Tim Culpepper, state Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), and state Reps. Randall Shedd (R-Cullman) as well as Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley). The speakers addressed the nearly $7 million in grant and matching funds committed for broadband projects in the area. The broadband expansion will give over 1,300 currently unserved addresses the ability to be connected in Cullman and Winston counties. Ivey and Boswell also discussed the overall success of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF). ABAF is funded by the Alabama Legislature. It supports targeted projects in communities in need of high-speed internet access. These funds, awarded by Governor Ivey and managed by ADECA, give internet service providers the ability to execute projects that connect individual households, businesses, community anchor institutions such as libraries and schools, and others to broadband infrastructure. “A primary mission of mine in the Alabama Legislature is to ensure that every single Alabamian will have access to high-speed internet,” said Rep. Shedd. “I was proud to discuss the progress we have made so far in my district, and I look forward to continuing our work to make sure that all Alabamians can take advantage of the 21st-century technology that is critical to everyday life. These investments we have made through programs like the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund have already brought high-speed internet access to tens of thousands of households and businesses, with tens of thousands more on the way.” “Our continued progress in expanding high-speed internet access would not be possible without a unified team working hard every day to accomplish our state broadband goals,” said Director Boswell. “This team includes Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, and others too many to name working together to make sure Alabama residents and Alabama communities have the tools needed to thrive.” Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting more than 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe. Following the program, Governor Ivey, speakers, and residents of Cullman and Winston counties participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking. Alabamians interested in learning more about what the state is doing to expand high-speed internet access are encouraged to visit the Be Linked Alabama website, a hub of internet expansion information and news. It includes the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles and dashboards, and statewide broadband news. Be Linked Alabama represents the state’s united effort to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. As Alabama works toward achieving the goal of high-speed internet access for all, the statewide initiative is coordinated by ADECA and brings together partners from across the state, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, research institutions, utility companies, community leaders, and the public. The state has received hundreds of millions of dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act and the infrastructure bill to spend on rural broadband projects. Broadband expansion combined with road and bridge infrastructure improvements, aggressive economic development efforts, and improving the state’s education system is all a part of Gov. Ivey’s broader plan to reverse the decades-long decline in rural Alabama counties. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party hosting Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday night
The Alabama Republican Party will host GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in a reception Tuesday night in Hoover before the state hosts the leading Republican Presidential Debate Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. “I am pleased to have Vivek Ramaswamy joining us as we kick off debate week here in Alabama!” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl in a statement on Tuesday. “This is a historic occasion for our state as we hold our first ever nationally televised presidential debate, and I am appreciative that one of our Party’s rising political figures will be headlining this reception for the Alabama Republican Party. I look forward to giving the people of Alabama the chance to meet Mr. Ramaswamy and showcasing our amazing state to another presidential candidate.” The event will be held at the Ross Bridge Resort on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Ramaswamy is the latest presidential candidate to visit with the Alabama GOP this year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis headlined the Party’s Winter Dinner in Birmingham and former President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at their Summer Dinner in Montgomery. Barring an epic meltdown on the part of the GOP nominee, most political analysts believe that, win or lose, Alabama will vote for the GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election (it has for the last 11 presidential elections in a row). “Alabama is one of the strongest Republican states in the nation, and I am proud we have this opportunity to host all of our presidential candidates at the upcoming debate in Tuscaloosa,” said Chairman Wahl. “Raising Alabama’s political profile is one of my top priorities as ALGOP Chairman, and I am excited this debate will continue the work the Party has been doing in this area.” Ramaswamy is a Hindu of Indian subcontinent descent. He is a successful businessman, a husband, and a father of two. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. Ramaswamy has embraced an “America First” foreign policy that opposes more aid for Ukraine, is skeptical of aid for Israel, and opposes guaranteeing Taiwan’s independence. Ramaswamy has had some very heated debate stage confrontations with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the last debate, Haley called Ramaswamy “Scum” after he pointed out that Haley’s daughter has a Tik Tok account. “I wasn’t criticizing her daughter. I was criticizing Nikki Haley,” said Ramaswamy. “She says we need a new generation of leadership. She’s on the wrong side of that generational divide.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey breaks ground at second broadband stop, signaling digital infrastructure progress
On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey made a second stop on her broadband tour at Cullman Electric Cooperative in Cullman County, discussing upcoming broadband projects in Cullman and Winston counties. Following the program, Governor Ivey, speakers, and residents of Cullman and Winston counties participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking. “Our presence in Cullman County today underscores our commitment to providing access to high-speed internet for every Alabamian. The remarkable strides made here, supported by the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) and Cullman Electric Cooperative, signify our dedication to connecting unserved residents,” said Governor Ivey. “This milestone represents our journey towards statewide connectivity, demonstrating that when one community gains access, we all move closer to a more connected and prosperous Alabama.” Made the second stop on my broadband tour this morning. For Alabamians in Cullman and Winston counties, there are projects underway to expand access to high-speed internet. I was proud to ceremonially break ground on them today. ⬇️ #alpolitics (1/2) pic.twitter.com/pGCfCfS9cR — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) December 4, 2023 Ivey was joined by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, Cullman Electric Cooperative CEO Tim Culpepper, state Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), and state Reps. Randall Shedd (R-Cullman) and Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley). The $7 million in grant and matching funds committed for broadband projects will give over 1,300 currently unserved addresses the ability to be connected in Cullman and Winston counties. ABAF, which is funded by the Alabama Legislature, supports targeted projects in communities in need of high-speed internet access. These funds, awarded by Governor Ivey and managed by ADECA, give internet service providers the ability to execute projects that connect individual households, businesses, community anchor institutions such as libraries and schools, and others to broadband infrastructure. “A primary mission of mine in the Alabama Legislature is to ensure that every single Alabamian will have access to high-speed internet,” said Rep. Shedd. “I was proud to discuss the progress we have made so far in my district, and I look forward to continuing our work to make sure that all Alabamians can take advantage of the 21st-century technology that is critical to everyday life. These investments we have made through programs like the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund have already brought high-speed internet access to tens of thousands of households and businesses, with tens of thousands more on the way.” Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting more than 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses, and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe. “Our continued progress in expanding high-speed internet access would not be possible without a unified team working hard every day to accomplish our state’s broadband goals,” said Director Boswell. “This team includes Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, and others too many to name working together to make sure Alabama residents and Alabama communities have the tools needed to thrive.” Be Linked Alabama represents the state’s united effort to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. The statewide initiative is coordinated by ADECA and brings together partners from across the state, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, research institutions, utility companies, community leaders, and the public.
Tommy Tuberville and J.D. Vance write letter to the editor regarding Ukraine Aid
On Monday, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) wrote a letter to the editor of the Washington Post detailing their arguments for not supporting more aid for Ukraine. The letter is a rebuttal to a Washington Post columnist who argued that giving weapons to Ukraine makes America stronger. Sen. Tuberville has strongly opposed U.S. foreign policy supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. “The Biden administration’s new message fails to account for grave shortages in our stockpiles,” said Sens. Tuberville and Vance. “Thanks to nearly two years of mission in Ukraine, the United States is perilously unready for any additional contingency. Anything with a solid rocket motor is in short supply, including the SM-6s that would be needed in the Pacific.” “If we are expected to oblige every request for weapons “Made in the U.S.A.,” there would be no conflict from which we abstain,” Tuberville and Vance continued. “Why not send weapons to Myanmar and take a side in the Ethiopian civil war?” “Polling from Morning Consult showed that only 41 percent of Americans support further aid for Ukraine,” the conservative Senators continued. “Political spin cannot obscure that Americans no longer support aid for Ukraine. Neither should the Senate.” Tuberville does support efforts in Congress to separate legislation for aid to Israel and funding for securing the southern border. “Democrats want to tie aid to Israel to Ukraine,” Tuberville said recently in a press call with Alabama reporters. “These two wars have nothing to do with each other. Israel is our formal ally. Ukraine is not. I support the Ukrainian people, but leadership means setting priorities. What’s our goal?” “The Senate will be voting on more money for Ukraine,” Tuberville said. “You know we have already given them more than $100 billion. There has been very little transparency about where all this money has gone. $100 billion is more than enough. We need the money and the weapons here in our country.” Washington Post Columnist Mark Thiesen wrote: “As in any geopolitical or local conflict, we need to know which side we are on and support it with the best available options. Military aid improves our options to protect populations under siege and prevent more deaths while buying time until cooler heads prevail. In Ukraine, our security assistance is preventing more deaths in its cities and on its battlefields and preventing Russia from spreading into Europe.” Thiessen wrote that the anti-war aid Senators and Representatives are voting against their own interests because of the jobs created in their states and districts making the weapons that the U.S. supplies Ukraine with. Tommy Tuberville has represented Alabama in the United States Senate since 2020, where he is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama’s higher education enrollment still below pre-pandemic peaks, says state commission
Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector Enrollment in Alabama’s public institutions of higher education is recovering after a sharp decline during the COVID-19 outbreak but hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to data released last week by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. According to the preliminary numbers compiled by ACHE, two-year college enrollment in Alabama went from 45,967 in the fall of 2022 to 48,502 in the fall of 2023, a roughly 5.5% increase. At four-year colleges and universities, enrollment grew from 145,040 to 147,604, a roughly 1.8% increase. But outside some of the state’s flagship universities, the numbers are still down from their levels before the COVID outbreak. Overall enrollment in higher education in Alabama fell from 198,523 in the fall of 2019 to 196,106 this fall, a 1.2% decrease. In two-year colleges, enrollment fell from 50,474 in 2019 to 48,502 in 2023, a 3.9% decrease. At four-year colleges and universities, enrollment fell from 148,049 in 2019 to 147,604 in 2023, a 0.3% decrease. According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment grew for the first time nationally since the beginning of the pandemic. Freshman enrollment declined. Jim Purcell, executive director of ACHE, cited several reasons for the slow recovery in an interview on Friday. One is an overall decline in high school students in Alabama, a decline Purcell said would last through 2030. Students historically returned to colleges and universities after economic downturns. Now, people have more options to enter the workforce. “What’s happened is with the influx of automation and different types of jobs, I think that some people are going into the workplace a lot earlier,” he said. Looking forward, Purcell said that they are looking towards attracting more adults back to school. “Yes, we want to have people to have the initial credentials to get a good job,” he said. “But we do believe that the promotion opportunities are really related on their ability to write well, speak well, and present themselves to a large swath of the world very positively and that sometimes the bachelor’s degree can help people get to that skill set.” Some schools last week challenged ACHE’s numbers, which attempt to reflect full-time student enrollment through a formula known as full-time equivalents (FTE). The schools cited their own enrollment figures, which include part-time students, saying they showed a more significant recovery from the pandemic. Aaron Thompson, an assistant vice president for advancement and branding for Alabama A&M, wrote in an email that the school had enrolled 6,633 students in the current semester, the highest in school history. ACHE said the school had seen a 16% decline since 2019. Purcell said that FTE may stay the same even as enrollment grows. FTE is a calculation based on total credit hours applied to an equivalent number of full-time students. Enrollment numbers are the raw number of students enrolled, which could include those taking a single class. Purcell said that full-time students are what helps institutions sustain themselves. Gains Six four-year universities – The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of North Alabama, Jacksonville State University, and the University of West Alabama – have exceeded their pre-pandemic numbers. According to ACHE’s FTE numbers, the University of Alabama’s enrollment grew from 32,982 in 2019 to 34,106 this year, a roughly 3.4% increase. Auburn’s enrollment went from 27,617 to 29,422, a roughly 6.5% increase. UAB’s enrollment went from 18,846 in fall of 2019 to 18,942 in the fall of 2023, a roughly 0.51% increase. UNA’s enrollment from 5,999 to 6,932, a roughly 15.6% increase. The University of West Alabama’s student body grew from 3,817 to 4,059, a roughly 6.4% increase. Jacksonville State University went from 7105 to 7711, an 8.5% increase. Alex House, spokesperson for the University of Alabama, said in an emailed statement that the university has “well-established and strategic recruiting efforts.” “Students choose The University of Alabama for the unmatched academic programs and competitive scholarships along with a vibrant campus culture,” she wrote. Purcell said that some smaller institutions, like the University of West Alabama, are focusing on online enrollment. “There is a question at some point, whether there’ll be a saturation point for that, whether there’ll be every institution will have enough off-campus, online stuff in other states that it will sort of begin to wane, and so that’s why it’s important for the institutions to keep an eye on what’s working, what’s not, what is really a benefit to the state,” he said. For schools that are increasing student enrollment, Purcell said that he has some concerns about schools enrolling single-course students, which he said doesn’t generate sustainability or efficiency for the institutions. “We’ve just got to make sure that we’re getting people who are coming to that institution and are going to sustain, retain, and be a part of the institution for several years to to generate enough to make it financially viable,” he said. Who struggled According to ACHE’s FTE numbers, the four-year colleges and universities still affected by the pandemic include University of Alabama in Huntsville, whose enrollment fell from 8,217 to 6,991, a roughly 14.92% decrease. Alabama A&M has fallen from 6,692 to 5,614, a roughly 16.1% decrease. Alabama State University went from 4,149 to 3,867. Troy University went from 11,539 to 9,881, a roughly 14.37% decrease. The University of Montevallo went from 2,224 to 2,194, a roughly 1.35% decrease. University of South Alabama went from 12,960 to 12,482, a roughly 3.69% decrease. AUM went from 4,031 to 3,555, a decrease of 11.8%. Lance Crawford, a spokesman for the University of South Alabama, provided a September news release that said the school had grown in enrollment and retention. Matt Clover, spokesman for Troy, wrote in an email that net enrollment was only down 1% this year and was up over last year in several years. Clover said that enrollment was up for online students, international students, and new starts. “Like many institutions, Troy University has faced enrollment challenges in the aftermath
GOP governors: Biden administration, Congress should curtail foreign land buys
Seventeen Republican governors said the Biden administration and Congress should intervene in the purchase of land by foreign entities. A letter sent Monday by the governors specifically mentioned the Chinese government. “It is no secret the communist regime in China is acquiring swaths of real property throughout the United States,” the governors said in the letter. “Very recently, Gotion, Inc., a subsidiary of Chinese-controlled Gotion High-Tech, Inc., bought two hundred and seventy acres of land in Green Charter Township, Michigan, not far from the Camp Grayling National Guard facility. Unfortunately, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States declined to block—or even review—this plainly alarming transaction.” Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia passed foreign ownership laws in 2023, according to the letter. The governors said they would not tolerate inaction on the federal level. “The Biden Administration must reckon with the fact that such entities are plain threats to our national security, our farmers, and our citizenry,” the governors said. “This is especially true since the CCP enacted a law in 2017 requiring Chinese citizens abroad to collaborate with Chinese security officials on intelligence work—no questions asked.” Arkansas was the first state to order a company to divest itself of land after it failed to disclose ties to China. Syngenta Seeds, LLC, which is owned by China National Chemical Company, or ChemChina, owned the 160 acres of land in Craighead County, according to the attorney general’s office. ChemChina is on the Department of Defense’s list of Chinese military companies posing a clear threat, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in October. The seed company paid a $280,000 fine, according to Attorney General Tim Griffin. The governors of Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming also signed the letter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a December 2021 report, the latest available, that 3.1% of all privately held land and 1.8% of all U.S. land is owned by foreign entities. The number reflects a 2.4% increase since 2020. Texas has the most foreign-owned land at 5.3 million acres. Maine has the highest percentage of foreign-owned private land, 20.1%, followed by Hawaii at 9.2%. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Treasury Department launches strike force to counter illicit fentanyl
By Brett Rowland | The Center Square The Treasury Department announced Monday that it is launching a Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force ahead of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to Mexico. The strike force will use Treasury’s “resources and expertise in a coordinated and streamlined operation to combat the trafficking of illicit fentanyl.” The strike force brings together people and resources across key Treasury offices and is jointly led by the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and IRS Criminal Investigation. “The Treasury Department’s Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force will allow us to bring the Department’s unrivaled expertise in fighting financial crime to bear against this deadly epidemic,” Yellen said in a statement. “Treasury will use every tool at its disposal to disrupt the ability of drug traffickers to peddle this poison in our country.” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson and IRS Criminal Investigation Chief James Lee will lead the strike force. “On visits to the U.S. Southwest border this year, I saw firsthand how Treasury tools make a difference in disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States,” Nelson said in a statement. “The Strike Force will act quickly and decisively with the top specialists from across the Department to nimbly respond to the newest threats.” The Treasury Department has put sanctions on cartel members and associated businesses in an effort to cut them off from the U.S. financial system, which plays a key role in global financial transactions. In the past two years, the department was sanctioned almost 250 targets for involvement in drug trafficking activities. “Partnerships are key to the work we do at IRS Criminal Investigation, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with our Treasury counterparts to combat fentanyl – one of the deadliest narcotics plaguing our country,” Lee said in a statement. “To date, our team has played a key role in sanctioning and bringing criminal charges against individuals and entities involved in fentanyl trafficking, and we look forward to using our financial expertise to further disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the United States.” Yellen plans to travel to Mexico City from Dec. 5-7 to meet with government and private sector leaders about ways “to strengthen U.S.-Mexico collaboration on countering fentanyl and illicit finance,” among other issues, according to the Treasury Department. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
U.S. national debt surpasses $100K per person
By Casey Harper | The Center Square The rapidly growing debt of the U.S. federal government has hit another milestone, topping more than $100,000 per person. While the U.S. population and the U.S. national debt are large numbers that are difficult to calculate, the rough debt estimate and rough population estimate end up at about $100,000 of federal debt per person in the U.S. The U.S. Census population clock estimates the U.S. population at nearly 336 million. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department estimates the national debt is nearly $34 trillion. “The national debt just exceeded $100,000 per citizen,” Rep. John James, R-Mich., wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This should send a message to the White House that this reckless federal spending is at a breaking point.” The U.S. Treasury confirmed in the middle of last month that in the first month of this fiscal year, the federal government had a deficit of $67 billion. Concern about rising debt has grown along with the debt and recent international credit downgrades for the U.S. The federal government received a credit downgrade from Fitch Ratings, one of the top international credit rating agencies in the world. The rating went from AAA to AA+. Moody’s, one of the other top three credit rating groups, announced last week that it was lowering its evaluation of the U.S. credit from “stable” to “negative.” The trust funds for Medicare, Social Security and highways are facing insolvency within a decade as the federal government borrows billions of dollars per day. Despite these red flags, federal deficit spending, which has been elevated since the COVID-19 pandemic, Congressional spending shows little sign of slowing down. Deficits spiked during the pandemic, and while they have decreased from their COVID-era peaks, they still remain higher than before the pandemic. This graph from the Treasury Department shows the trend: Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
