Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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USDA Announces Second FY 2026 Signup for Conservation Programs in Rhode Island
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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USDA Announces Second FY 2026 Signup for Conservation Programs in Rhode Island
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This second signup date allows farmers who missed our previous signup to participate in:
* Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
* Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
* Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)
Rhode Island encourages RI farmers to participate in the new Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP). Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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USDA Announces Second FY 2026 Signup for Conservation Programs in Rhode Island
*
This second signup date allows farmers who missed our previous signup to participate in:
* Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
* Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
* Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)
Rhode Island encourages RI farmers to participate in the new Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP). Regenerative Agriculture is a conservationmanagement approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. This pilot program addresses whole-farm resource concerns through support for voluntary regenerative agriculture conservation plans.
"NRCS in Rhode Island continues our commitment to our farmers, woodland owners, and aquaculture producers to advance conservation, strengthen service delivery, and support the men and women who feed and fuel our nation," said Acting NRCS State Conservationist Thomas L. Morgart.
NRCS helps Ocean State farmers, private woodland owners, and aquaculture growers apply conservation practices and activities on their land. We offer a variety of practices like cover crops, tree planting, composting facilities, pasture & hay planting, oyster reef restoration, wildlife habitat planting, efficient irrigation systems, and soil health testing.
All our NRCS financial and technical assistance programs are voluntary programs that help our clients to install or manage conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Rhode Island's landscapes, including cropland, pastureland, and private non-industrial forestlands. The next application cutoff date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
Visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov or call your local NRCS Field Office or Conservation District Office for more information:
* Rhode Island State Office : 401-828-1300, ri-nrcs-publicinfo@usda.gov
* Eastern Rhode Island - Serving Bristol & Newport counties
* NRCS Field Office: 401-786-1389
* Conservation District Office: 401-934-0842
* Northern Rhode Island - Serving Providence county
* NRCS Field Office: 401-822-8835
* Conservation District Office: 401-934-0840
* Southern Rhode Island - Serving Kent & Washington counties
* NRCS Field Office: 401-822-8837
* Conservation District Office: 401-661-5761
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Original text here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/rhode-island/news/usda-announces-second-fy-2026-signup-for-conservation-programs-in
State Department Issues Public Schedule for Feb. 15, 2026
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Feb. 15, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio is on travel to Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary from February 13-16, 2026.
11:15 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava, Slovakia.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
12:45 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Slovakia.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
1:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Feb. 15, 2026:
* * *
SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio is on travel to Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary from February 13-16, 2026.
11:15 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava, Slovakia.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
12:45 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Slovakia.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
1:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico inBratislava, Slovakia.
(OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
The availability will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
3:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a meet and greet with employees and families of U.S. Mission Slovakia in Bratislava, Slovakia.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
7:15 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a meet and greet with employees and families of U.S. Mission Hungary in Budapest, Hungary.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/public-schedule-february-15-2026/
Secretary of State Rubio Issues Statement on Lithuania National Day
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Feb. 16, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio on Lithuania National Day:
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On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Lithuania as you mark your 108th Independence Day.
Lithuania is a trusted partner and a model Ally. Its sustained defense investments and serious approach to burden-sharing strengthen NATO and reinforce security on the Alliance's eastern flank.
Lithuania's leadership reflects a clear commitment to national sovereignty, democratic self-determination, and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Feb. 16, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio on Lithuania National Day:
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On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Lithuania as you mark your 108th Independence Day.
Lithuania is a trusted partner and a model Ally. Its sustained defense investments and serious approach to burden-sharing strengthen NATO and reinforce security on the Alliance's eastern flank.
Lithuania's leadership reflects a clear commitment to national sovereignty, democratic self-determination, andresponsible governance. We welcome Lithuania's resolve in addressing shared challenges, and in supporting a free and open international system.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary through the Freedom 250 initiative, we value partnerships grounded in independence, free-market principles, and shared responsibility for collective defense. I extend my best wishes to the people of Lithuania for continued strength, security, and prosperity.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/lithuania-national-day/
Secretary Rubio Advances National Security Through Civil Nuclear Deals in Central Europe
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2026:
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Secretary Rubio Advances National Security Through Civil Nuclear Deals in Central Europe
In Bratislava and Budapest February 15-16, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced concrete steps towards building nuclear power plants in Central Europe using cutting-edge U.S. nuclear energy technologies, advancing our mutual security interests in the region. These announcements pave the way to improve the region's energy security, grow industrial strength, and meet emerging tech competitiveness
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2026:
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Secretary Rubio Advances National Security Through Civil Nuclear Deals in Central Europe
In Bratislava and Budapest February 15-16, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced concrete steps towards building nuclear power plants in Central Europe using cutting-edge U.S. nuclear energy technologies, advancing our mutual security interests in the region. These announcements pave the way to improve the region's energy security, grow industrial strength, and meet emerging tech competitivenessgoals, like powering and harnessing AI.
* In Slovakia, implementation of the U.S.-Slovakia Intergovernmental agreement signed on January 16 will begin with U.S. funding to jumpstart the vitally important preconstruction phase - Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study - for a new Westinghouse large reactor build. The FEED work will be carried out under the Department of State's Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program, which helps countries build safe, secure, responsible nuclear energy programs.
* In Budapest, Secretary Rubio (a) signed the U.S.-Hungary Civil Nuclear Intergovernmental Agreement, which will deliver decades of cooperation in nuclear energy, (b) underscores U.S. commitment to making Hungary a hub for regional small modular reactor (SMR) development, and encouraged Hungary to select U.S. SMR technology, and (c) reaffirmed that U.S. firm Holtec International is ready to help Hungary handle spent nuclear fuel storage - a dry cask storage system that boasts maximum security, safety, and flexibility - subject to parliamentary action.
These national security achievements deliver on President Trump's EO 14299 - "Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security." Cumulatively they represent over $15 billion in business opportunities for U.S. vendors and thousands of jobs for U.S. workers.
The United States is committed to supporting the national security objectives of friends and allies using innovative nuclear energy technologies that draw on 70 years of U.S. global leadership in nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/secretary-rubio-advances-national-security-through-civil-nuclear-deals-in-central-europe/
President Trump Issues Statement on Susan B. Anthony Day
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 15, 2026, on Susan B. Anthony Day:
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Today, we honor the life and legacy of Susan B. Anthony--a true American giant and an unwavering advocate for the cause of human dignity. On what would have been her 206th birthday, we recommit to the timeless truth she spent her life defending: that every human being is made in the holy image of God.
Susan B. Anthony was a champion for women's suffrage, abolition, the sanctity of life, and the dignity of work. During her storied life, she co-founded the National Woman Suffrage
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 15, 2026, on Susan B. Anthony Day:
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Today, we honor the life and legacy of Susan B. Anthony--a true American giant and an unwavering advocate for the cause of human dignity. On what would have been her 206th birthday, we recommit to the timeless truth she spent her life defending: that every human being is made in the holy image of God.
Susan B. Anthony was a champion for women's suffrage, abolition, the sanctity of life, and the dignity of work. During her storied life, she co-founded the National Woman SuffrageAssociation, traveled the Nation delivering inspiring speeches to crowds of thousands, and never stopped fighting to advance the cause of liberty. Her tireless efforts later laid the foundation for the ratification of the 19th Amendment--securing women's right to vote. Anthony is also remembered for her fierce moral clarity in condemning abortion and her steadfast work to end slavery.
My Administration is proudly carrying forth the torch of Anthony's legacy by fearlessly protecting life, women, and families. We are bolstering federal support for adoption, expanding vital resources for expectant mothers, defending equal opportunities for women and girls in athletics, ending taxpayer-funded abortion, and upholding the First Amendment freedoms that made Anthony's extraordinary advocacy possible.
As we honor the monumental contributions of Susan B. Anthony to our great American story, we recommit as one people to building a Nation where every citizen can thrive, every child is cherished, and the blessings of liberty and justice are secured for all.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/presidential-message-on-susan-b-anthony-day/
President Trump Issues Proclamation on President George Washington's Birthday, 2026
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Feb. 16, 2026:
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PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, 2026
Today, our Nation honors President George Washington, our foremost American hero, the face of the American Revolution, and a champion of American liberty. On President Washington's Birthday, particularly as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we pay tribute to the father of our country, and with immeasurable pride and gratitude, we salute his unwavering fidelity to law, liberty, and the common good. As we chart the course toward the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Feb. 16, 2026:
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PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, 2026
Today, our Nation honors President George Washington, our foremost American hero, the face of the American Revolution, and a champion of American liberty. On President Washington's Birthday, particularly as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we pay tribute to the father of our country, and with immeasurable pride and gratitude, we salute his unwavering fidelity to law, liberty, and the common good. As we chart the course toward thenext 250 years of our great American story, we commit to forging a future that emulates his grace, imitates his courage, and mirrors his unshakable devotion to the promise of freedom.
Born in the Virginia Colony in 1732, George Washington was first commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1754, fighting in the early stages of the French and Indian War before serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he grew increasingly outspoken against the British Crown's reign of taxation and tyranny. He assembled a band of farmers, frontiersmen, blacksmiths, and merchants to create the Continental Army, eventually leading them to victory at Yorktown over the British Army and their Hessian allies.
Through every triumph and tribulation, he carried himself with unfailing dignity and resolve. When defeat seemed all but certain during Christmas of 1776, he rallied his men to cross the Delaware River and wrested victory at Trenton. When faced with insurmountable odds and threats of mutiny during the brutal winter at Valley Forge, he persevered and prevailed. When decades of war and public service left him weary and longing for solitude, he continued selflessly answering duty's call. When Europe descended into warfare, he courageously put our national interests and the cause of peace first. And when confronted with a violent uprising from rogue actors during the Whiskey Rebellion, he defended the rule of law and our Constitution with confidence and strength. Time and again, when any other man would have surrendered to despair, Washington pressed forward with unmatched determination.
Despite his desire to exit public life and enjoy the fruits of retirement, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention at Independence Hall and was later unanimously elected as our first President in 1789 -- serving two terms before voluntarily relinquishing power and returning home to his beloved Mount Vernon, setting the precedent for the new Republic. Upon his retirement, King George III, once Washington's political foe, hailed him as "the greatest man of the age." By the time of his death, he commanded the respect of the entire world.
Among President Washington's greatest legacies is his timeless insistence that, in order to be a great Nation, America must be a Nation that prays and gives thanks to our Creator. As he famously declared in his Farewell Address, "virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government," and our faith in God is indispensable to our prosperity and strength.
Driven by his relentless tenacity until his very last breath, Washington was a champion of American sovereignty, a brilliant unifier and tactician, and a man of devout faith and incorruptible conscience -- and his visionary leadership remains forever imprinted on the soul of our Nation.
Following President Washington's death in December of 1799, the great Henry Lee declared that Washington was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." To this very day, he remains the first in our hearts and souls -- and his courage and resolve remain the birthright of every American citizen. As we pay tribute to our first Commander in Chief and set our eyes toward our next 250 years of liberty, we pledge to build a future that honors his legacy, cherishes his wisdom, and restores America as one glorious Nation under God.
It is therefore fitting that as we celebrate what would have been his 294th birthday -- and as we commemorate 250 years of American freedom and independence -- we pause to offer our gratitude for President Washington's gallant life of public service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2026, as a reserved holiday commemorating President George Washington's Birthday.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/02/president-george-washingtons-birthday-2026/
President Trump Celebrates America's New Golden Age on Presidents' Day
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The White House issued the following news on Feb. 16, 2026:
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President Trump Celebrates America's New Golden Age on Presidents' Day
On this Presidents' Day, President Donald J. Trump honors the enduring spirit of American leadership by reflecting on the extraordinary progress achieved in his second term. Under his decisive leadership, the nation has experienced a historic turnaround: inflation has plummeted to its lowest levels in years; the stock market has soared to unprecedented heights; our great military stands stronger than ever; law enforcement is empowered;
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The White House issued the following news on Feb. 16, 2026:
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President Trump Celebrates America's New Golden Age on Presidents' Day
On this Presidents' Day, President Donald J. Trump honors the enduring spirit of American leadership by reflecting on the extraordinary progress achieved in his second term. Under his decisive leadership, the nation has experienced a historic turnaround: inflation has plummeted to its lowest levels in years; the stock market has soared to unprecedented heights; our great military stands stronger than ever; law enforcement is empowered;the border is more secure than at any point in history; and violent crime has plunged to record lows across our cities.
These victories mark the dawn of a new Golden Age of American greatness -- where hardworking American citizens are safer, more prosperous, and prouder than ever before.
Prices and inflation are way down.
President Trump's decisive economic policies are delivering real relief to American families by slashing inflation, restoring affordability, and increasing take-home pay -- paving the way for a Golden Era of prosperity.
* Core inflation -- the best measure of inflation -- has dropped to its lowest level in nearly five years, underscoring the sustained progress made in the Trump Economy.
* In President Trump's first year back in office, real earnings for private-sector workers have significantly outpaced inflation, putting nearly $1,400 more in workers' pockets and beginning to reverse the nearly $3,000 they lost under Biden.
President Trump is also fulfilling his promise to lower costs for hardworking Americans. Key prices dropped in January and over the past year:
* The prices of staple food items like beef, eggs, and coffee are declining, reflecting the success of President Trump's pro-growth, anti-inflation agenda and targeted efforts to tackle high costs in essential areas.
* Energy prices fell last month, while gasoline prices reaching some of the lowest levels in years.
* Prescription drug prices are down over the past year -- with even greater savings on the horizon from President Trump's landmark drug pricing reforms and the Great Healthcare Plan.
The stock market and 401(k)s are way up.
The stock market has rebounded strongly under President Trump's leadership -- with each of the major stock market indices hitting record high after record high, creating trillions in new wealth for American families.
* The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq have all shattered multiple all-time highs, with the S&P surging nearly 40% from its early-year low and the Dow surpassing 50,000 for the first time ever.
* 401(k) balances for millions of workers have grown substantially, delivering the largest gains in history and securing brighter retirements for hardworking Americans.
Our military is strong and powerful.
President Trump has rebuilt and strengthened the U.S. military, ensuring it remains the most powerful and respected fighting force in the world -- ready to deter threats and protect American interests.
* Defense spending has hit record levels, fueling modernization, a revitalized industrial base, and the strongest force in American history -- with recruitment surging to record highs.
* Renewed leadership and emphasis on strengthening the American warfighter has allowed the Trump Administration to conduct remarkable military actions, including destroying Iran's nuclear weapons capability and the capture of narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
Our law enforcement is great.
Our brave law enforcement officers are backed like never before -- with resources, respect, and tools to keep our communities safe.
* President Trump's pro-law enforcement agenda has empowered police to pursue criminals without fear, driving down crime across the nation.
* Federal partnerships with state and local forces have driven crime rates in Democrat-run cities to historic lows.
Our border is 100% secure.
Thanks to President Trump's bold actions -- including declaring a national emergency, deploying military support, ending catch-and-release, and aggressive enforcement--the southern border is more secure than at any time in modern history.
* U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions have plunged to historic lows, with January seeing apprehensions along the Southwest border plummet to 93% below historical averages, and zero releases into the interior for nine straight months.
* Nationwide encounters remain at record lows, marking the most secure border in U.S. history.
Murders and crime are at record lows.
After years of chaos, skyrocketing crime, and soft-on-crime policies under Radical Left policies plunged the nation's biggest cities into anarchy and disorder, President Trump took office on a promise to restore public safety -- and he has delivered.
* New data shows steep declines across every major violent crime category in 2025 compared to the prior year: overall murders down 19%, robberies down 20%, and aggravated assaults down nearly 10%.
* The murder rate in the nation's biggest cities has fallen to its lowest level in at least 125 years -- marking the largest single-year drop in recorded history. Beyond murders, the nation also saw dramatic reductions in rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, shooting deaths (fewest since 2015), on-duty law enforcement officer deaths (80-year low), traffic fatalities, and overdose deaths.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/02/president-trump-celebrates-americas-new-golden-era-on-presidents-day/
