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USTR: U.S.-Indonesia Deal Draws Praise From American Farmers and Industry Leaders
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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U.S.-Indonesia Deal Draws Praise from American Farmers and Industry Leaders
Last week, President Trump announced an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Indonesia, removing tariff barriers on over 99% of U.S. products to expand Americans' access to Indonesia's market of over 280 million people. This historic Agreement deepens our economic partnership with a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and creates new opportunities for American farmers, manufacturers, and producers.
Here
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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U.S.-Indonesia Deal Draws Praise from American Farmers and Industry Leaders
Last week, President Trump announced an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Indonesia, removing tariff barriers on over 99% of U.S. products to expand Americans' access to Indonesia's market of over 280 million people. This historic Agreement deepens our economic partnership with a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and creates new opportunities for American farmers, manufacturers, and producers.
Hereare the top headlines:
* New York Post: US, Indonesia finalize trade deal scrapping tariffs on almost all American goods
* New York Times: Trump and Indonesia Sign Trade Deal, Locking In 19% Tariffs
* Associated Press: Indonesia's president reaches a trade deal with US while in Washington for Trump's Board of Peace
* Reuters: Indonesia secures 19% tariff in trade deal with US
* The Diplomat: Indonesia Signs Reciprocal Trade Agreement With US, Tariff Set at 19%
* Energy Ag Wired: Indonesia Trade Deal to Benefit U.S. Ethanol
* Successful Farming: Indonesia Trade Deal Opens Major Market for U.S. Agriculture
The announcement was applauded by American farmers and industry leaders:
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud: Indonesia is the fourth-most populous country in the world and, it's a critical market for U.S. dairy farmers. Thank you to Ambassador Greer and the USTR team for securing expanded access that will directly translate into stronger demand for U.S. dairy products.
U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Krysta Harden: This important agreement enhances the strong and growing relationship we've developed with Indonesia's government and dairy industry ... This deal reinforces that progress and positions U.S. dairy to expand its capacity to serve as a reliable partner in supporting Indonesia's dairy sector and nutrition goals.
National Cattlemen's Beef Association President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver: With this agreement, American cattle producers now have access to the fourth most populous country, the largest halal beef market in the world, and more opportunities for producer profitability. When combined with the Taiwan trade deal signed last week, U.S. cattle producers now have more market access than they have had in decades. NCBA thanks President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer for their diligent work to sign this trade deal to the benefit of American producers.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom: The new agreement addresses the many barriers maintained by Indonesia, and successful implementation will allow Indonesian importers and consumers to have meaningful, consistent access to U.S. beef for the first time. The agreement also includes a 50,000 metric ton annual purchase commitment. This is in line with USMEF's market potential estimates and should help incentivize true implementation of the commitments Indonesia has made on removing its non-tariff barriers. Export value could reach $400 million to $500 million in the near term, following implementation. Exports of U.S. pork have also been restricted by Indonesia's import licensing regime and by limited approval of U.S. plants. These obstacles go away under this agreement, enabling further growth in U.S. pork exports, including further processed products. USMEF thanks the Trump administration for its continued focus on breaking down barriers for U.S. agricultural exports and we look forward to successful implementation of the U.S.-Indonesia agreement.
U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman Mark Wilson: The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council applauds the work The Trump Administration - including Ambassador Greer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Rollins - continues to do to open markets around the world to U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and co-product producers and connecting them to those who want and need our products. This move is a welcomed development and a win-win for American producers and Indonesian consumers alike.
Consortium for Common Food Names Executive Director Jaime Castaneda: The common names protections included in this agreement are especially important for America's farmers and exporters. Ensuring U.S. producers can continue to market and sell products like 'parmesan' and 'feta' in Indonesia without unfair restrictions helps preserve export opportunities and supports the livelihoods of farmers and manufacturers across the United States.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor: On the heels of a similar agreement with Guatemala, the new trade framework with Indonesia represents a renewed hope for American agriculture. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, and its adoption of 10 percent ethanol blends nationwide could open a 900 million-gallon market to American producers and farmers. We commend President Trump, Ambassador Greer, and Secretary Rollins for their ongoing commitment to unleash American energy and tear down unfair barriers to exports from rural America. There is a growing global appetite for low-carbon, low-cost biofuels, and America is well-positioned to dominate that market.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper: Indonesia has long been a priority market for U.S. ethanol, with potential demand of roughly 1 billion gallons if 10-percent ethanol blends are used nationwide. We're grateful for the hard work of President Trump and Ambassador Greer on this agreement, and we look forward to continuing our work with Indonesian officials and industry stakeholders to implement import policies that allow Indonesia to prioritize its domestically produced ethanol while allowing U.S. ethanol to fill any supply gaps or deficiencies. Together, we are excited to bring larger volumes of cleaner, more affordable fuels to the Indonesian public.
Business Software Alliance Senior Vice President of Global Policy Aaron Cooper: The US-Indonesia trade agreement is a breakthrough in digital trade policy. The agreement's provisions to eliminate tariffs on intangible digital products, guaranteeing cross-border data transfers, and supporting the permanent extension of the moratorium on digital customs duties expands access to digital services and supports the adoption of technology. This agreement sends a strong signal to the global economy and many industries that rely on open and secure digital trade, and reflects key reforms that have been core BSA priorities for nearly a decade.
Global Data Alliance: The Global Data Alliance congratulates the Governments of the United States and Indonesia on their agreement to eliminate longstanding digital trade barriers that have undermined bilateral cooperation and digital transformation in Indonesia. Today's agreement substantially reforms the US-Indonesia digital relationship for the better.
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Original text here: https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/february/us-indonesia-deal-draws-praise-american-farmers-and-industry-leaders
Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Nebraska is Latest State Partner to Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Construction of Transportation Projects
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Nebraska is Latest State Partner to Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Construction of Transportation Projects
Nebraska will be able to deliver vital road and bridge infrastructure projects at the Speed of Trump
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a new agreement with Nebraska through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to clear the way for big, beautiful infrastructure
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Nebraska is Latest State Partner to Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Construction of Transportation Projects
Nebraska will be able to deliver vital road and bridge infrastructure projects at the Speed of Trump
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a new agreement with Nebraska through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to clear the way for big, beautiful infrastructureprojects to be built faster and more efficiently. Nebraska will now assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will streamline the environmental review process for NDOT.
"Nebraska is building again thanks to President Trump," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "Today's agreement removes unnecessary federal red tape -- ensuring more major infrastructure projects are built on time and on budget. I hope to see other states follow Nebraska's lead so we can get shovels in the ground sooner and continue delivering results for the American people."
"Burdensome reviews and approvals by Washington have slowed progress on road and highway improvements in Nebraska and across the country," said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster. "Now NDOT, the agency that knows Nebraska's transportation needs best, will be able to take on additional NEPA responsibilities and ensure projects like the Lincoln East Beltway are completed in less time and at less cost to taxpayers."
Nebraska is the third state to join USDOT in this new partnership model. Last summer, Secretary Duffy promptly signed a renewed NEPA MOU with the Texas Department of Transportation, and just last month, the FHWA Administrator signed a NEPA Assignment MOU with Maine DOT.
"President Trump and Secretary Duffy are making great efforts to empower states by allowing decisions to be made at the local level -- cutting through layers of over-the-top, environmental regulation," said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. "For decades, bureaucrats have delayed or blocked critical infrastructure projects. But today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation can streamline government, accelerate timelines, and increase affordability as we continue to build our state's future. This agreement reflects our partnership up and down the Trump Administration as we continue to deliver results for Nebraskans."
"I want to thank Secretary Duffy and Administrator McMaster for their leadership and commitment to empowering states to deliver transportation projects more efficiently," said Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation Vicki Kramer. "Our experience delivering categorical exclusions coupled with a strong partnership with the Federal Highway Administration allowed Nebraska to achieve full Section 327 NEPA Assignment in less than a year. This milestone is a direct reflection of the Trump Administration's intense focus on streamlining project delivery. I am incredibly proud of the NDOT team and grateful for the support of Governor Pillen and our federal partners as we work to deliver critical infrastructure improvements more effectively for Nebraskans."
Nebraska projects that will benefit from this MOU include:
* Lincoln East Beltway - this project includes the final segment of a beltway around the city of Lincoln planned since the 1970s. It will be a four-lane freeway from the eastern end of the South Bypass (NE-2) and connect to Interstate 80 near the city of Waverly.
* US-75 Corridor Study, N-370 to Interstate 80 - this project would improve approximately six miles of US-75 from Interstate 80 in Omaha south to N-370 in Bellevue. Plans include reconstruction of mainline pavement and structures, enhanced traffic operations and safety, and improvements to seven interchanges serving the south Omaha metro area, including the communities of Bellevue, Capehart, and La Platte as well as Offutt Air Force Base.
* Interstate 480 Corridor Study, Interstate 80 to Harney Street - this project would improve mobility, safety and reduce delays on Interstate 480, where travelers in the central Omaha metro region experience high traffic volumes, collisions and recurring operational problems. Improvements will enhance traffic flow, reduce the frequency and severity of crashes and provide a more dependable corridor for the movement of people and goods.
* The City of Beatrice's Court Street Access and Safety Transformation Project - this project would reroute US-136 one block south to Market Street from its current location on Court Street. Moving through traffic and trucks south of Market will lead to increased safety in the downtown business area and allow Court Street to be redeveloped into a more pedestrian-focused corridor. The Department executed a $21 million grant agreement for the Beatrice project today as part of its efforts to move cut red tape and projects forward as quickly as possible.
Additional Information:
Nebraska joins Texas and Maine in answering Secretary Duffy's July 17, 2025 letter to the governors encouraging states "to take advantage of unique statutory authority and assume the federal environmental review process" for projects in compliance with NEPA. The agreement with Nebraska under the NEPA Assignment Program is the third reached under the Trump Administration with state DOTs and builds on actions taken by the Department to give states more decision-making authority over their projects.
FHWA also provides technical assistance to states and recently co-hosted a NEPA Assignment Peer Exchange to further promote the benefits of NEPA assignment and encourage more states to participate in the program. With Nebraska's participation, nine states now have assumed full NEPA responsibility. More have expressed interest in the process.
In Nebraska, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will give the state more flexibility to better manage their future transportation projects, get shovels in the ground sooner and reduce completion times for projects already underway.
Under the NEPA Assignment Program, states are responsible and liable for making decisions in environmental reviews. Nebraska first obtained a limited NEPA assignment for categorical exclusions in September 2018. Today's agreement gives Nebraska full programmatic NEPA assignment for environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for future transportation projects in the state.
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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, is a key driver of the Trump-Duffy agenda to get America building big, beautiful infrastructure again and ushering in a Golden Age of Transportation. Under U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, FHWA works to improve safety and mobility on more than 4.2 million miles of public roadway. This includes over 49,000 miles of Interstate, more than 624,000 bridge and 580 tunnels - infrastructure on which Americans traveled 3.3 trillion vehicle miles on in 2024 to connect with each other. By providing leadership, federal funding, and cutting-edge technical assistance to State, local, and Tribal governments, FHWA is getting back-to-basics, streamlining the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation's highway system to ensure America's roads are the safest and most technologically advanced in the world.
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Original text here: https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-nebraska-latest-state-partner
State Department Issues Public Schedule for Feb. 23, 2026
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Feb. 23, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau is on travel to Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa from February 22-March 2, 2026.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
3:00 p.m. Deputy Secretary Rigas meets with Italian Ambassador to the United States Marco Peronaci at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Feb. 23, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau is on travel to Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa from February 22-March 2, 2026.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
3:00 p.m. Deputy Secretary Rigas meets with Italian Ambassador to the United States Marco Peronaci at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICALAFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
Under Secretary Hooker attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR RILEY M. BARNES
11:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Barnes meets with Salvadoran Ambassador to the United States Milena Mayorga at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
SENIOR BUREAU OFFICIAL FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS BRENDAN P. HANRAHAN
3:30 p.m. Senior Bureau Official Hanrahan meets with Greek Ambassador to the United States Antonis Alexandridis at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
7:00 p.m. Senior Bureau Official Hanrahan attends a welcome reception in honor of UK Ambassador to the United States Sir Christian Turner in Washington, D.C.
(MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST)
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
No Department Press Briefing.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/public-schedule-february-23-2026/
Secretary of State Rubio Issues Statement on Japan's National Day
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Feb. 22, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio on Japan's National Day:
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On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Japan on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan's birthday on February 23.
President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi have ushered in a new golden age of U.S.-Japan relations. The United States and Japan share an extraordinary Alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. The U.S.-Japan Alliance
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Feb. 22, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio on Japan's National Day:
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On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Japan on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan's birthday on February 23.
President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi have ushered in a new golden age of U.S.-Japan relations. The United States and Japan share an extraordinary Alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. The U.S.-Japan Allianceremains the cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and Japan stand shoulder-to-shoulder in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Over the past year, we have deepened our cooperation on security, economic resilience, advanced technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Millions of exchanges - through business, education, tourism, and cultural engagement - bind our societies together and ensure that our partnership will endure for generations to come. Together, we are strengthening our deterrence capabilities, enhancing interoperability between our forces, and ensuring our Alliance is ready to meet any challenge. We are also securing supply chains of critical minerals and other materials, advancing innovation, and promoting fair and reciprocal trade.
May the year ahead further strengthen the bonds between our nations, and may the Reiwa Era continue to bring peace, health, and prosperity to Japan.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/japans-national-day/
President Trump Issues Statement on Anniversary of Battle of the Alamo
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 23, 2026, on the anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo:
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On this day 190 years ago, a small band of patriots defiantly stood against the Mexican Army at the Battle of the Alamo--one of the most legendary displays of American courage, resilience, and devotion to liberty in the history of our country.
Following years of authoritarian abuses and repression under the tyrannical rule of Mexican President Santa Anna, growing outrage among Texan settlers erupted into the Texas Revolution in the fall of 1835. Seeking
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 23, 2026, on the anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo:
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On this day 190 years ago, a small band of patriots defiantly stood against the Mexican Army at the Battle of the Alamo--one of the most legendary displays of American courage, resilience, and devotion to liberty in the history of our country.
Following years of authoritarian abuses and repression under the tyrannical rule of Mexican President Santa Anna, growing outrage among Texan settlers erupted into the Texas Revolution in the fall of 1835. Seekingto stop the rebellion and strengthen his grip on power, in February of 1836, Santa Anna marched his troops north to reclaim San Antonio de Bexar from Texan control. At the heart of the city stood the Alamo, a former Mexican mission turned fortress, defended by just over 200 Texan settlers. On February 23, as Mexican forces closed in, the Alamo became their last line of defense.
On that fateful day, more than 1,800 Mexican forces unleashed a bombardment of cannon and musket fire against the defenders of the Alamo. With immortal heroes like William Travis of South Carolina, Kentucky-born Jim Bowie, and Tennessee's Davy Crockett, settlers from Texas and across the United States stood firm for an extraordinary 13 days, severely depleting the Mexican army. Legend holds that these 13 days also bought crucial time for Sam Houston, Commander in Chief of the Texas Army, to build the rest of the forces that would later win Texas' independence.
Though the Alamo fell and almost every defender was killed, their sacrifice was not in vain. The martyrs of the Alamo ignited a flame that could not be extinguished, rallying Texan forces under the immortal battle cry: "Remember the Alamo." Just weeks later, that cry thundered across the fields of San Jacinto, where Texan forces defeated Santa Anna and the Mexican Army and secured the long-awaited glory of independence. A decade later, Texas officially joined the United States, forever enshrining its legacy of courage and sacrifice into the American story.
On the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, we remember the legion of heroes who stood up to tyranny and evil in the face of certain death. Their story is a testament to the immense cost of securing liberty and reminds us that history is shaped by those willing to stand firm when all hope seems lost. Guided by their spirit, particularly as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, my Administration will continue to defend our homeland against foreign invaders and enemies who seek to destroy our country--and we will never waver in protecting the sacred rights that make America the greatest bastion of freedom in the world.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/america-250-presidential-message-on-the-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-the-alamo/
Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Seek Public Comment for Guidance on Business Collaborations
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Seek Public Comment for Guidance on Business Collaborations
Agencies Launch Joint Public Inquiry for Consideration of Guidance on Collaborations Among Competitors to Promote Certainty and Competition
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Today, the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a joint public inquiry regarding potential additional guidance on collaborations among competitors. The joint inquiry seeks input on
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Seek Public Comment for Guidance on Business Collaborations
Agencies Launch Joint Public Inquiry for Consideration of Guidance on Collaborations Among Competitors to Promote Certainty and Competition
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Today, the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a joint public inquiry regarding potential additional guidance on collaborations among competitors. The joint inquiry seeks input onthe value and potential content of guidance concerning the range of collaborations utilized to drive innovation and promote competition in the modern economy.
This public inquiry will help the Antitrust Division and FTC (together, the Agencies) with their effort to develop up-to-date guidance to the business community, building on the previous 2000 Antitrust Guidelines for Collaborations Among Competitors (2000 Collaboration Guidelines). The guidelines explain how the Agencies analyze various antitrust issues raised by such collaborations. The 2000 Guidelines were withdrawn in December 2024.
"Vigorous and effective enforcement can only exist when the rules of the road are clearly outlined," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. "Procompetitive collaborations are not only permissible but also encouraged in a complex and dynamic economic environment. The abrupt withdrawal of the prior guidelines left stakeholders without guidance in this important area. Replacing the withdrawn guidelines is key to promoting certainty, allowing American businesses to work together effectively and lawfully, and enabling the private antitrust bar to enhance compliance in this area."
"In an everchanging economy, businesses need transparency and predictability from enforcers more than ever. These times may require the federal government to update its guidelines," said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. "The previous administration decided, at the 11th hour, however, to withdraw the 2000 Antitrust Guidelines for Collaborations Among Competitors. This decision, made entirely out of spite and resentment, left millions of businesses in the dark."
Many collaborations and joint ventures among competitors are procompetitive and benefit the economy and consumers by allowing expansion into new markets, enabling investment into innovation, and lowering production and other costs. However, some collaborations carry potential risk to competition. The 2024 withdrawal of the prior guidelines left the industry without guidance in this important area.
In recent years, new types of competitor collaborations, joint ventures, and alliances, including those facilitated by new technologies, have led to increased requests for clarity regarding their treatment under the antitrust laws.
Some of the specific areas of inquiry on which the Agencies are seeking public input and information include:
* What topics would benefit from additional guidance -- for example, joint licensing arrangements? Conditional dealing with competitors? Other topics?
* What new technologies and business models would benefit from additional guidance -- for example, algorithmic pricing, information and data sharing, or labor collaborations?
* What significant legal, economic, or technological developments should be considered in any revisions to the prior competitor collaboration guidelines?
The public comments will help enforcers to consider reintroducing guidance built on the prior guidelines. Such guidance will provide businesses with the predictability and confidence they need to collaborate and grow while avoiding anticompetitive conduct that risks raising prices or stifling innovation. The guidance will help increase antitrust compliance by guiding the market on antitrust law and policy in this important area. An unfettered free market safeguards competition to the benefit of the American people.
Comments, no longer than 18 pages each, can be submitted at www.regulations.gov/docket/ATR-2026-0001/document and must be received no later than April 24, 2026. The information will be used by the Agencies to consider updated guidance.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-federal-trade-commission-seek-public-comment-guidance-business
Army Engineer R&D Development Center: Advanced Scour Collaboration Ensures Critical Infrastructure Stability
VICKSBURG, Mississippi, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center issued the following news story:
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Advanced Scour Collaboration Ensures Critical Infrastructure Stability
By Kaley Webb, public affairs specialist
Collaboration between the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New Orleans District is a critical step in ensuring the stability of vital infrastructure. ERDC is assisting the district in inspecting the dewatered bays for voids beneath the Old River Low Sill Structure, located about 25 miles
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VICKSBURG, Mississippi, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center issued the following news story:
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Advanced Scour Collaboration Ensures Critical Infrastructure Stability
By Kaley Webb, public affairs specialist
Collaboration between the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New Orleans District is a critical step in ensuring the stability of vital infrastructure. ERDC is assisting the district in inspecting the dewatered bays for voids beneath the Old River Low Sill Structure, located about 25 milessouth of Vidalia, Louisiana, as part of the Old River Control Complex.
Built in 1959, the 566-foot-long concrete structure is founded on steel piles. The structure's foundation was previously affected by a large scour during the 1973 flood, when an eddy current washed away part of the area beneath it and one of its wing walls. To remediate, the scoured region was filled with rock and grout.
Recently, ERDC conducted microgravity surveys to assess the status of this past scour, using a method that overcomes interference from the steel piles, which had hindered previous geophysical inspections.
"The bays were dewatered for maintenance purposes. The structure was built in the late 1950s, and the gate rails needed inspection and repair, along with other maintenance activities," said Rebekah Lee, a research geophysicist at ERDC. "While we had conducted several geophysical surveys around the structure before, imaging directly beneath it was difficult due to the steel beams below."
The dewatering of the bays provided a rare opportunity to use geophysical equipment directly over areas of both scour and non-scour. Because traditional methods were limited by the steel piles, microgravity was selected as the most viable alternative.
"We surveyed one bay that was unaffected by scour and two bays that were," said Lee. "The bay without scour serves as our baseline. If there's a void, we should see a low point in the gravity readings, due to the lack of mass in that area."
By comparing data from the scoured bays to the stable baseline, the team can detect potential voids beneath the structure. The results from the microgravity surveys of bays 8 and 9 will be compared to the baseline bay 4 to evaluate the condition of the remediated scour. The data from these surveys is still being processed.
This collaboration is crucial for understanding the overall stability of the structure and will guide future USACE maintenance efforts.
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Original text here: https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4412208/advanced-scour-collaboration-ensures-critical-infrastructure-stability/
