Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Proposal from FDIC and OCC Would Completely Destroy Bank Supervision
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Financial Services] -- Better Markets, an organization that says it promotes pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies to help build a better financial system, posted the following news release:
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Proposal from FDIC and OCC Would Completely Destroy Bank Supervision
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WASHINGTON, D.C. Phillip Basil, Director of Economic Growth and Financial Stability at Better Markets, issued the following statement in conjunction with a comment letter regarding a proposal from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Financial Services] -- Better Markets, an organization that says it promotes pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies to help build a better financial system, posted the following news release:
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Proposal from FDIC and OCC Would Completely Destroy Bank Supervision
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WASHINGTON, D.C. Phillip Basil, Director of Economic Growth and Financial Stability at Better Markets, issued the following statement in conjunction with a comment letter regarding a proposal from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencyto define "unsafe and unsound practices" for the supervisory process:
"The proposal to define 'unsafe or unsound' bank practices from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is a short-sighted attempt to give banks the freedom to take massive risks and lower their risk management costs. This move would expose the US economy and taxpayer to the catastrophic harm of bank failures. The proposal would destroy the current framework of bank supervision, which instead must be significantly strengthened, considering the massive cutbacks in regulations also being pushed through by the agencies.
"Despite the agencies' claims in their proposal, the 'unsafe or unsound' definition they put forth has no basis in law, previous attempted definitions, or in the over 150 year history of US federal bank supervision. In fact, the proposed definition would only create more uncertainty in the supervisory process and likely have the unintended consequence of making the agencies risk managers on behalf of banks.
"The banking system and greater financial system are facing heightened risks and uncertainty. The proposal should be rescinded, and stronger supervision must be put in place for the protection of our economy and taxpayers."
Read more in our comment letter.
Better Markets is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to promote the public interest in the financial markets, support the financial reform of Wall Street and make our financial system work for all Americans again. Better Markets works with alliesincluding many in financeto promote pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies that help build a stronger, safer financial system that protects and promotes Americans' jobs, savings, retirements and more. To learn more, visit www.bettermarkets.org.
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Original text here: https://bettermarkets.org/newsroom/proposal-from-fdic-and-occ-would-completely-destroy-bank-supervision/
NTI Convenes Regional Leaders in Rio to Strengthen Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Nuclear Threat Initiative issued the following news:
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NTI Convenes Regional Leaders in Rio to Strengthen Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and nuclear risks, NTI--in collaboration with NPSGlobal--brought together diplomats, experts, and regional officials in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 10-11 for a constructive workshop focused on strengthening Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs). Participants examined how the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which established the first NWFZ in Latin America and the Caribbean, and other NWFZs
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Nuclear Threat Initiative issued the following news:
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NTI Convenes Regional Leaders in Rio to Strengthen Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and nuclear risks, NTI--in collaboration with NPSGlobal--brought together diplomats, experts, and regional officials in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 10-11 for a constructive workshop focused on strengthening Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs). Participants examined how the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which established the first NWFZ in Latin America and the Caribbean, and other NWFZscan be productive geopolitical tools amid mounting challenges, including great power competition, disruptive technologies, and a weakening global nonproliferation and disarmament architecture.
Participants emphasized that NWFZs remain one of the few bright spots in today's deteriorating security environment. They highlighted Latin America's enduring normative stance against nuclear weapons and long-standing institutional leadership, evidenced by the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL), which ensures compliance with the Treaty of Tlatelolco, and the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC). The group also explored ways NWFZs can adapt to new developments and emerging challenges, including AI and emerging technologies, naval nuclear propulsion, and the expansion of civilian nuclear energy.
The workshop underscored the value of deeper cross-zonal cooperation, strengthened verification practices, and renewed diplomacy on negative security assurances. Importantly, there was broad agreement on the need to reinvigorate the role of NWFZs as credible models of regional security and as bridges between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states. NTI will continue this work with regional leaders in Africa and other NWFZs and will release a set of findings and recommendations ahead of the 2026 NPT Review Conference.
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Original text here: https://www.nti.org/news/nti-convenes-regional-leaders-in-rio-to-strengthen-nuclear-weapon-free-zones/
[Category: National Defense]
Growth Energy: Amendments to ESA Rules Would Strengthen the RFS
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Energy] -- Growth Energy, a trade association that represents ethanol producers, issued the following news release:
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Growth Energy: Amendments to ESA Rules Would Strengthen the RFS
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WASHINGTON, D.C.Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, expressed its support today for regulatory amendments proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that streamline the regulatory process, addressing unnecessary barriers that have the potential to undermine the benefits of the Renewable Fuel
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Energy] -- Growth Energy, a trade association that represents ethanol producers, issued the following news release:
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Growth Energy: Amendments to ESA Rules Would Strengthen the RFS
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WASHINGTON, D.C.Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, expressed its support today for regulatory amendments proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that streamline the regulatory process, addressing unnecessary barriers that have the potential to undermine the benefits of the Renewable FuelStandard (RFS), a clean energy program that drives economic and environmental benefits by promoting the use of American biofuels.
FWS and NMFS proposed a rulemaking that clarifies how Section 7 consultations are conducted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is relevant to the RFS because some organizations have argued that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should conduct costly and time-consuming "formal" ESA consultations regarding the agency's proposed RFS renewable volume obligations (RVOs)despite findings by several agencies that such consultations are unnecessary.
"A strong RFS drives economic growth while making fuel more affordablethese amendments clarify that agencies like EPA can help the RFS deliver those benefits without unnecessary regulatory hurdles," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "We commend FWS and NMFS for proposing these changes and look forward to seeing them finalized. We'll continue to work with Congress and the Administration to maximize the positive impact of the RFS on drivers, the economy and the environment."
Read Growth Energy's comments to FWS and NMFS here.
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Original text here: https://growthenergy.org/2025/12/23/esa-rules-rfs/
Flu Cases Rise in Northwest Florida; New Variant Prompts Concern, Advice on How to Slow the Spread
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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Flu Cases Rise in Northwest Florida; New Variant Prompts Concern, Advice on How to Slow the Spread
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As the holiday season approaches, a local Ascension doctor is urging the community to take steps to protect themselves and their families, citing a rise in flu cases and the identification of a new, more serious variant.
Dr. Susan Laenger, Medical Director of Primary Care Services for Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Group, confirmed a recent 8% increase in
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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Flu Cases Rise in Northwest Florida; New Variant Prompts Concern, Advice on How to Slow the Spread
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As the holiday season approaches, a local Ascension doctor is urging the community to take steps to protect themselves and their families, citing a rise in flu cases and the identification of a new, more serious variant.
Dr. Susan Laenger, Medical Director of Primary Care Services for Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Group, confirmed a recent 8% increase influ cases across the U.S. There has been a substantial increase across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with the primary concern being a newly identified "K subclade" variant of Influenza A.
"This is the variant that was seen over in the UK and caused a surge of more serious influenza this season," Dr. Laenger stated. "K Subclade has the potential to make people sicker and seems to be spreading more easily, and medical experts are very concerned that more people would get influenza."
Despite the new variant being identified after the current flu shot was designed, Dr. Laenger, whose practice is in Gulf Breeze, noted that predictive models suggest the vaccine is still very effective. "The current vaccine appears to be very effective against this variant," she said. "We think that people would have less severe illness and are more likely to be protected."
Dr. Laenger strongly recommends the flu shot for everyone six months and up who is an appropriate candidate, emphasizing its importance for protecting loved ones during holiday gatherings.
"Now is the right time to jump on it," she advised, recommending getting the vaccine at least two weeks before holiday events to allow for full effect.
Dr. Laenger stressed the difference between a common cold and the flu. While a cold presents with sniffles and cough, influenza tends to hit "very strongly, very suddenly."
"People kind of liken it to being hit by a train," she explained, describing symptoms that include strong body aches, headache, and a high fever, sometimes reaching 103 or 104 degrees.
The groups most at risk for serious complications are the elderly, infants, those with chronic conditions and those with immunocompromise.
Where to Seek Care:
* Mild Symptoms: Call your primary care provider.
* Moderate Symptoms/After Hours: Urgent care is appropriate for timely attention.
* Severe Symptoms: Go to the emergency department for difficulty breathing, being very short of breath, or very high fever.
* As cases ramp upa trend typically seen after Thanksgiving and before Christmas gatheringsprevention is critical.
Dr. Laenger emphasized several measures to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory diseases:
* Timely immunization.
* Frequent hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands.
* Staying home when sick.
"Ascension believes in meeting patients where they are, respecting their vaccine choices. We take a patient-centered approach to vaccination discussions, providing evidence-based education while respecting individual healthcare decisions. We recommend patients consider getting the flu vaccine based on their personalized care plan. Individuals who have compromised immune systems, or chronic medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes or heart disease need to prioritize speaking with their primary care doctor about whether to get the flu vaccine."
Dr. Laenger underscored the severity of the illness by sharing an anecdote about a patient who initially had "just a virus" but later developed and succumbed to secondary bacterial pneumonia following influenza. "It's an illness that can really become very, very serious," she concluded. "It's very different from a cold, and so just for the sake of all of my patients, I really want them to be protected."
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Original text here: https://about.ascension.org/news/2025/12/flu-cases-rise-in-northwest-florida-new-variant-prompts-concern-advice-on-how-to-slow-the-spread
Democracy Forward Calls for Investigations into Likely Illegal Actions by the Trump-Vance Administration During its Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Political] -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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Democracy Forward Calls for Investigations into Likely Illegal Actions by the Trump-Vance Administration During its Government Shutdown
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Complaints Detail Probable Violations of the Hatch Act and the Antideficiency Act
Washington, D.C. Democracy Forward today called for two federal agencies to investigate misconduct and potential violations of
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Political] -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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Democracy Forward Calls for Investigations into Likely Illegal Actions by the Trump-Vance Administration During its Government Shutdown
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Complaints Detail Probable Violations of the Hatch Act and the Antideficiency Act
Washington, D.C. Democracy Forward today called for two federal agencies to investigate misconduct and potential violations ofkey laws by the Trump-Vance administration during the government shutdown of October and November 2025. The complaints outline evidence that senior administration officials broke the law when they misused government resources for partisan political messaging and obligated or redirected federal funds during the lapse in appropriations.
In a letter to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Democracy Forward details potential violations of the Hatch Act, which bars federal officials from engaging in partisan political activity while performing official duties or using government resources. The letter describes how cabinet officials and agencies used official email systems, government websites, and even videos at airports to cast partisan blame for the shutdownturning taxpayer-funded infrastructure into a political messaging machine.
In a separate letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Democracy Forward outlines potential violations of the Antideficiency Act, which codifies Congress's constitutional power of the purse. That complaint documents actions taken during the shutdown that may have unlawfully created new financial obligations or expenditures without congressional authorization, including mass layoff planning, redirection of funds to pay troops, and the purchase of two $172 million private jets for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the shutdown.
"The actions we've highlighted paint a deeply troubling picture of an administration that exploited their government shutdown as an opportunity to break the law," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The Trump-Vance administration appears to have abused the machinery of government - yet again - to unlawfully push partisan messages while simultaneously ignoring Congress's authority over federal spending. A shutdown is not a blank check to politicize public service or to implement funding schemes Congress never approved."
Democracy Forward is urging OSC to open investigations into potential Hatch Act violations and pursue appropriate sanctions, and calling on the GAO to investigate whether the administration violated the Antideficiency Act by obligating funds or directing expenditures during the shutdown without lawful appropriations.
Read the letter to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel here, and the letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office here.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/updates/hatch-act-letters/
CAIR-NY Condemns Racist, Anti-Immigrant Incident in Croton
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NY Condemns Racist, Anti-Immigrant Incident in Croton
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The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the racist and anti-immigrant incident towards two young siblings in the Croton ShopRite that occurred on December 11.
SEE: Racist Incident in Croton Sparks Community Unity
In a statement, Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NY Condemns Racist, Anti-Immigrant Incident in Croton
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The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the racist and anti-immigrant incident towards two young siblings in the Croton ShopRite that occurred on December 11.
SEE: Racist Incident in Croton Sparks Community Unity
In a statement, Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director,said:
"We strongly condemn the racist and anti-immigration slurs targeted towards two young children in Croton. Hateful acts like this run rampant within our community and are a stark reminder that bigotry is on the rise. All people, especially children, deserve to live a safe and dignified life within their neighborhoods. We stand in solidarity with the family and with the community that is honorably supporting the family during this time."
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La mision de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com, CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-condemns-racist-anti-immigrant-incident-in-croton/
Army Corps Halts Work on Marina, Luxury Development on Idaho's Trestle Creek
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release:
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Army Corps Halts Work on Marina, Luxury Development on Idaho's Trestle Creek
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SANDPOINT, Idaho In response to litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity and Idaho Conservation League, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday ordered the Idaho Club to stop construction on a commercial marina and lakeside housing development at the mouth of Trestle Creek on Lake Pend Oreille.
The creek accounts for more than half of the annual spawning sites in the Pend Oreille
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release:
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Army Corps Halts Work on Marina, Luxury Development on Idaho's Trestle Creek
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SANDPOINT, Idaho In response to litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity and Idaho Conservation League, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday ordered the Idaho Club to stop construction on a commercial marina and lakeside housing development at the mouth of Trestle Creek on Lake Pend Oreille.
The creek accounts for more than half of the annual spawning sites in the Pend OreilleBasin for bull trout, a threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act.
"It's a tremendous relief that the Army Corps made the right call by stopping work on this highly destructive development," said Sarah Brown, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity's Northern Rockies program. "The developer completely ignored permit conditions meant to protect the imperiled bull trout, tearing up their critical habitat and causing serious damage. The Corps now needs to take a hard look at its approval for this project, which never should have been authorized to begin with."
Last week, the Center and ICL, represented by attorneys from the Center and Advocates from the West, sued the Corps and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approving the development. The agencies' approvals were contingent on the developer meeting certain conditions that have been violated, triggering an immediate need to reassess the project.
The Corps' permit authorized marina construction only after completion of the planned reroute of Trestle Creek's North Branch and only during specific seasons to protect bull trout. The permit also required the North Branch to be dry during construction. Despite those conditions, work began while the creek was flowing.
As the work continued, the Center and ICL urged the Corps to take immediate action to halt further harm to bull trout.
In a Dec. 22 letter the Army Corps told the Idaho Club that ongoing construction work violated its permit conditions. The Corps said construction cannot continue in the North Branch of Trestle Creek until the stream is dry and barred work in the marina area until restoration of the North Branch is complete.
The North Branch, which flows directly into the construction site, has run continuously this year because of increased precipitation. Dry conditions are not expected until August 2026.
"We're glad to learn the Corps took action to stop the Idaho Club's very damaging work that is in violation of their permit conditions, and urge them to reevaluate the entire project," said Jennifer Ekstrom, the Idaho Conservation League's North Idaho director. "Unfortunately, significant harm has already occurred to this critical habitat. We will continue watching to ensure the stop work order is adhered to and will continue to seek repair and restoration of the damage done."
Based on the developer's permit violations, the Corps and Fish and Wildlife Service will now coordinate to evaluate the developer's noncompliance and address resulting issues. While the agencies engage in that process, the Center and ICL's lawsuit challenging the agencies' approvals of the project will proceed.
"The federal agencies backtracked on their prior findings that the marina and houses were likely to harm bull trout in Trestle Creek," said Bryan Hurlbutt, staff attorney at Advocates for the West. "The Fish and Wildlife Service's own scientific findings reveal that residential development and urbanization are some of the biggest threats to bull trout."
Bull trout have been protected since 1999, when they were listed as threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act. In 2010 the Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat for the trout, including Trestle Creek. Trestle Creek also provides important habitat for other animals including bald eagles, migratory birds, beavers and kokanee salmon.
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Original text here: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/army-corps-halts-work-on-marina-luxury-development-on-idahos-trestle-creek-2025-12-23/
