Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Heavy Machinery and Components Thereof
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Heavy Machinery and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain heavy machinery and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission's notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Caterpillar Inc. of Irving, Texas, on May 26, 2026. A supplement to the complaint was filed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release: * * * USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Heavy Machinery and Components Thereof The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain heavy machinery and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission's notice of investigation. The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Caterpillar Inc. of Irving, Texas, on May 26, 2026. A supplement to the complaint was filedon June 11, 2026. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain heavy machinery and components thereof that infringe certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
* Doosan Bobcat Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
* Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc., West Fargo, North Dakota
* Doosan Bobcat Mexico Monterrey, S. de R.L. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico
* Doosan Bobcat EMEA S.R.O., Dobris, Czech Republic
* Doosan Bobcat France S.A.S, Pontchateau, France
* Doosan Bobcat India Private Ltd., Chennai, India
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1507), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2026/er0626_68812.htm
* * *
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Heavy Machinery and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain heavy machinery and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission's notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Caterpillar Inc. of Irving, Texas, on May 26, 2026. A supplement to the complaint was filed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release: * * * USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Heavy Machinery and Components Thereof The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain heavy machinery and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission's notice of investigation. The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Caterpillar Inc. of Irving, Texas, on May 26, 2026. A supplement to the complaint was filedon June 11, 2026. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain heavy machinery and components thereof that infringe certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
* Doosan Bobcat Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
* Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc., West Fargo, North Dakota
* Doosan Bobcat Mexico Monterrey, S. de R.L. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico
* Doosan Bobcat EMEA S.R.O., Dobris, Czech Republic
* Doosan Bobcat France S.A.S, Pontchateau, France
* Doosan Bobcat India Private Ltd., Chennai, India
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1507), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2026/er0626_68812.htm
U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office Skimming Operation Nets 35 Illegal Devices, Saves $36.5 Million
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secret Service issued the following news release:
* * *
U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office Skimming Operation Nets 35 Illegal Devices, Saves $36.5 Million
NEW YORK -- The U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, along with law enforcement partners, concluded a three-day Electronic Benefit Transfer Fraud (EBT) and payment card skimming outreach effort on Thursday, removing 35 illegal devices and preventing $36.5 million in potential losses.
Fourteen teams visited 1,010 businesses and conducted 3,935 inspections in Brooklyn, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secret Service issued the following news release: * * * U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office Skimming Operation Nets 35 Illegal Devices, Saves $36.5 Million NEW YORK -- The U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, along with law enforcement partners, concluded a three-day Electronic Benefit Transfer Fraud (EBT) and payment card skimming outreach effort on Thursday, removing 35 illegal devices and preventing $36.5 million in potential losses. Fourteen teams visited 1,010 businesses and conducted 3,935 inspections in Brooklyn,The Bronx and Queens from June 23-25, 2026. In addition to finding the illegal devices, teams educated area businesses on how to identify these devices in their stores.
"New York is a target-rich environment for illegal skimmers. The high concentration of bodegas and small stores throughout the city makes it easier for criminals to install these devices," said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, of the New York Field Office. "The FIFA World Cup this summer is expected to bring in an extra million people, along with billions in revenue to the city. Our message to the criminal fraudsters producing and placing skimmers in our community is clear: We will find you; we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable. Stealing credit card and EBT information from hardworking New Yorkers is not a victimless crime, and those responsible should expect a knock on their door soon."
Personnel from the Secret Service, New York Police Department, New York City Department of Investigation and the USDA Office of the Inspector General participated in the outreach effort.
"Criminals who steal food assistance dollars from needy Americans to enrich themselves are disgraceful and will be held to account. I was proud to participate with the United States Secret Service who led this operation along with OIG special agents and other law enforcement partners against SNAP fraud in New York City," said Inspector General John Walk of the United States Department of Agriculture. "This operation was a huge success - 35 skimming devices off the streets of NYC saves American taxpayers an estimated $36.5 million and ensures SNAP benefits are not siphoned away from the families it was intended for. Let's stand together to end SNAP fraud."
Teams found 15 devices in Brooklyn, 9 in The Bronx and 10 in Queens. An additional skimmer was found in Manhattan after a request was made to inspect a specific terminal.
The Secret Service has conducted similar operations throughout the country, and this marked the fourth operation in New York City.
Similar operations in New York City before this one netted 133 skimming devices, preventing nearly $139 million in losses.
In 2025, law enforcement personnel removed more than 400 illegal skimming devices during these operations, preventing an estimated potential fraud loss of more than $428 million. Criminals often steal EBT and other payment card numbers by installing illegal skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps and merchant point-of-sale terminals. Scammers use skimming technology to capture card information from EBT cards and encode that data onto another card with a magnetic strip.
It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.
There are several precautions consumers can take to protect themselves:
* Inspect ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and other card readers. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Do not use a card reader if anything appears unusual.
* Whenever possible, use tap-to-pay technology or use debit and credit cards with chip technology.
* If using a debit card at a gas station, run it as a credit card to avoid entering a PIN number. If that is not an option, consumers should use their hand to hide their PIN to block scammers who may be using tiny pinhole cameras above the keypad area to record entries. Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
* Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2026/06/us-secret-service-new-york-field-office-skimming-operation-nets-35
* * *
U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office Skimming Operation Nets 35 Illegal Devices, Saves $36.5 Million
NEW YORK -- The U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, along with law enforcement partners, concluded a three-day Electronic Benefit Transfer Fraud (EBT) and payment card skimming outreach effort on Thursday, removing 35 illegal devices and preventing $36.5 million in potential losses.
Fourteen teams visited 1,010 businesses and conducted 3,935 inspections in Brooklyn, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secret Service issued the following news release: * * * U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office Skimming Operation Nets 35 Illegal Devices, Saves $36.5 Million NEW YORK -- The U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, along with law enforcement partners, concluded a three-day Electronic Benefit Transfer Fraud (EBT) and payment card skimming outreach effort on Thursday, removing 35 illegal devices and preventing $36.5 million in potential losses. Fourteen teams visited 1,010 businesses and conducted 3,935 inspections in Brooklyn,The Bronx and Queens from June 23-25, 2026. In addition to finding the illegal devices, teams educated area businesses on how to identify these devices in their stores.
"New York is a target-rich environment for illegal skimmers. The high concentration of bodegas and small stores throughout the city makes it easier for criminals to install these devices," said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, of the New York Field Office. "The FIFA World Cup this summer is expected to bring in an extra million people, along with billions in revenue to the city. Our message to the criminal fraudsters producing and placing skimmers in our community is clear: We will find you; we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable. Stealing credit card and EBT information from hardworking New Yorkers is not a victimless crime, and those responsible should expect a knock on their door soon."
Personnel from the Secret Service, New York Police Department, New York City Department of Investigation and the USDA Office of the Inspector General participated in the outreach effort.
"Criminals who steal food assistance dollars from needy Americans to enrich themselves are disgraceful and will be held to account. I was proud to participate with the United States Secret Service who led this operation along with OIG special agents and other law enforcement partners against SNAP fraud in New York City," said Inspector General John Walk of the United States Department of Agriculture. "This operation was a huge success - 35 skimming devices off the streets of NYC saves American taxpayers an estimated $36.5 million and ensures SNAP benefits are not siphoned away from the families it was intended for. Let's stand together to end SNAP fraud."
Teams found 15 devices in Brooklyn, 9 in The Bronx and 10 in Queens. An additional skimmer was found in Manhattan after a request was made to inspect a specific terminal.
The Secret Service has conducted similar operations throughout the country, and this marked the fourth operation in New York City.
Similar operations in New York City before this one netted 133 skimming devices, preventing nearly $139 million in losses.
In 2025, law enforcement personnel removed more than 400 illegal skimming devices during these operations, preventing an estimated potential fraud loss of more than $428 million. Criminals often steal EBT and other payment card numbers by installing illegal skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps and merchant point-of-sale terminals. Scammers use skimming technology to capture card information from EBT cards and encode that data onto another card with a magnetic strip.
It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.
There are several precautions consumers can take to protect themselves:
* Inspect ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and other card readers. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Do not use a card reader if anything appears unusual.
* Whenever possible, use tap-to-pay technology or use debit and credit cards with chip technology.
* If using a debit card at a gas station, run it as a credit card to avoid entering a PIN number. If that is not an option, consumers should use their hand to hide their PIN to block scammers who may be using tiny pinhole cameras above the keypad area to record entries. Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
* Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2026/06/us-secret-service-new-york-field-office-skimming-operation-nets-35
Treasury Sanctions Networks Fueling Sudan's Civil War and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Treasury Sanctions Networks Fueling Sudan's Civil War and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities linked to procurement and recruitment networks that continue to fuel Sudan's devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These networks have enabled both sides to expand the scale ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on June 26, 2026: * * * Treasury Sanctions Networks Fueling Sudan's Civil War and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities linked to procurement and recruitment networks that continue to fuel Sudan's devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These networks have enabled both sides to expand the scaleand intensity of the conflict, contributing to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and further destabilizing an already fragile region. The ongoing violence has also created conditions that allow for terrorist groups to grow, posing threats to the security and interests of the United States.
"The Trump Administration is committed to advancing a lasting peace in Sudan and bringing an end to the conflict," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The networks profiting from the conflict in Sudan jeopardize the prospects for the humanitarian truce that the Sudanese people desperately need."
The United States calls on the SAF and the RSF to accept and implement an immediate, unconditional three-month humanitarian truce. Such a truce would allow additional humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, safeguard civilian populations, and create space for further negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. The United States again calls on external actors to cease all financial and military support to the parties involved in the conflict.
Today's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition." OFAC's investigation of the individuals and entities designated today was conducted in close partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection, National Targeting Center.
saf procurement companies and supplier
The Defense Industries System (DIS), Sudan's largest defense enterprise, supports and maintains the SAF's arsenal of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and material, often acquired from Iran and other external backers. DIS controls numerous subsidiaries, including the Sudanese conglomerate, Giad Industrial Group (Giad)--also known as Sudan Master Technology--through complex and opaque structures from which DIS has generated billions of dollars. OFAC designated DIS and Giad on June 1, 2023. DIS's acquisition of military equipment and related material has enabled the SAF to sustain combat operations against the RSF, conduct attacks against civilians, and reject and obstruct efforts to cease hostilities and achieve a ceasefire.
Target Multiactivities Company Ltd. (TMAC) is a Sudan-based company controlled by DIS through Giad. With senior DIS officer Tariq Hussain Muhammad Madani (Madani) serving as managing director, TMAC has imported explosives and related material into Sudan from Egyptian and Indian companies, including India-based explosives manufacturer, SBL Energy Limited (SBL). These explosives are subsequently used in bombs deployed by the SAF. SBL, whose chief executive officer is Indian national Alok Choudhari (Choudhari), has supplied TMAC with over 200 shipments of explosives and explosives-related materiel since 2024.
Ports Engineering Company LTD (Ports Engineering) is a Sudan-based public construction company owned by Sudanese state-owned enterprises, including Giad. Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, Ports Engineering has imported uniforms and footwear worn by Sudanese intelligence personnel from an Emirati company, and ammunition belts and boxes of weapons from a Turkish company.
OFAC designated TMAC pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, DIS, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
OFAC designated Madani pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of TMAC, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.
OFAC designated SBL pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, TMAC, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
OFAC designated Choudhari pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of SBL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.
OFAC designated Ports Engineering pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Sudan Master Technology, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
colombian recruiting network associates
OFAC took action in December 2025 and April 2026 against a transnational network led by retired Colombian military officer Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra (Quijano) and his wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero (Oliveros), who have been recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight in Sudan for the RSF, an armed group that has committed genocide. Quijano and Oliveros have carried out this scheme using companies under their control, including Colombia-based companies International Services Agency (A4SI) and Fenix Human Resources S.A.S., and Panama-based company, Talent Bridge, S.A. (formerly known as Global Staffing S.A.), which was used to minimize A4SI's legal exposure and obfuscate the links between A4SI and the company hiring the Colombian fighters.
Panamanian nationals Enrique Daniel Palacios Quintanilla (Palacios) and Jack Peter Derman Guzman (Derman), and Colombian national Fredy Alejandro Lopez Ocampo (Lopez) were associated with Talent Bridge S.A. dating back to the company's creation in 2022, each holding official roles. Palacios served as a resident agent, director, and secretary. Derman served as a director, subscriber, empowered representative, and treasurer, and he succeeded Oliveros as president in July 2025, which is when the company rebranded as Talent Bridge, S.A. Lopez served as a secretary, director, and subscriber.
OFAC designated Palacios, Derman, and Lopez pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being foreign persons who are or have been leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors of Talent Bridge, S.A., an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. Individuals located in the U.S. or abroad who provide information about sanctions violations to Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network whistleblower incentive program may be eligible for awards if the information they provide leads to a successful enforcement action that results in monetary penalties exceeding $1,000,000.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
Click here for more information on the persons designated today (https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20260626).
* * *
Original text here: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0544
* * *
Treasury Sanctions Networks Fueling Sudan's Civil War and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities linked to procurement and recruitment networks that continue to fuel Sudan's devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These networks have enabled both sides to expand the scale ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on June 26, 2026: * * * Treasury Sanctions Networks Fueling Sudan's Civil War and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities linked to procurement and recruitment networks that continue to fuel Sudan's devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These networks have enabled both sides to expand the scaleand intensity of the conflict, contributing to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and further destabilizing an already fragile region. The ongoing violence has also created conditions that allow for terrorist groups to grow, posing threats to the security and interests of the United States.
"The Trump Administration is committed to advancing a lasting peace in Sudan and bringing an end to the conflict," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The networks profiting from the conflict in Sudan jeopardize the prospects for the humanitarian truce that the Sudanese people desperately need."
The United States calls on the SAF and the RSF to accept and implement an immediate, unconditional three-month humanitarian truce. Such a truce would allow additional humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, safeguard civilian populations, and create space for further negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. The United States again calls on external actors to cease all financial and military support to the parties involved in the conflict.
Today's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition." OFAC's investigation of the individuals and entities designated today was conducted in close partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection, National Targeting Center.
saf procurement companies and supplier
The Defense Industries System (DIS), Sudan's largest defense enterprise, supports and maintains the SAF's arsenal of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and material, often acquired from Iran and other external backers. DIS controls numerous subsidiaries, including the Sudanese conglomerate, Giad Industrial Group (Giad)--also known as Sudan Master Technology--through complex and opaque structures from which DIS has generated billions of dollars. OFAC designated DIS and Giad on June 1, 2023. DIS's acquisition of military equipment and related material has enabled the SAF to sustain combat operations against the RSF, conduct attacks against civilians, and reject and obstruct efforts to cease hostilities and achieve a ceasefire.
Target Multiactivities Company Ltd. (TMAC) is a Sudan-based company controlled by DIS through Giad. With senior DIS officer Tariq Hussain Muhammad Madani (Madani) serving as managing director, TMAC has imported explosives and related material into Sudan from Egyptian and Indian companies, including India-based explosives manufacturer, SBL Energy Limited (SBL). These explosives are subsequently used in bombs deployed by the SAF. SBL, whose chief executive officer is Indian national Alok Choudhari (Choudhari), has supplied TMAC with over 200 shipments of explosives and explosives-related materiel since 2024.
Ports Engineering Company LTD (Ports Engineering) is a Sudan-based public construction company owned by Sudanese state-owned enterprises, including Giad. Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, Ports Engineering has imported uniforms and footwear worn by Sudanese intelligence personnel from an Emirati company, and ammunition belts and boxes of weapons from a Turkish company.
OFAC designated TMAC pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, DIS, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
OFAC designated Madani pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of TMAC, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.
OFAC designated SBL pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, TMAC, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
OFAC designated Choudhari pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of SBL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.
OFAC designated Ports Engineering pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Sudan Master Technology, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
colombian recruiting network associates
OFAC took action in December 2025 and April 2026 against a transnational network led by retired Colombian military officer Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra (Quijano) and his wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero (Oliveros), who have been recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight in Sudan for the RSF, an armed group that has committed genocide. Quijano and Oliveros have carried out this scheme using companies under their control, including Colombia-based companies International Services Agency (A4SI) and Fenix Human Resources S.A.S., and Panama-based company, Talent Bridge, S.A. (formerly known as Global Staffing S.A.), which was used to minimize A4SI's legal exposure and obfuscate the links between A4SI and the company hiring the Colombian fighters.
Panamanian nationals Enrique Daniel Palacios Quintanilla (Palacios) and Jack Peter Derman Guzman (Derman), and Colombian national Fredy Alejandro Lopez Ocampo (Lopez) were associated with Talent Bridge S.A. dating back to the company's creation in 2022, each holding official roles. Palacios served as a resident agent, director, and secretary. Derman served as a director, subscriber, empowered representative, and treasurer, and he succeeded Oliveros as president in July 2025, which is when the company rebranded as Talent Bridge, S.A. Lopez served as a secretary, director, and subscriber.
OFAC designated Palacios, Derman, and Lopez pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being foreign persons who are or have been leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors of Talent Bridge, S.A., an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098 relating to the tenure of such leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. Individuals located in the U.S. or abroad who provide information about sanctions violations to Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network whistleblower incentive program may be eligible for awards if the information they provide leads to a successful enforcement action that results in monetary penalties exceeding $1,000,000.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
Click here for more information on the persons designated today (https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20260626).
* * *
Original text here: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0544
Surface Transportation Board Issues Decision Involving TBL Group, Escot Bus Lines
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. MCF 21152) entitled "TBL Group Inc. - Acquistion of Control - Escot Bus Lines LLC":
* * *
SUMMARY: TBL Group, Inc. (TBL Group), a noncarrier holding company that controls multiple interstate motor passenger carriers, has filed an application to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot Bus Lines, L.L.C. (Escot), a federally regulated motor passenger carrier. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction. If no ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. MCF 21152) entitled "TBL Group Inc. - Acquistion of Control - Escot Bus Lines LLC": * * * SUMMARY: TBL Group, Inc. (TBL Group), a noncarrier holding company that controls multiple interstate motor passenger carriers, has filed an application to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot Bus Lines, L.L.C. (Escot), a federally regulated motor passenger carrier. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction. If noopposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.
DATES: Comments must be filed by July 27, 2026. If any comments are filed, TBL Group may file a reply by August 25, 2026. If no opposing comments are filed by July 27, 2026, this notice shall be effective on July 28, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments, referring to Docket No. MCF 21152, may be filed with the Board either via e-filing on the Board's website or in writing addressed to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to TBL Group's representative: Andrew K. Light, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C., 10 W. Market Street, Suite 1400, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Fancher at (202) 915-8445. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245-0245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 28, 2026, TBL Group filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 and 49 CFR part 1182 for Board authority to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot. (Appl. 1.) According to TBL Group, either a newly created TBL Group subsidiary, TBL Newco, will acquire substantially all of Escot's motor carrier assets and become an interstate motor carrier, or TBL Group will acquire the membership interest of Escot directly. (Id. at 1-2.) The application explains that in either case, the services currently provided by Escot will continue to be provided. (Id. at 10-11.)
The application states that TBL Group is a Texas corporation, headquartered in Houston, Tex. (Id. at 2.) TBL Group asserts that it is not a federally regulated carrier but that it controls six interstate passenger motor carriers (Affiliated Carriers): GBJ Inc. (GBJ), Echo Tours & Charters, LP (Echo Tours), Echo East Coast Transportation LLC (Echo East), Echo Windy City, LLC (Echo Windy), Reston Limousine & Travel Service, Inc. (Reston), and Echo Nevada, LLC (Echo Nevada)./1 (Id. at 2-6.) TBL Group states that GBJ is a Texas corporation doing business as Echo AFC Transportation, AFC Transportation, and Echo AFC Medical Transport that primarily provides charter and contract shuttle services for companies, non-profits, schools, and tour operators in the metropolitan area of Houston, Tex., but also provides interstate charter passenger transportation service. (Id. at 3.) Echo Tours is described as a Texas limited partnership doing business as Echo Transportation that primarily provides charter and contract shuttle services for companies, non-profits, schools, and tour operators in the metropolitan area of Dallas, Tex., but also provides interstate charter passenger transportation. (Id. at 4.) TBL Group states that Echo East is a Texas limited liability company doing business as Echo East Coast Transportation that primarily provides interstate and intrastate contract and charter services in the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Fla. (Id. at 4.) TBL Group describes Echo Windy as a Texas limited liability company doing business as Echo Windy City Transportation that primarily provides intrastate limousine and charter passenger service in the metropolitan area of Chicago, Ill., but can also provide interstate limousine and charter passenger service. (Id. at 4.) Reston is described as a Virginia corporation that provides interstate and intrastate limousine, shuttle, and charter passenger services in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C. (Id. at 5.) TBL Group describes Echo Nevada as a Nevada limited liability company doing business as Presidential Transportation that provides limousine, shuttle, and charter passenger service in the metropolitan area of Las Vegas, Nev. (Id. at 6.)
On April 7, 2026, TBL Group filed an application with the Board seeking authority to acquire control of Chicago Classic Coach, LLC (Classic). TBL Grp., Inc.--Acquis. of Control--Chi. Classic Coach, LLC, MCF 21144, slip op. at 1 (STB served May 7, 2026). The Board's tentative approval of that application was served on May 7, 2026, and became effective on June 23, 2026. See id. at 1. TBL Group stated that Classic is an Illinois limited liability company headquartered in Mt. Prospect, Ill. TBL Group Appl. 7, Apr. 7, 2026, TBL Grp., Inc.--Acquis. of Control--Chic. Classic Coach, LLC, MCF 21144. According to TBL Group, Classic provides traditional charter motor coach services for events and meetings primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area and extending into parts of northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin./2 Id.
The application describes Escot as a Florida limited liability company headquartered in Largo, Fla. (Appl. 7-8.) According to the application, Escot provides traditional charter motor coach services for group, school and team travel, and meeting, event and convention shuttle services in central and south Florida, with three terminals: Orlando, Largo (Tampa/St. Petersburg metro area), and Medley (Miami metro area). (Id. at 7-8.) In addition, TBL Group states that Escot provides scheduled intercity transit service within the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina under the FlixBus mobility platform. (Id.) The application states that Escot utilizes approximately 50 motor coaches, 19 mini-buses, and 3 passenger vans, while employing approximately 90 drivers. (Id. at 8.) TBL Group also provides details about Escot's USDOT number, FMCSA docket number, and safety rating./3 (Id., Ex. A.) According to the application, the limited liability company members of Escot, Brian Scott and Pamela Calixto, are individual residents of the state of Florida, and neither has an ownership interest in any other passenger motor carrier that holds interstate motor carrier authority. (Id. at 8.)
Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction that it finds consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least (1) the effect of the proposed transaction on the adequacy of transportation to the public, (2) the total fixed charges resulting from the proposed transaction, and (3) the interest of affected carrier employees. TBL Group has submitted the information required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including information demonstrating that the proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7), and a jurisdictional statement under 49 U.S.C. 14303(g) that the aggregate gross operating revenues of the involved carriers exceeded $2 million during a consecutive 12-month period ending not more than 6 months before the date of the agreement of the parties, see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(5).
TBL Group does not expect the proposed transaction to have any detrimental impact on the adequacy of transportation services available to the public in Escot's service area. (Appl. 10.) TBL Group anticipates that services available to the public will increase due to anticipated increased demand in Escot's service area. (Id.) TBL Group states that after the transaction, the services currently provided by Escot will continue to be provided to the public for the foreseeable future, either by TBL Newco in the event of an asset acquisition, or by Escot in the event that Escot is acquired directly by TBL Group. (Id. at 10-11.) TBL Group asserts that its passenger carrier management capacity and experience in the market segments that Escot serves will lead to improved operating efficiencies, increased equipment utilization rates, and cost savings derived from economies of scale. (Id. at 11.) TBL Group further states that the addition of Escot's operations to TBL Group's organization will enhance the viability of TBL Group and the Affiliated Carriers. (Id.) TBL Group therefore asserts that the proposed transaction will help ensure the ongoing availability of adequate passenger transportation service to the public. (Id.)
TBL Group states that the proposed transaction will increase fixed charges in the form of interest expense, explaining that funds will be borrowed to finance the transaction. (Id. at 1112.) However, TBL Group states that the increase in fixed charges will not affect the provision of transportation to the public. (Id. at 12.) Additionally, TBL Group asserts that the transaction is not expected to have substantial negative impacts on employees or labor conditions because TBL Group intends to continue Escot's current operations. (Id.) Although TBL Group acknowledges that staffing redundancies may result in limited downsizing of back office or managerial level personnel, the application states that, under either acquisition scenario, substantially all of Escot's current employees will be offered employment without any negative changes to compensation levels or benefits. (Id.)
TBL Group states that there is strong demand for passenger surface transportation in Escot's service area, with many service options available to passengers. (Id. at 13-14.) According to the application, Escot competes directly with many other charter bus service providers in the area, and with an increasing number of charter bus brokerage companies. (Id. at 14.) The application further states that passenger motor carriers in the areas near Orlando and Miami, including Escot, are in direct competition for certain destinations served by Brightline (a scheduled high-speed intercity rail service between Orlando and Miami), and a number of airlines. (Id.) In addition, according to TBL Group, Escot also competes with scheduled passenger shuttle services in certain areas and the passenger transportation network providers (e.g., Uber and Lyft). (Id.)
TBL Group asserts that, with the exception of Echo East, Escot's service area is geographically dispersed from the service areas of the Affiliated Carriers, with no overlap in customer bases. (Id. at 15.) According to the application, Echo East serves the area around Jacksonville and has a much smaller service footprint than Escot. (Id.) In addition, TBL Group states that Echo East generates most of its revenue from contract shuttle services for commercial, hotel, and resort customers utilizing smaller vehicles and shorter moves, while Escot generates the majority of its revenue from scheduled intercity passenger services in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in conjunction with the FlixBus mobility platform, and traditional motor coach charter services for commercial customers generally utilizing larger motor coaches and involving longer trips. (Id.) TBL Group claims that the overlap in customer base between Echo East and Escot is less than five percent. (Id.)
Based on TBL Group's representations, the Board finds that the transaction proposed in the application is consistent with the public interest. The application will be tentatively approved and authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, these findings will be deemed vacated, and, unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. See 49 CFR 1182.6. If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action in this proceeding.
This action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c).
Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.
It is ordered:
1. The proposed transaction is approved and authorized, subject to the filing of opposing comments.
2. If opposing comments are timely filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed vacated.
3. This notice will be effective on July 28, 2026, unless opposing comments are filed by July 27, 2026. If any comments are filed, TBL Group may file a reply by August 25, 2026.
4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
5. This notice will be published in the Federal Register.
Decided: June 22, 2026.
By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, Kloster, and Schultz.
* * *
Footnotes:
1/ Additional information about these motor carriers, including principal place of business, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers, motor carrier numbers, USDOT safety fitness ratings, fleet composition, and driver count, can be found in the application. (See Appl., Ex. A.)
2/ In 2025, the Board approved an application by TBL Group to acquire control of BTM Coaches, Inc., and that approval became effective on November 8, 2025. See TBL Grp., Inc.-- Acquis. of Control--BTM Coaches, Inc., MCF 21138, slip op. at 1 (STB served Sept. 24, 2025). However, according to TBL Group, the transaction contemplated by that application has not yet closed and may not close in the future. (Appl. 2 n.1.)
3/ TBL Group also states that Escot holds a CVOR Certificate for the Canadian province of Ontario and a registration for the Canadian province of Quebec, which permit it to cross the U.S. border into and operate its vehicles in those provinces, subject to other rules and regulations. (Appl. 8.) However, according to TBL Group, Escot has not made any charter trips into those provinces since 2020. (Id. at 8 n.7.)
* * *
Original text here: https://dcms-external.s3.amazonaws.com/DCMS_External_PROD/1782484496998/53110.pdf
* * *
SUMMARY: TBL Group, Inc. (TBL Group), a noncarrier holding company that controls multiple interstate motor passenger carriers, has filed an application to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot Bus Lines, L.L.C. (Escot), a federally regulated motor passenger carrier. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction. If no ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. MCF 21152) entitled "TBL Group Inc. - Acquistion of Control - Escot Bus Lines LLC": * * * SUMMARY: TBL Group, Inc. (TBL Group), a noncarrier holding company that controls multiple interstate motor passenger carriers, has filed an application to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot Bus Lines, L.L.C. (Escot), a federally regulated motor passenger carrier. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction. If noopposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.
DATES: Comments must be filed by July 27, 2026. If any comments are filed, TBL Group may file a reply by August 25, 2026. If no opposing comments are filed by July 27, 2026, this notice shall be effective on July 28, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments, referring to Docket No. MCF 21152, may be filed with the Board either via e-filing on the Board's website or in writing addressed to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to TBL Group's representative: Andrew K. Light, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C., 10 W. Market Street, Suite 1400, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Fancher at (202) 915-8445. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245-0245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 28, 2026, TBL Group filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 14303 and 49 CFR part 1182 for Board authority to acquire control of the primary assets of, or the member interest in, Escot. (Appl. 1.) According to TBL Group, either a newly created TBL Group subsidiary, TBL Newco, will acquire substantially all of Escot's motor carrier assets and become an interstate motor carrier, or TBL Group will acquire the membership interest of Escot directly. (Id. at 1-2.) The application explains that in either case, the services currently provided by Escot will continue to be provided. (Id. at 10-11.)
The application states that TBL Group is a Texas corporation, headquartered in Houston, Tex. (Id. at 2.) TBL Group asserts that it is not a federally regulated carrier but that it controls six interstate passenger motor carriers (Affiliated Carriers): GBJ Inc. (GBJ), Echo Tours & Charters, LP (Echo Tours), Echo East Coast Transportation LLC (Echo East), Echo Windy City, LLC (Echo Windy), Reston Limousine & Travel Service, Inc. (Reston), and Echo Nevada, LLC (Echo Nevada)./1 (Id. at 2-6.) TBL Group states that GBJ is a Texas corporation doing business as Echo AFC Transportation, AFC Transportation, and Echo AFC Medical Transport that primarily provides charter and contract shuttle services for companies, non-profits, schools, and tour operators in the metropolitan area of Houston, Tex., but also provides interstate charter passenger transportation service. (Id. at 3.) Echo Tours is described as a Texas limited partnership doing business as Echo Transportation that primarily provides charter and contract shuttle services for companies, non-profits, schools, and tour operators in the metropolitan area of Dallas, Tex., but also provides interstate charter passenger transportation. (Id. at 4.) TBL Group states that Echo East is a Texas limited liability company doing business as Echo East Coast Transportation that primarily provides interstate and intrastate contract and charter services in the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Fla. (Id. at 4.) TBL Group describes Echo Windy as a Texas limited liability company doing business as Echo Windy City Transportation that primarily provides intrastate limousine and charter passenger service in the metropolitan area of Chicago, Ill., but can also provide interstate limousine and charter passenger service. (Id. at 4.) Reston is described as a Virginia corporation that provides interstate and intrastate limousine, shuttle, and charter passenger services in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C. (Id. at 5.) TBL Group describes Echo Nevada as a Nevada limited liability company doing business as Presidential Transportation that provides limousine, shuttle, and charter passenger service in the metropolitan area of Las Vegas, Nev. (Id. at 6.)
On April 7, 2026, TBL Group filed an application with the Board seeking authority to acquire control of Chicago Classic Coach, LLC (Classic). TBL Grp., Inc.--Acquis. of Control--Chi. Classic Coach, LLC, MCF 21144, slip op. at 1 (STB served May 7, 2026). The Board's tentative approval of that application was served on May 7, 2026, and became effective on June 23, 2026. See id. at 1. TBL Group stated that Classic is an Illinois limited liability company headquartered in Mt. Prospect, Ill. TBL Group Appl. 7, Apr. 7, 2026, TBL Grp., Inc.--Acquis. of Control--Chic. Classic Coach, LLC, MCF 21144. According to TBL Group, Classic provides traditional charter motor coach services for events and meetings primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area and extending into parts of northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin./2 Id.
The application describes Escot as a Florida limited liability company headquartered in Largo, Fla. (Appl. 7-8.) According to the application, Escot provides traditional charter motor coach services for group, school and team travel, and meeting, event and convention shuttle services in central and south Florida, with three terminals: Orlando, Largo (Tampa/St. Petersburg metro area), and Medley (Miami metro area). (Id. at 7-8.) In addition, TBL Group states that Escot provides scheduled intercity transit service within the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina under the FlixBus mobility platform. (Id.) The application states that Escot utilizes approximately 50 motor coaches, 19 mini-buses, and 3 passenger vans, while employing approximately 90 drivers. (Id. at 8.) TBL Group also provides details about Escot's USDOT number, FMCSA docket number, and safety rating./3 (Id., Ex. A.) According to the application, the limited liability company members of Escot, Brian Scott and Pamela Calixto, are individual residents of the state of Florida, and neither has an ownership interest in any other passenger motor carrier that holds interstate motor carrier authority. (Id. at 8.)
Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction that it finds consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least (1) the effect of the proposed transaction on the adequacy of transportation to the public, (2) the total fixed charges resulting from the proposed transaction, and (3) the interest of affected carrier employees. TBL Group has submitted the information required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including information demonstrating that the proposed transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7), and a jurisdictional statement under 49 U.S.C. 14303(g) that the aggregate gross operating revenues of the involved carriers exceeded $2 million during a consecutive 12-month period ending not more than 6 months before the date of the agreement of the parties, see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(5).
TBL Group does not expect the proposed transaction to have any detrimental impact on the adequacy of transportation services available to the public in Escot's service area. (Appl. 10.) TBL Group anticipates that services available to the public will increase due to anticipated increased demand in Escot's service area. (Id.) TBL Group states that after the transaction, the services currently provided by Escot will continue to be provided to the public for the foreseeable future, either by TBL Newco in the event of an asset acquisition, or by Escot in the event that Escot is acquired directly by TBL Group. (Id. at 10-11.) TBL Group asserts that its passenger carrier management capacity and experience in the market segments that Escot serves will lead to improved operating efficiencies, increased equipment utilization rates, and cost savings derived from economies of scale. (Id. at 11.) TBL Group further states that the addition of Escot's operations to TBL Group's organization will enhance the viability of TBL Group and the Affiliated Carriers. (Id.) TBL Group therefore asserts that the proposed transaction will help ensure the ongoing availability of adequate passenger transportation service to the public. (Id.)
TBL Group states that the proposed transaction will increase fixed charges in the form of interest expense, explaining that funds will be borrowed to finance the transaction. (Id. at 1112.) However, TBL Group states that the increase in fixed charges will not affect the provision of transportation to the public. (Id. at 12.) Additionally, TBL Group asserts that the transaction is not expected to have substantial negative impacts on employees or labor conditions because TBL Group intends to continue Escot's current operations. (Id.) Although TBL Group acknowledges that staffing redundancies may result in limited downsizing of back office or managerial level personnel, the application states that, under either acquisition scenario, substantially all of Escot's current employees will be offered employment without any negative changes to compensation levels or benefits. (Id.)
TBL Group states that there is strong demand for passenger surface transportation in Escot's service area, with many service options available to passengers. (Id. at 13-14.) According to the application, Escot competes directly with many other charter bus service providers in the area, and with an increasing number of charter bus brokerage companies. (Id. at 14.) The application further states that passenger motor carriers in the areas near Orlando and Miami, including Escot, are in direct competition for certain destinations served by Brightline (a scheduled high-speed intercity rail service between Orlando and Miami), and a number of airlines. (Id.) In addition, according to TBL Group, Escot also competes with scheduled passenger shuttle services in certain areas and the passenger transportation network providers (e.g., Uber and Lyft). (Id.)
TBL Group asserts that, with the exception of Echo East, Escot's service area is geographically dispersed from the service areas of the Affiliated Carriers, with no overlap in customer bases. (Id. at 15.) According to the application, Echo East serves the area around Jacksonville and has a much smaller service footprint than Escot. (Id.) In addition, TBL Group states that Echo East generates most of its revenue from contract shuttle services for commercial, hotel, and resort customers utilizing smaller vehicles and shorter moves, while Escot generates the majority of its revenue from scheduled intercity passenger services in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in conjunction with the FlixBus mobility platform, and traditional motor coach charter services for commercial customers generally utilizing larger motor coaches and involving longer trips. (Id.) TBL Group claims that the overlap in customer base between Echo East and Escot is less than five percent. (Id.)
Based on TBL Group's representations, the Board finds that the transaction proposed in the application is consistent with the public interest. The application will be tentatively approved and authorized. If any opposing comments are timely filed, these findings will be deemed vacated, and, unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. See 49 CFR 1182.6. If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action in this proceeding.
This action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c).
Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.
It is ordered:
1. The proposed transaction is approved and authorized, subject to the filing of opposing comments.
2. If opposing comments are timely filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed vacated.
3. This notice will be effective on July 28, 2026, unless opposing comments are filed by July 27, 2026. If any comments are filed, TBL Group may file a reply by August 25, 2026.
4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
5. This notice will be published in the Federal Register.
Decided: June 22, 2026.
By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, Kloster, and Schultz.
* * *
Footnotes:
1/ Additional information about these motor carriers, including principal place of business, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers, motor carrier numbers, USDOT safety fitness ratings, fleet composition, and driver count, can be found in the application. (See Appl., Ex. A.)
2/ In 2025, the Board approved an application by TBL Group to acquire control of BTM Coaches, Inc., and that approval became effective on November 8, 2025. See TBL Grp., Inc.-- Acquis. of Control--BTM Coaches, Inc., MCF 21138, slip op. at 1 (STB served Sept. 24, 2025). However, according to TBL Group, the transaction contemplated by that application has not yet closed and may not close in the future. (Appl. 2 n.1.)
3/ TBL Group also states that Escot holds a CVOR Certificate for the Canadian province of Ontario and a registration for the Canadian province of Quebec, which permit it to cross the U.S. border into and operate its vehicles in those provinces, subject to other rules and regulations. (Appl. 8.) However, according to TBL Group, Escot has not made any charter trips into those provinces since 2020. (Id. at 8 n.7.)
* * *
Original text here: https://dcms-external.s3.amazonaws.com/DCMS_External_PROD/1782484496998/53110.pdf
State Dept. Fact Sheet: Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following fact sheet on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit
Launched by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in December 2025, Pax Silica is the Department of State's flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security. The initiative aims to build new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners to advance secure, prosperous, and innovative supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and technology ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following fact sheet on June 26, 2026: * * * Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit Launched by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in December 2025, Pax Silica is the Department of State's flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security. The initiative aims to build new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners to advance secure, prosperous, and innovative supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and technologyinfrastructure.
2026 Pax Silica Summit Deliverables
Signing of Joint Statement on AI Opportunity
* The United States and close to three dozen Pax Silica economies signed a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, further aligning them on a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory approach to AI. The Joint Statement focused on empowering builders, startups, developers, and the private sector while securing global AI supply chains.
* The following countries have signed the AI Opportunity Statement so far: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States.
* Read the full text of the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership.
New Pax Silica Signatories
* As a result of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, ten additional partners have signed the Pax Silica Declaration, joining the initiative. The new signatories are: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Union, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and Panama.
* Pax Silica now counts 24 signatories, with the above partners joining Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Norway, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Taiwan has endorsed the Pax Silica declaration principles via the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation.
* Pax Silica is a positive-sum partnership of nations who seek to remain competitive and prosperous.
Announcement of Pilot Pax Silica AI Assistance Project in Panama
* The Department of State is planning to announce a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity for a new Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project for Panama, and Pax Silica partners that ship high-value AI supply chain products through Panama. Through this project, the Department seeks to strengthen global AI supply chain security by developing an AI supply chain credentialing and provenance platform that expedites the shipping of semiconductors, AI infrastructure, critical minerals, and related products.
* The new platform is envisioned to integrate with existing customs, port operator, and shipper tracking platforms to accelerate logistics and customs for vetted shipments. The project would begin as a pilot with Panama by implementing the platform with Panama's ports and customs authorities. If the pilot with Panama is successful, the Department would seek to commence the second phase of the project, expanding the geographic reach to other Pax Silica countries and economies.
United States and Stanford University Launch Foundry School Initiative
* On the final day of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, Under Secretary Helberg unveiled a new workforce development initiative created in partnership with Stanford University. Foundry School will kick off with a seminar series at Stanford, gathering founders and CEOs in advanced manufacturing to teach the principles behind the world's most successful industrial enterprises. This series will be paired with a first-of-its-kind advanced manufacturing curriculum, jointly developed by Stanford and the State Department, that educational institutions across Pax Silica economies can adopt and deliver in their own classrooms.
* Advanced manufacturing is not yet well-established as a standalone field of study, despite its vital importance for national power. Foundry School's curriculum will give the next generation of technologists, policymakers, and industrial leaders in the United States and like-minded nations a common framework for the industrial capabilities that underwrite both economic strength and national security.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/06/outcomes-of-the-second-pax-silica-summit/
* * *
Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit
Launched by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in December 2025, Pax Silica is the Department of State's flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security. The initiative aims to build new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners to advance secure, prosperous, and innovative supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and technology ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following fact sheet on June 26, 2026: * * * Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit Launched by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in December 2025, Pax Silica is the Department of State's flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security. The initiative aims to build new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners to advance secure, prosperous, and innovative supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and technologyinfrastructure.
2026 Pax Silica Summit Deliverables
Signing of Joint Statement on AI Opportunity
* The United States and close to three dozen Pax Silica economies signed a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, further aligning them on a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory approach to AI. The Joint Statement focused on empowering builders, startups, developers, and the private sector while securing global AI supply chains.
* The following countries have signed the AI Opportunity Statement so far: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States.
* Read the full text of the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership.
New Pax Silica Signatories
* As a result of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, ten additional partners have signed the Pax Silica Declaration, joining the initiative. The new signatories are: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Union, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and Panama.
* Pax Silica now counts 24 signatories, with the above partners joining Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Norway, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Taiwan has endorsed the Pax Silica declaration principles via the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation.
* Pax Silica is a positive-sum partnership of nations who seek to remain competitive and prosperous.
Announcement of Pilot Pax Silica AI Assistance Project in Panama
* The Department of State is planning to announce a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity for a new Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project for Panama, and Pax Silica partners that ship high-value AI supply chain products through Panama. Through this project, the Department seeks to strengthen global AI supply chain security by developing an AI supply chain credentialing and provenance platform that expedites the shipping of semiconductors, AI infrastructure, critical minerals, and related products.
* The new platform is envisioned to integrate with existing customs, port operator, and shipper tracking platforms to accelerate logistics and customs for vetted shipments. The project would begin as a pilot with Panama by implementing the platform with Panama's ports and customs authorities. If the pilot with Panama is successful, the Department would seek to commence the second phase of the project, expanding the geographic reach to other Pax Silica countries and economies.
United States and Stanford University Launch Foundry School Initiative
* On the final day of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, Under Secretary Helberg unveiled a new workforce development initiative created in partnership with Stanford University. Foundry School will kick off with a seminar series at Stanford, gathering founders and CEOs in advanced manufacturing to teach the principles behind the world's most successful industrial enterprises. This series will be paired with a first-of-its-kind advanced manufacturing curriculum, jointly developed by Stanford and the State Department, that educational institutions across Pax Silica economies can adopt and deliver in their own classrooms.
* Advanced manufacturing is not yet well-established as a standalone field of study, despite its vital importance for national power. Foundry School's curriculum will give the next generation of technologists, policymakers, and industrial leaders in the United States and like-minded nations a common framework for the industrial capabilities that underwrite both economic strength and national security.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/06/outcomes-of-the-second-pax-silica-summit/
NASA IG: Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms
WASHINGTON, June 27 (TNSres) -- NASA Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. IG-26-007) on April 16, 2026 entitled "Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
TO: Sidney Schmidt, Acting Chief Financial Officer
David Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Mission Support Directorate
SUBJECT: Final Memorandum, Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms (Report No. IG-26-007; Assignment No. D-25-03-00-FMD)
NASA Exchange and Morale ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 (TNSres) -- NASA Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. IG-26-007) on April 16, 2026 entitled "Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms." Here are excerpts: * * * TO: Sidney Schmidt, Acting Chief Financial Officer David Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Mission Support Directorate SUBJECT: Final Memorandum, Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms (Report No. IG-26-007; Assignment No. D-25-03-00-FMD) NASA Exchange and MoraleSupport Activities (Exchanges) are entities under NASA's control that operate businesses, such as cafeterias and gift shops, to contribute to the morale and welfare of NASA employees and their families, retirees, and contractors. Exchange activities are generally supported by non-appropriated funds. Exchanges, by contract or other written agreements, operate activities such as food service, retail stores, and vending machines. Funds generated from these services are used to promote, manage, and oversee morale support activities, including, but not limited to, fitness centers, athletic leagues, social clubs, child development centers, and recreation associations.
NASA policy requires each Exchange to maintain financial records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Each Exchange must also obtain an annual audit of its financial statements conducted by a licensed independent public accounting (IPA) firm in accordance with the Government Accountability Office's generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS).
As part of our oversight of the work performed by the IPA firms, we performed a desk review of the independent auditor's report for each Exchange that received an audit or a review for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.2 We performed the desk review to determine whether the audit reports met reporting standards applicable to financial audits contained in GAGAS. See Enclosure I for details of the review's scope and methodology.
* * *
View full report here: https://oig.nasa.gov/audits/desk-review-of-nasa-exchanges-fiscal-year-2024-audit-reports-issued-by-various-public-accounting-firms/
Here are excerpts:
* * *
TO: Sidney Schmidt, Acting Chief Financial Officer
David Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Mission Support Directorate
SUBJECT: Final Memorandum, Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms (Report No. IG-26-007; Assignment No. D-25-03-00-FMD)
NASA Exchange and Morale ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 (TNSres) -- NASA Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. IG-26-007) on April 16, 2026 entitled "Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms." Here are excerpts: * * * TO: Sidney Schmidt, Acting Chief Financial Officer David Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Mission Support Directorate SUBJECT: Final Memorandum, Desk Review of NASA Exchanges' Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Reports Issued by Various Public Accounting Firms (Report No. IG-26-007; Assignment No. D-25-03-00-FMD) NASA Exchange and MoraleSupport Activities (Exchanges) are entities under NASA's control that operate businesses, such as cafeterias and gift shops, to contribute to the morale and welfare of NASA employees and their families, retirees, and contractors. Exchange activities are generally supported by non-appropriated funds. Exchanges, by contract or other written agreements, operate activities such as food service, retail stores, and vending machines. Funds generated from these services are used to promote, manage, and oversee morale support activities, including, but not limited to, fitness centers, athletic leagues, social clubs, child development centers, and recreation associations.
NASA policy requires each Exchange to maintain financial records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Each Exchange must also obtain an annual audit of its financial statements conducted by a licensed independent public accounting (IPA) firm in accordance with the Government Accountability Office's generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS).
As part of our oversight of the work performed by the IPA firms, we performed a desk review of the independent auditor's report for each Exchange that received an audit or a review for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.2 We performed the desk review to determine whether the audit reports met reporting standards applicable to financial audits contained in GAGAS. See Enclosure I for details of the review's scope and methodology.
* * *
View full report here: https://oig.nasa.gov/audits/desk-review-of-nasa-exchanges-fiscal-year-2024-audit-reports-issued-by-various-public-accounting-firms/
FCC to Review E-Rate Program to Ensure Congress's Vision
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement on June 26, 2026, by Chairman Brendan Carr:
* * *
FCC to Review E-Rate Program to Ensure Congress's Vision
Re: Ensuring Children's Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services; Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries; Establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap; Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program, WC Docket Nos. 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, 21-455, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (June 25, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement on June 26, 2026, by Chairman Brendan Carr: * * * FCC to Review E-Rate Program to Ensure Congress's Vision Re: Ensuring Children's Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services; Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries; Establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap; Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program, WC Docket Nos. 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, 21-455, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (June 25,2026).
Over the last decade, school districts across the country experimented with a massive increase in screen time for students. In many classrooms, turning pages in books, penciling out answers to math problems, and asking teachers questions were replaced for long stretches of time by kids swiping on tablets. Indeed, the data show that more than half of students now use a computer for up to four hours a day, and a quarter of them spend more than four hours on screens. Emma Kate Fittes, How Much Time Are Students Spending Using EdTech? (Mar. 1, 2022) https://marketbrief.edweek.org/meeting-district-needs/how-much-time-are-students-spending-using-ed-tech/2022/03.
Kids as young as eight have been spending up to five and a half hours daily on screens. Children's Hospital of Orange County, The Effects of Screen Time on Children: The Latest Research Parents Should Know (Aug. 27, 2024), https://health.choc.org/the-effects-of-screen-time-on-children-the-latest-research-parents-should-know; U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use, An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents, at 12 (2026), https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/us-surgeon-generals-advisory-warning-on-the-harms-of-screen-use.pdf.
By Grade 8, more than 50 percent of kids report using computers in all or almost all classes, up from 30 percent in 2019.
In many cases, school districts were not freelancing. There had been a strong push at the local, state, and federal level by policy makers to increase screen time. Many argued that increasing screens in schools was an unalloyed good. The more the better. For their part, many tech companies supported the surge in screen time, benefiting from increased device sales.
In any setting, but particularly in educational ones, it is important to look at the data. The results from America's experiment with pervasive screen time in school are now starting to pour in. The data show that reading and math skills have declined and increased screen times have been associated with lower reading and math achievement on standardized tests in elementary school. National Assessment of Education Progress, NAEP Report Card: Reading (2024), https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/; National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts, Long Term Trends in Reading and Mathematics Achievement, https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=38 (last visited June 24, 2026); Xuedi Li et al., Screen Time and Standardized Academic Achievement Tests in Elementary School, 8 JAMA Netw. Open 10 (2025), https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2839927.
Achievement gaps have also widened between students in the 90th and 10th percentiles. One researcher has described these downward trendlines as one of the largest declines in human capital we have ever observed.
We are not the only ones concerned about screen time and poor educational outcomes. Researchers are consistently finding that excessive screen time use has a detrimental impact on the well-being of kids and teens. Professor Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, has found that screen time is linked with the rise of youth depression and anxiety. See Gili Malinsky, 'The Anxious Generation' author's No. 1 rule for kids' screentime at home: 'We have to roll that back if we want any hope for them to grow up healthy', CNBC (Oct. 8, 2025), https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/jonathan-haidts-parenting-rules-for-screentime-at-home.html?msockid=3673412deb1d6308130b54d9eab062d7; see also Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation, https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/ (last visited June 24, 2026).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have both similarly found that too much screen time may lead to lower grades in school and reading fewer books, among other negative outcomes. See American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Screen Time and Children (June 2025), https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV 054.aspx; U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use, An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents (2026), https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/us-surgeon-generals-advisory-warning-on-the-harms-of-screen-use.pdf.
These trends have grabbed the attention of federal policymakers. A number of bills have been introduced in Congress that are aimed at reducing kid screen time. For example, in 2023, Senators Ted Cruz, Ted Budd, and Shelley Moore Capito proposed the "Eyes on the Board Act" to require schools and school districts that participate in the E-Rate program to block social media access on subsidized services and networks, and to adopt policies to limit screen time in school. Eyes on the Board Act, S. 3074, 118th Cong. (2023).
And other agencies are also taking a close look at this issue, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where Administrator Roth launched an initiative to examine the role of educational technology and screen use in K-12 schools, beginning with a listening session focused on "Kids' Excessive Screen Use in Schools." Kids' Excessive Screen Time Listening Session, Nat'l Telecomm. & Info. Admin. (Dec. 10, 2025), https://www.ntia.gov/events-and-meetings/kids-excessive-screen-time-listening-session.
School districts are taking action too. As of last month, at least six states have imposed bans or limits on screen time and more than a dozen other states have introduced bills that would result in bans or limits. Screen Time Legislation Is Moving Fast. Here's What's Actually Enacted, Whiteboard Advisors, K-12 Education (May 15, 2026), https://whiteboardadvisors.com/screen-time-legislation-is-moving-fast-heres-whats-actually-enacted/.
Just this week, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board adopted new rules that prohibit screen time for kids before second grade, cap it at 60 minutes for kids between second and fifth grade, and allow middle-schoolers and high-schoolers a total of six hours and 10 hours weekly, respectively. Lauren Lumpkin, Nation's second-largest school district passes strict new screen time rules for students, Washington Post (June 23, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2026/06/23/nations-second-largest-school-district-passes-strict-new-screen-time-rules-students/.
The San Diego Unified School District Board also adopted rules limiting screen time this week, including removing computers from transitional kindergarten classrooms and banning YouTube. Pranati Kotamraju, San Diego Unified unanimously approves proposal to reduce screen time for students, San Diego CBS 7 News (June 23, 2026), https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-unified-technology-limit-student/4040447/.
Against this backdrop, it is appropriate for the FCC to look at its own programs. As relevant here, the FCC has a $3 billion a year program, E-Rate. The program has been in place since 1997 and has played an important role in expanding connectivity to schools and libraries. It began with a clear focus--supporting basic internet access to schools and libraries for educational purposes. Kids could experience digital opportunity for the first time in computer labs at school or at the library. Since then, however, the E-Rate program has expanded exponentially, supporting a much broader list of services. And the number of devices connecting to these E-Rate supported networks has continued to grow as well. Gone are the days when schools focused predominately on connecting computer labs. Instead, nearly 100 percent of public schools report that they provide devices to students who need them, up from only 23 percent in the 2019-2020 school year. Elementary and Secondary Education, Technology Support, Annual Reports and Information Staff (Annual Reports), https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/annualreports/topical-studies/covid/theme/elementary-and-secondary-education-technology-support/ (last visited June 23, 2026).
This is in addition to the many computers and phones that students are bringing to school from home.
In today's item, we are asking important questions that will allow us to ensure that the program continues to support educational opportunity while also considering whether additional safeguards, refinements, or updates are needed to better protect kids online. We seek comment on whether the program should be reoriented in light of all of the above developments, as well as the increase in connectivity to schools and libraries across the country since 1997.
We also explore whether our current interpretation of the Children's Internet Protection Act is the best reading of the statute, or whether there is more that the FCC, and schools across the country, can be doing to protect kids online when they are using E-Rate supported networks. Finally, we are proposing steps to strengthen integrity of the E-Rate program, including increasing oversight over consultants, to help safeguard the program against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Concerned citizens support our action today. I received a letter signed by hundreds of individuals and more than thirty-five organizations including Digital Progress Institute, NCOCE (National Center on Child Exploitation), Internet Accountability Project, and Independent Women's Forum urging the Commission to adopt this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
I welcome the discussion that this item will generate and look forward to reviewing the record. Thanks to Allison Baker, Bryan Boyle, Matt Baker, Kristin Berkland, Rachel Bixby, Joseph Calascione, Kate Dumouchel, Gabby Gross, Molly O'Conor, Johnnay Schrieber, Veronica Garcia-Ulloa, Jonathan Lechter, and Malena Barzilai for their great work on this item.
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-41A2.pdf
* * *
FCC to Review E-Rate Program to Ensure Congress's Vision
Re: Ensuring Children's Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services; Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries; Establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap; Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program, WC Docket Nos. 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, 21-455, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (June 25, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement on June 26, 2026, by Chairman Brendan Carr: * * * FCC to Review E-Rate Program to Ensure Congress's Vision Re: Ensuring Children's Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services; Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries; Establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap; Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program, WC Docket Nos. 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, 21-455, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (June 25,2026).
Over the last decade, school districts across the country experimented with a massive increase in screen time for students. In many classrooms, turning pages in books, penciling out answers to math problems, and asking teachers questions were replaced for long stretches of time by kids swiping on tablets. Indeed, the data show that more than half of students now use a computer for up to four hours a day, and a quarter of them spend more than four hours on screens. Emma Kate Fittes, How Much Time Are Students Spending Using EdTech? (Mar. 1, 2022) https://marketbrief.edweek.org/meeting-district-needs/how-much-time-are-students-spending-using-ed-tech/2022/03.
Kids as young as eight have been spending up to five and a half hours daily on screens. Children's Hospital of Orange County, The Effects of Screen Time on Children: The Latest Research Parents Should Know (Aug. 27, 2024), https://health.choc.org/the-effects-of-screen-time-on-children-the-latest-research-parents-should-know; U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use, An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents, at 12 (2026), https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/us-surgeon-generals-advisory-warning-on-the-harms-of-screen-use.pdf.
By Grade 8, more than 50 percent of kids report using computers in all or almost all classes, up from 30 percent in 2019.
In many cases, school districts were not freelancing. There had been a strong push at the local, state, and federal level by policy makers to increase screen time. Many argued that increasing screens in schools was an unalloyed good. The more the better. For their part, many tech companies supported the surge in screen time, benefiting from increased device sales.
In any setting, but particularly in educational ones, it is important to look at the data. The results from America's experiment with pervasive screen time in school are now starting to pour in. The data show that reading and math skills have declined and increased screen times have been associated with lower reading and math achievement on standardized tests in elementary school. National Assessment of Education Progress, NAEP Report Card: Reading (2024), https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/; National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts, Long Term Trends in Reading and Mathematics Achievement, https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=38 (last visited June 24, 2026); Xuedi Li et al., Screen Time and Standardized Academic Achievement Tests in Elementary School, 8 JAMA Netw. Open 10 (2025), https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2839927.
Achievement gaps have also widened between students in the 90th and 10th percentiles. One researcher has described these downward trendlines as one of the largest declines in human capital we have ever observed.
We are not the only ones concerned about screen time and poor educational outcomes. Researchers are consistently finding that excessive screen time use has a detrimental impact on the well-being of kids and teens. Professor Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, has found that screen time is linked with the rise of youth depression and anxiety. See Gili Malinsky, 'The Anxious Generation' author's No. 1 rule for kids' screentime at home: 'We have to roll that back if we want any hope for them to grow up healthy', CNBC (Oct. 8, 2025), https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/jonathan-haidts-parenting-rules-for-screentime-at-home.html?msockid=3673412deb1d6308130b54d9eab062d7; see also Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation, https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/ (last visited June 24, 2026).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have both similarly found that too much screen time may lead to lower grades in school and reading fewer books, among other negative outcomes. See American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Screen Time and Children (June 2025), https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV 054.aspx; U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use, An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents (2026), https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/us-surgeon-generals-advisory-warning-on-the-harms-of-screen-use.pdf.
These trends have grabbed the attention of federal policymakers. A number of bills have been introduced in Congress that are aimed at reducing kid screen time. For example, in 2023, Senators Ted Cruz, Ted Budd, and Shelley Moore Capito proposed the "Eyes on the Board Act" to require schools and school districts that participate in the E-Rate program to block social media access on subsidized services and networks, and to adopt policies to limit screen time in school. Eyes on the Board Act, S. 3074, 118th Cong. (2023).
And other agencies are also taking a close look at this issue, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where Administrator Roth launched an initiative to examine the role of educational technology and screen use in K-12 schools, beginning with a listening session focused on "Kids' Excessive Screen Use in Schools." Kids' Excessive Screen Time Listening Session, Nat'l Telecomm. & Info. Admin. (Dec. 10, 2025), https://www.ntia.gov/events-and-meetings/kids-excessive-screen-time-listening-session.
School districts are taking action too. As of last month, at least six states have imposed bans or limits on screen time and more than a dozen other states have introduced bills that would result in bans or limits. Screen Time Legislation Is Moving Fast. Here's What's Actually Enacted, Whiteboard Advisors, K-12 Education (May 15, 2026), https://whiteboardadvisors.com/screen-time-legislation-is-moving-fast-heres-whats-actually-enacted/.
Just this week, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board adopted new rules that prohibit screen time for kids before second grade, cap it at 60 minutes for kids between second and fifth grade, and allow middle-schoolers and high-schoolers a total of six hours and 10 hours weekly, respectively. Lauren Lumpkin, Nation's second-largest school district passes strict new screen time rules for students, Washington Post (June 23, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2026/06/23/nations-second-largest-school-district-passes-strict-new-screen-time-rules-students/.
The San Diego Unified School District Board also adopted rules limiting screen time this week, including removing computers from transitional kindergarten classrooms and banning YouTube. Pranati Kotamraju, San Diego Unified unanimously approves proposal to reduce screen time for students, San Diego CBS 7 News (June 23, 2026), https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-unified-technology-limit-student/4040447/.
Against this backdrop, it is appropriate for the FCC to look at its own programs. As relevant here, the FCC has a $3 billion a year program, E-Rate. The program has been in place since 1997 and has played an important role in expanding connectivity to schools and libraries. It began with a clear focus--supporting basic internet access to schools and libraries for educational purposes. Kids could experience digital opportunity for the first time in computer labs at school or at the library. Since then, however, the E-Rate program has expanded exponentially, supporting a much broader list of services. And the number of devices connecting to these E-Rate supported networks has continued to grow as well. Gone are the days when schools focused predominately on connecting computer labs. Instead, nearly 100 percent of public schools report that they provide devices to students who need them, up from only 23 percent in the 2019-2020 school year. Elementary and Secondary Education, Technology Support, Annual Reports and Information Staff (Annual Reports), https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/annualreports/topical-studies/covid/theme/elementary-and-secondary-education-technology-support/ (last visited June 23, 2026).
This is in addition to the many computers and phones that students are bringing to school from home.
In today's item, we are asking important questions that will allow us to ensure that the program continues to support educational opportunity while also considering whether additional safeguards, refinements, or updates are needed to better protect kids online. We seek comment on whether the program should be reoriented in light of all of the above developments, as well as the increase in connectivity to schools and libraries across the country since 1997.
We also explore whether our current interpretation of the Children's Internet Protection Act is the best reading of the statute, or whether there is more that the FCC, and schools across the country, can be doing to protect kids online when they are using E-Rate supported networks. Finally, we are proposing steps to strengthen integrity of the E-Rate program, including increasing oversight over consultants, to help safeguard the program against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Concerned citizens support our action today. I received a letter signed by hundreds of individuals and more than thirty-five organizations including Digital Progress Institute, NCOCE (National Center on Child Exploitation), Internet Accountability Project, and Independent Women's Forum urging the Commission to adopt this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
I welcome the discussion that this item will generate and look forward to reviewing the record. Thanks to Allison Baker, Bryan Boyle, Matt Baker, Kristin Berkland, Rachel Bixby, Joseph Calascione, Kate Dumouchel, Gabby Gross, Molly O'Conor, Johnnay Schrieber, Veronica Garcia-Ulloa, Jonathan Lechter, and Malena Barzilai for their great work on this item.
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-41A2.pdf