Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
State Dept. Issues Readout of Deputy Secretary Landau Meeting With Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kosherbayev
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev:
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Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev following Secretary Rubio's inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. The two leaders held productive discussions on expanding trade and investment to support critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, as well as regional connectivity
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev:
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Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev following Secretary Rubio's inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. The two leaders held productive discussions on expanding trade and investment to support critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, as well as regional connectivityand secure supply chains.
Deputy Secretary Landau and Foreign Minister Kosherbayev underscored the importance of the U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership in fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for both nations.
The United States supports Kazakhstan's continued regional integration and development, including through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which represents the United States "plus" the five Central Asian countries (the C5 - Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan).
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/deputy-secretary-landaus-meeting-with-kazakhstan-foreign-minister-kosherbayev/
President Trump Issues Statement on Presidential Message on National Women and Girls in Sports Day
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 4, 2026, on National Women and Girls in Sports Day:
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From youth leagues and high school varsity to the Olympic Games and the heights of professional sports, for decades, women and girls have exemplified the very best of American athletics. This National Women and Girls in Sports Day, we celebrate every female athlete for their devotion to excellence and for their incredible contributions to America's character, culture, and unwavering competitive spirit.
Emboldened by the promise of the American Dream, through
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- President Trump issued the following statement on Feb. 4, 2026, on National Women and Girls in Sports Day:
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From youth leagues and high school varsity to the Olympic Games and the heights of professional sports, for decades, women and girls have exemplified the very best of American athletics. This National Women and Girls in Sports Day, we celebrate every female athlete for their devotion to excellence and for their incredible contributions to America's character, culture, and unwavering competitive spirit.
Emboldened by the promise of the American Dream, throughhard work, dedication, and resilience, every citizen can fulfill their God-given potential on any field, court, or track. More than half a century ago, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act enshrined this promise into federal law, marking a pivotal moment for equal opportunity for women and girls. Since then, the number of female athletes has grown remarkably--and my Administration remains committed to expanding opportunities for women and girls to compete, grow, and succeed at every level.
Since I took office as the 47th President of the United States, America has once again proudly championed youth athletics, which instills in our Nation's girls the skills they need to grow stronger, develop healthy habits, and overcome challenges--not only as athletes but as young citizens. Last year, I proudly signed multiple Executive Orders to uphold Title IX, end the unfair participation of men in women's sports, and preserve and expand scholarships for collegiate women's sports. My Administration's policy is simple: Any program that rejects biological reality and deprives women of fair and safe athletic opportunities will not receive federal funds. Under my leadership, every woman's safety, dignity, and work ethic will always be protected.
Female athletes go beyond breaking records or winning championships--they redefine what is possible, elevate their sports, and inspire the next generation of girls to achieve greatness. Today and every day, we recommit to preserving the timeless values that sports provide and to building a future where every young girl, collegiate athlete, and professional competitor pushes further, reaches higher, and dreams bigger.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/presidential-message-on-national-women-and-girls-in-sports-day/
NRC Major Reorganization Supports Efficiency, Innovation
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Major Reorganization Supports Efficiency, Innovation
The NRC is launching a significant reorganization to streamline decision making, consolidate functions, and align with national goals for more efficient licensing and deployment of safe, innovative nuclear technology.
The agency will reorganize around core business lines of new reactors, operating reactors, and nuclear materials and waste. Licensing and inspection functions will be integrated within each business line to create a single point
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Major Reorganization Supports Efficiency, Innovation
The NRC is launching a significant reorganization to streamline decision making, consolidate functions, and align with national goals for more efficient licensing and deployment of safe, innovative nuclear technology.
The agency will reorganize around core business lines of new reactors, operating reactors, and nuclear materials and waste. Licensing and inspection functions will be integrated within each business line to create a single pointof accountability and improve coordination between licensing and inspection teams from the onset of projects. In addition, functions carried out under the corporate support business line will be consolidated to improve efficiency.
"We are in one of the most consequential periods in the NRC's history, and this reorganization enables us to meet the moment with more efficient and timely decision making," said Chairman Ho Nieh. "This reorganization focuses the NRC's structure around national priorities aimed at accelerating the safe deployment of nuclear technologies. This reorganization is also aimed at achieving greater consistency in the implementation of agency safety programs across the NRC regional offices."
The changes meet requirements in Executive Order 14300, "Ordering Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission," and EO 14210, "Implementing the Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," enhancing the agency's ability to respond effectively to current and future demands.
"Moving carefully but expeditiously to carry out this reorganization is imperative to provide much-needed stability and certainty for our staff," said Executive Director for Operations Mike King. "We will maintain a continued focus on the safety and security of operating facilities while creating a structure and regulatory culture that ensures accountability and service for Americans."
Among the agency's near-term priorities will be the Commission's appointment of key leaders for the reactor safety program, and the staff's development of a new organizational chart and change management plan within the next 60 days. The agency will strive to implement the reorganization plan by the end of September.
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The global gold standard for nuclear regulation, the NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
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Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2026/26-017.pdf
NOAA: Muskegon Lake Removed From List of Most Degraded Great Lakes Sites
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news:
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Muskegon Lake Removed from List of Most Degraded Great Lakes Sites
Through a multi-year partnership with the Great Lakes Commission, NOAA has helped restore what was once one of the Great Lakes region's most degraded areas.
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In September 2025, Muskegon Lake was officially removed from the EPA's Areas of Concern list. It was originally designated one of the most environmentally degraded sites in the Great Lakes 40 years ago. NOAA Fisheries' Office of Habitat
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news:
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Muskegon Lake Removed from List of Most Degraded Great Lakes Sites
Through a multi-year partnership with the Great Lakes Commission, NOAA has helped restore what was once one of the Great Lakes region's most degraded areas.
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In September 2025, Muskegon Lake was officially removed from the EPA's Areas of Concern list. It was originally designated one of the most environmentally degraded sites in the Great Lakes 40 years ago. NOAA Fisheries' Office of HabitatConservation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other partners worked for decades to restore the area.
We addressed environmental challenges such as fish and wildlife habitat loss, contaminated soils, and hardened shorelines to meet the criteria for delisting. This milestone marks a major achievement for the Muskegon community and for Great Lakes restoration efforts.
"Early in the restoration effort, there was significant skepticism that Muskegon Lake could be cleaned up, and NOAA's involvement helped demonstrate that recovery was achievable through sustained, science-based collaboration," said Kathy Evans, habitat focus area lead for the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership. "NOAA provided critical technical expertise, on-the-ground support, and nearly half of the funding needed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and meet the criteria for delisting."
Partners raised approximately $80 million to support restoration in Muskegon Lake, including more than $36 million from NOAA Fisheries, primarily through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Since 2008, NOAA Fisheries has partnered with the Great Lakes Commission to carry out restoration projects that:
* Restored and reconnected 134 acres of wetland and offshore habitat
* Restored more than 7,000 feet of shoreline
* Removed 347,350 tons of debris
* Removed 190,000 tons of contaminated soil
* Enhanced habitat for species such as walleye, Chinook salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and threatened lake sturgeon
* Improved public recreational access
An economic study found that restoration generated an additional $28 million annually in recreational value and an estimated 500,000 additional visits per year.
"As Muskegon Lake was cleaned up and restored, we saw tourism return and measurable economic benefits tied directly to habitat restoration and improved water quality," said NOAA Great Lakes Restoration Program Manager Julie Simmons. "What truly sets Muskegon apart is the level of commitment from local partners and community members, who didn't just plan projects but stayed engaged--managing volunteers, restoring habitat, and sustaining the work that made delisting possible."
History of Pollution
In the late 1800s, Muskegon was home to many different industries, including lumber mills, chemical companies, foundries, a coal-fired power plant, and a paper mill. Over time, these industries filled in the shoreline of the lake and contaminated the water and sediment with compounds such as mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This resulted in habitat loss and degradation, water quality concerns, and declines in fish and wildlife populations.
In 1987, Muskegon Lake was listed as a Great Lakes Area of Concern, one of 43 "toxic hot spots" in the United States and Canada. Designation as an Area of Concern is based on a list of "beneficial use impairments." These factors indicate how a waterway's poor conditions are affecting the environment, human health, and the local economy. Local, state, and federal partners work to restore an Area of Concern by addressing its impairments. Once all a waterway's impairments have been addressed, its designation as an Area of Concern can be removed, a process known as "delisting."
Comprehensive Restoration Efforts
NOAA works through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to implement habitat restoration throughout the Great Lakes region, including in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Through the initiative, we have provided funding to the Great Lakes Commission to support several habitat restoration projects in the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern. These projects, overseen by the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, include:
* Veterans Memorial Park. Partners restored more than 15 acres of habitat and more than 6,000 feet of shoreline at this community memorial park. The work also included removing more than 40,200 metric tons of sediment and replacing an aging water control structure to allow for fish passage.
* Lower Muskegon River. Partners are working to remove three dikes from a former celery farm to help reconnect nearly 58 acres of wetland habitat with the Muskegon River.
* Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. Work in progress at the Muskegon Environment, Research, and Education Society's Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve will restore nearly 8 acres of wetland habitat.
* Former Amoco Site. Restoration underway at the former Amoco oil distribution terminal is expected to restore 9.8 acres of habitat and 575 feet of shoreline, and remove 1,700 feet of concrete wall surrounding the property.
* Heritage Landing. Strong storm events during record high Lake Michigan water levels led to damage and erosion at this site in 2017. Restoration and repair work improved habitat for fish and wildlife and will help prevent further erosion in the future.
* Bear Creek. This project reconnected more than 36 acres of coastal wetlands, improving water flow and fish passage to Muskegon Lake. Work also included removing roughly 120,000 cubic yards of sediment that contained harmful levels of phosphorus.
* Mill Debris Removal. This project removed more than 300,600 metric tons of logging-era sawmill debris from four different sites in Muskegon Lake. Restored open water and lake bottom habitats are expected to benefit lake sturgeon and other aquatic life.
* Boys and Girls Club. This project restored approximately 480 feet of shoreline and one-quarter acre of emergent wetland. It also removed debris from a half acre of wetland. This work enhanced habitat for Great Lakes native species, including northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and walleye.
NOAA and the Great Lakes Commission are also supporting ecological monitoring for many of these projects, which is being conducted through the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Center.
In addition to our restoration work through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, NOAA selected Muskegon Lake as one of our ten Habitat Focus Areas. We also invested $10 million into habitat restoration in Muskegon Lake through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
A 2011 study determined that, over 15 years, the Recovery Act funding we invested in Muskegon Lake restoration will result in a 6-to-1 return to the local economy. A 2020 follow-up study confirmed those projections, finding that habitat restoration in Muskegon Lake is improving area property values and boosting recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.
Combined, our many efforts in the Muskegon Lake region are helping to restore this important ecosystem and support Great Lakes fisheries and communities.
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Original text here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/muskegon-lake-removed-list-most-degraded-great-lakes-sites
Military planners in Rome finalize tech industry's debut at ALFS 2026
STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, a service component of the U.S. Africa Command, issued the following news:
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Military planners in Rome finalize tech industry's debut at ALFS 2026
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ROME, Italy -Military planners from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) convened in Rome, Jan. 26-29, for the final planning event of the African Land Forces Summit 2026.
The final planning event confirmed the objectives and logistical requirements for ALFS 2026, an annual forum dedicated to fostering cooperation and addressing security
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STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, a service component of the U.S. Africa Command, issued the following news:
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Military planners in Rome finalize tech industry's debut at ALFS 2026
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ROME, Italy -Military planners from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) convened in Rome, Jan. 26-29, for the final planning event of the African Land Forces Summit 2026.
The final planning event confirmed the objectives and logistical requirements for ALFS 2026, an annual forum dedicated to fostering cooperation and addressing securitychallenges across the African continent.
"This final planning event is critical for a successful ALFS 2026," said Maj. Mike Scholmuca, SETAF-AF lead planner for ALFS 2026. "Our goal is to ensure the summit continues to be a vital platform for our African partners to strengthen security cooperation, address shared challenges effectively and increase our collective lethality."
The final planning event in Rome represents one of the last steps in the extensive preparations necessary for the large-scale summit, aiming to ensure ALFS 2026 is a productive and impactful gathering for all participating nations.
A new addition to ALFS is the inclusion of industry partners from Africa, Europe, and the U.S. Incoprorating industry partners allows for a collaborative dialogue between the public and private sectors on dual-use technologies and military acquistion.
ALFS is centered on enabling African partners by sharing knowledge and best practices. ALFS 26 will provide a platform for leaders to discuss strategies that reinforce sovereignty and security on the African continent.
Established in 2010 and hosted by SETAF-AF on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the African Land Forces Summit has become a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African military leaders and international partners.
In addition to industry partners, ALFS 2026 is expected to draw military and academic leaders from across Africa, Europe, and the U.S, to facilitate strategic discussions and collaborative efforts to address the complex security challenges facing Africa and to prepare for future challenges.
The spotlight now shifts to the final preparations for ALFS 26.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS
Related Articles:
* Casey opens inaugural African Land Forces Summit | May 2010
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Original text here: https://www.army.mil/article/290327/military_planners_in_rome_finalize_tech_industrys_debut_at_alfs_2026
FCC Grants Waiver to Ensure Reimbursement for Rural Healthcare Connectivity
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau has issued an order granting a request to bypass standard invoicing hurdles for 23 rural health care funding commitments. The decision in "Rural Health Care Support Mechanism Petition for Waiver of ENA Healthcare Services, LLC" (WC Docket No. 17-310) ensures that service providers are compensated for broadband and telecommunications work even when administrative barriers arise.
Under standard Rural Health Care Program rules, reimbursement is triggered only after a Health Care Provider (HCP) submits a specific
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau has issued an order granting a request to bypass standard invoicing hurdles for 23 rural health care funding commitments. The decision in "Rural Health Care Support Mechanism Petition for Waiver of ENA Healthcare Services, LLC" (WC Docket No. 17-310) ensures that service providers are compensated for broadband and telecommunications work even when administrative barriers arise.
Under standard Rural Health Care Program rules, reimbursement is triggered only after a Health Care Provider (HCP) submits a specificcertification form--the FCC Form 467--to confirm they received services. However, ENA Healthcare Services, LLC (ENA) reported that several providers in Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, and New Mexico were unable or unwilling to complete these filings. In many instances, the healthcare facilities had dissolved, entered bankruptcy, or ceased being ENA customers, leaving them with no incentive to complete the paperwork. This created a situation where ENA provided mandated services but remained unable to collect payment.
The Commission determined that strict adherence to the rules in this case would be contrary to the public interest and the intent of the Communications Act. By granting this waiver, the Bureau allows ENA to submit alternate documentation to prove service delivery. This evidence may include bank statements, wire transfer records, technical data showing network connectivity, and affidavits from employees with direct knowledge of the accounts. For closed facilities, ENA may provide corporate dissolution certificates or bankruptcy filings.
The order also waives invoice filing deadlines for these requests, which date back to funding years 2017 through 2020. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is directed to reinstate any funding that had been deobligated. ENA now has 120 days from the release of the order to resolve these reimbursement claims. While this decision provides relief for these specific cases, the Commission emphasized that it does not change the general obligation for healthcare providers to file required forms on time. This waiver is a specific response to the unique hardship of dealing with defunct or non-responsive entities.
-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-114A1.pdf
Argonne Helps Nuclear Industry Embrace AI to Speed Up Licensing and Reduce Delays
ARGONNE, Illinois, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory issued the following news release:
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Argonne helps nuclear industry embrace AI to speed up licensing and reduce delays
Improving nuclear safety and applications through innovative AI solutions
Three collaborative projects aim to streamline AI deployment in nuclear facilities.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory is using this technology to improve nuclear safety and efficiency.
To ensure AI systems can be properly
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ARGONNE, Illinois, Feb. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory issued the following news release:
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Argonne helps nuclear industry embrace AI to speed up licensing and reduce delays
Improving nuclear safety and applications through innovative AI solutions
Three collaborative projects aim to streamline AI deployment in nuclear facilities.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory is using this technology to improve nuclear safety and efficiency.
To ensure AI systems can be properlydeployed in regulated environments, Argonne is advancing projects that are reshaping how regulation addresses cutting-edge technologies.
Three main projects are advancing this work:
* Developing and testing AI applications to improve efficiency of plant operations while maintaining the gold standard for safety.
* Creating a framework to speed up reactor licensing.
* Developing a tool to detect plant faults early.
These efforts emphasize both the innovative technologies under development and the broader impact on regulatory frameworks and safety measures.
Simulating AI Safety for Nuclear Regulation
Argonne researchers are working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to explore how AI can be used in the nuclear industry. These AI tools have the potential to make operations more efficient, lower costs and improve safety. For example, AI could help predict when equipment needs maintenance, create better models for complex systems and optimize how facilities operate.
The researchers are testing an AI system at an experimental facility and putting it through a full regulatory review to see how it measures up to safety standards. This project helps connect the fast pace of AI development with the rules and safeguards needed to make sure these technologies can be used safely and securely in critical areas like the nuclear industry.
By developing tools and knowledge needed to evaluate and regulate AI technologies, Argonne is preparing the industry for the future.
Automating licensing with AI-driven protocols
Through a partnership with DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, Argonne is creating the Regulatory Context Protocol (RCP) to streamline the licensing process for advanced nuclear reactors. It automates applicant-regulator communication using AI agents that represent both the nuclear facility and the regulator. The RCP is designed to reduce delays in regulatory workflows, improve information quality and ensure compliance with NRC standards.
"The traditional licensing process can be a significant bottleneck for deploying advanced nuclear technology," said Akshay Dave, manager of intelligent systems group and project lead. "With the RCP, we're essentially creating a digital express lane for regulatory communication. By using AI to structure and automate this dialogue, we can dramatically reduce timelines and get nuclear energy onto the grid faster."
By reducing delays in regulatory communication, the RCP will help meet accelerated licensing timelines. This ensures that advanced nuclear reactors can be deployed more quickly.
Advancing fault detection with physics-based AI
Argonne has also developed Parameter-Free Reasoning Operator for Automated Identification and Diagnosis (PRO-AID). PRO-AID is a physics-based AI tool that uses "digital twins" or virtual copies of nuclear power plant systems to identify unusual behavior in real-time. By integrating physical principles rather than relying on data alone, PRO-AID can spot faults such as sensor bias and cooling failures early.
PRO-AID was successfully tested in Argonne's Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) facility. The tool's real-time monitoring allows operators to fix issues before they cause downtime. These initiatives are vital steps toward ensuring that AI technologies can be successfully and safely integrated into the nuclear industry.
Impact on the Nuclear Industry
"By proactively identifying the relevant regulatory frameworks, we are advancing innovation while reinforcing public trust in the safety and reliability of these technologies," said Rick Vilim, Argonne senior nuclear engineer.
Argonne's work represents a critical intersection of innovation and regulation. Elements from these projects will help the nuclear industry embrace the potential of AI. These efforts are paving the way for safer, smarter and more cost-effective nuclear technologies.
From streamlining regulatory processes with the RCP to enhancing fault diagnostics with PRO-AID, Argonne is setting a standard for how emerging technologies can be responsibly integrated into high-stakes industries.
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Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
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The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science.
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Original text here: https://www.anl.gov/article/argonne-helps-nuclear-industry-embrace-ai-to-speed-up-licensing-and-reduce-delays
