Federal Executive Branch
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U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Wins Best Paper Award at International Space Robotics Conference
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory issued the following news:
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U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Wins Best Paper Award at International Space Robotics Conference
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - A U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) space robotics team received the Best Paper Award in Orbital Robotics at the 2025 International Conference on Space Robotics (iSpaRo) in Sendai, Japan, on Dec. 3. The recognition spotlights NRL's leadership in autonomous space systems and artificial intelligence-enabled operations.
The award was presented for the NRL paper titled " Autonomous Planning
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory issued the following news:
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U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Wins Best Paper Award at International Space Robotics Conference
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - A U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) space robotics team received the Best Paper Award in Orbital Robotics at the 2025 International Conference on Space Robotics (iSpaRo) in Sendai, Japan, on Dec. 3. The recognition spotlights NRL's leadership in autonomous space systems and artificial intelligence-enabled operations.
The award was presented for the NRL paper titled " Autonomous PlanningIn-space Assembly Reinforcement-learning free-flyer (APIARY) International Space Station Astrobee Testing, " which documents the first successful in-space demonstration of reinforcement learning control on a free-flying robotic system on board the International Space Station using NASA's Astrobee platform.
The APIARY experiment validates the use of artificial intelligence to enable robotic systems to learn, adapt, and operate safely in the challenging microgravity environment of space. The work represents a major step forward for future missions involving spacecraft servicing, in-space assembly, autonomous logistics, and orbital-debris mitigation.
The team includes three early career scientists, NRL Space Roboticist Samantha Chapin, Ph.D., NRL Computer Research Scientist Kenneth Stewart, Ph.D., NRL Computer Research Scientist Roxana Leontie, Ph.D, and NRL's Senior Scientist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Glen Henshaw, Ph.D.
"This award highlights NRL's leadership in space autonomy and AI-enabled technologies," Henshaw said. "APIARY shows how reinforcement learning can move from theory to mission-ready capability: by delivering autonomous systems that are more intelligent, resilient, and adaptable. While demonstrated in space, these advances provide a scalable framework for operations across domains, from terrestrial to maritime environments."
The iSpaRo conference brings together leaders from government, academia, and industry to advance research in orbital operations, planetary exploration, and autonomous systems. The Best Paper in Orbital Robotics award recognizes exceptional scientific merit and direct applicability to real-world operations.
"We are deeply grateful to the NASA Ames Research Center Astrobee team for their collaboration and technical partnership that made this milestone possible," Leontie said. "We also thank the iSpaRo organizers for their engagement and support in enabling our participation and recognition at this year's conference."
APIARY's success also highlights the impact of early-career scientists at NRL, reflecting the Laboratory's investment in cultivating the next generation of leaders in national-security science and engineering.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
NRL offers several mechanisms for collaborating with the broader scientific community, within and outside of the Federal government. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), LP-CRADAs, Educational Partnership Agreements, agreements under the authority of 10 USC 4892, licensing agreements, FAR contracts, and other applicable agreements. For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at NRLPAO@us.navy.mil.
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Original text here: https://www.nrl.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/4350253/us-naval-research-laboratory-wins-best-paper-award-at-international-space-robot/
State Dept. Fact Sheet: Regional Economic Integration Framework Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following fact sheet on Dec. 4, 2025:
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The Regional Economic Integration Framework Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda
Overview & Vision
The Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) is designed to unlock the incredible economic potential of the Great Lakes region made possible by peace. The United States believes in the transformative potential of this vision and stands ready as a key partner to engage
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following fact sheet on Dec. 4, 2025:
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The Regional Economic Integration Framework Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda
Overview & Vision
The Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) is designed to unlock the incredible economic potential of the Great Lakes region made possible by peace. The United States believes in the transformative potential of this vision and stands ready as a key partner to engagethe DRC and Rwanda as they change the course of history for their citizens. The REIF establishes mechanisms for joint coordination in areas such as energy, mineral supply chains, infrastructure, national park management and tourism, and public health and safety. Under this framework, the DRC and Rwanda aim to foster practical cooperation to formalize mineral supply chains, improve cross-border infrastructure, enhance conservation efforts, and strengthen public health systems. The REIF envisions a future where durable peace and regional cooperation drive economic progress and improve the lives of communities across the Great Lakes region, which will enable U.S. companies to responsibly source from the region, contribute to secure, reliable global critical mineral supply chains, and create opportunities for the U.S. private sector.
Focus Areas
* Energy: The REIF seeks to harness the region's vast energy potential, which has been constrained by conflict, to expand electricity access to power homes and industries. These efforts will help communities, including in eastern DRC, have consistent and reliable electricity access, while also powering a new era of economic growth for the region.
* Mineral Supply Chains: The REIF aims to transform the mineral sector into a transparent and responsible driver of economic growth for the Great Lakes region. It includes strong commitments to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, establish traceability, and eliminate corruption and smuggling. By building a system of cross-border cooperation and value sharing, free of illicit flows or conflict financing, these efforts will create safer working conditions for miners and improve the lives of local communities, while creating opportunities for the private sector to invest. This approach will allow the mineral trade to propel a more stable and prosperous future for the region rather than funding armed groups and violence. The REIF will also establish resilient and secure global critical minerals supply chains vital to the future of U.S. industry.
* Infrastructure: The REIF focuses on building infrastructure that connects people, businesses, and markets across the Great Lakes region. This includes upgrading transportation systems, such as roads and ports, and expanding internet and telecommunications access. These efforts will attract investment, create jobs, and link the region to international trade routes like the Lobito Corridor, helping businesses and people thrive while connecting the region's mineral sector to U.S. industry.
* National Park Management and Tourism: The REIF supports collaboration to protect the region's national parks and develop sustainable tourism. The DRC and Rwanda will improve park management, strengthen security, protect wildlife, and create tourism opportunities that benefit local communities and position the region as a top destination for visitors.
* Public Health and Safety: The REIF prioritizes public health by strengthening cross-border coordination to prevent disease outbreaks, improve healthcare systems, and enhance emergency response capabilities. Efforts include creating cross-border communication channels to share outbreak alerts, developing health protocols, and promoting scientific research to drive innovation to address health challenges. These measures aim to strengthen resilience and promote long-term health security for residents across the region.
How It Works
* Local ownership: The REIF is led by the DRC and Rwanda, with local communities, provincial authorities, entrepreneurs, and civil society playing a central role in shaping projects, monitoring progress, and driving implementation. This approach ensures that regional integration efforts address local priorities and deliver tangible benefits to the people of the Great Lakes region.
* Creating the Environment for Commerce and Innovation: The REIF is a high-level commitment by DRC and Rwanda to operationalize a new economic vision for the region, thus creating the environment for American and local innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to seize a historic opportunity to help build the region's future.
* Coordination mechanisms: Annual summits, technical working groups, and provincial engagement platforms coordinate efforts across key sectors, monitor progress, and ensure local voices are reflected in shaping and implementing projects.
* International support: Like-minded partners committed to seeing the region become more peaceful and prosperous, including the United States, intend to explore offering technical expertise, provide investment, and support capacity-building. This support is intended to complement local efforts, helping to unlock resources, attract private sector investment, and ensure successful implementation of initiatives.
Next Steps
* REIF Summit: The DRC and Rwanda will prepare for the launch of the Inaugural REIF Summit to set priorities, establish technical working groups, and ensure coordination with the broader Peace Agreement implementation. The DRC and Rwanda, including in collaboration with the United States and other partners as appropriate, will develop projects in mining, infrastructure, national park management, and public health to advance the REIF. Over time, the DRC and Rwanda will scale investments to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and foster lasting stability and economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
* USG and private sector mobilize resources: The United States government intends to facilitate support for the DRC and Rwanda in achieving the vision set out in the REIF using a wide array of interagency tools. In collaboration with the DRC, Rwanda, the private sector, and other partners, the United States intends to advance high-impact initiatives and projects that anchor lasting peace and prosperity.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/12/the-regional-economic-integration-framework-between-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-the-republic-of-rwanda/
St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia posted the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime
Jonathan Kennedy, 45, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and August 2025, Kennedy participated in a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in St. Albans and elsewhere. As part
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia posted the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime
Jonathan Kennedy, 45, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and August 2025, Kennedy participated in a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in St. Albans and elsewhere. As partof his guilty plea, Kennedy admitted that a co-conspirator in California shipped several pounds of methamphetamine to locations in Kanawha County during the time period. Kennedy further admitted that he took possession of the methamphetamine and re-distributed it after arranging for another co-conspirator to pick up the shipments at the delivery locations.
Kennedy also admitted that he provided half-pound quantities of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator in St. Albans on May 30, 2025, and June 24, 2025, each time after the co-conspirator contacted him seeking methamphetamine for re-distribution to a customer. On June 25, 2025, Kennedy distributed approximately 690 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in St. Albans.
On August 22, 2025, law enforcement officers intercepted a package en route to a Dunbar address and found it contained approximately 38 pounds of methamphetamine. Officers replaced most of the methamphetamine with a non-narcotic substance before the package was delivered to the Dunbar address. Kennedy admitted that he arranged for a co-conspirator to pick up the package and deliver it to a St. Albans address where Kennedy later took possession of it. Officers approached and arrested Kennedy shortly after he picked up the package.
At the time of this offense, Kennedy was serving a term of supervised release as a result of his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 4, 2022.
Kennedy is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office (https://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs) for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER (https://pacer.login.uscourts.gov/csologin/login.jsf?pscCourtId=WVSDC&appurl=https://ecf.wvsd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/showpage.pl?16) by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-166.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/st-albans-man-pleads-guilty-federal-drug-crime-3
Illinois Men Face Additional Charges for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Illinois Men Face Additional Charges for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy
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Two Illinois brothers were indicted yesterday in a superseding indictment on charges related to a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and private health care insurers and for participating in a money laundering conspiracy with the fraud proceeds.
"These defendants are charged with a brazen scheme to steal nearly $300 million from vital health care programs by taking advantage of the fear
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Illinois Men Face Additional Charges for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy
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Two Illinois brothers were indicted yesterday in a superseding indictment on charges related to a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and private health care insurers and for participating in a money laundering conspiracy with the fraud proceeds.
"These defendants are charged with a brazen scheme to steal nearly $300 million from vital health care programs by taking advantage of the fearand panic of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "These charges make clear that the Criminal Division will never rest in its pursuit of those who try to exploit the most vulnerable members of our society, the elderly and the disabled, for their own personal gain."
"The defendants chose to enrich themselves and deprive the most vulnerable members of society from much needed assistance designed by the U.S. Government to provide critical relief efforts," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office. "Health care fraud affects everyone it costs taxpayers millions of dollars, contributes to rising health insurance premiums, and depletes resources from our vital health care system. The FBI is committed to working with all our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that anyone who dares to exploit government programs intended to assist the American people will be held fully accountable under federal law."
"Allegedly billing almost $300 million dollars to taxpayer-funded and private health care programs for services that were never provided is a staggering abuse of resources," said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. "These charges demonstrate HHS-OIG's unwavering resolve to hold accountable those who exploit federal health care programs and betray the public trust."
According to court documents, Minhaj Feroz Muhammad, 37, and Sufyan Feroze, 35, both of Naperville, owned and controlled, sometimes through straw owners, four clinical laboratories located in Illinois and California. Their scheme allegedly sought to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers by submitting fraudulent claims of over $293 million for COVID-19 laboratory testing services that were never provided, for which insurers paid at least approximately $65 million in reimbursements.
Additionally, as alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendants participated in a money laundering conspiracy by transferring fraud proceeds between laboratories and other businesses controlled by the defendants, ultimately using the funds to purchase real estate, including luxury developments overseas, gold bars, luxury watches and luxury vehicles.
Each defendant has been charged with six counts of health care fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Feroze has also been charged with one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property in excess of $10,000.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each health care fraud charge and 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit money laundering charge. If convicted, Feroze faces an additional 10 years in prison on the engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Kelly M. Warner of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/illinois-men-face-additional-charges-health-care-fraud-and-money-laundering-conspiracy
FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice Re-Authorizing Revised Alternative Connect America Model I Support for Corn Belt Telephone
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 10-90) on Dec. 5, 2025:
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The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) re-authorizes Revised Alternative Connect America Model Support I (Revised A-CAM I) support and deployment obligations previously authorized on April 29, 2019, to Templeton Telephone Company (TTC) in Iowa for Study Area Code (SAC) 351308 to Corn Belt Telephone Company (CBT)./1 The Bureau takes this action in connection with the Bureau's approval, pursuant to section 214(a) of the Communications
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket No. 10-90) on Dec. 5, 2025:
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The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) re-authorizes Revised Alternative Connect America Model Support I (Revised A-CAM I) support and deployment obligations previously authorized on April 29, 2019, to Templeton Telephone Company (TTC) in Iowa for Study Area Code (SAC) 351308 to Corn Belt Telephone Company (CBT)./1 The Bureau takes this action in connection with the Bureau's approval, pursuant to section 214(a) of the CommunicationsAct of 1934, as amended, and section 63.04 of the Commission's rules,/2 of a request for Commission consent for the transfer of TTC's telecommunications assets and customers to CBT as well as its Revised A-CAM I support and related obligations./3 The transaction was consummated on October 31, 2025, and as of consummation, TTC has transferred Revised A-CAM I support authorized to TTC, thus warranting the re-authorization of this support to CBT./4 As of this re-authorization, CBT is eligible to receive all future support payments in accordance with the Revised A-CAM I program's requirements and conditions. Among other conditions that CBT must meet, CBT must report broadband deployment to required locations for SAC 351308 in the Universal Service Administrative Company's (USAC) High-Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal.
The Bureau therefore releases today a supplemental Authorization Report specifying the separate Revised A-CAM I support amount and related obligations./5 The support amounts and deployment obligations are wholly consistent with January 2025 Authorization Report, and there is no change to the total authorized Revised A-CAM I support. For reference purposes, the Bureau also releases Authorization Report Version 5.3, Authorized A-CAM Support & Obligations - to Date Offer Authorizations, a report that amends the prior version consistent with today's re-authorization./6 The Bureau further authorizes and directs USAC to obligate and disburse the authorized support amounts over the remainder of the Revised A-CAM I term beginning with the first disbursement after re-authorization and through December 31, 2028, as reflected in the revised Authorization Report.
We remind CBT that as of this re-authorization, it assumes sole responsibility for complying with universal service fund requirements and Commission rules for SAC 351308, regardless of any preexisting or reasonably foreseeable conditions that could impact its ability to meet its obligations in the future, including technical, marketplace, and on-the-ground conditions. CBT assumes all risks and consequences of noncompliance with the Revised A-CAM I obligations for SAC 351308 and must meet all administrative, performance, and deployment obligations and deadlines,/7 including all milestones/8 and annual reporting of broadband deployment to required locations for this SAC in the HUBB portal./9
For additional information on this proceeding, contact Nathan Eagan (Nathan.Eagan@fcc.gov) or Nissa Laughner (Nissa.Laughner@fcc.gov) of the Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, (202) 418-7400.
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Footnotes:
1/ See Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, ACAM Authorization Summary, CAFACAM 2.3.2 - Authorization Report Version 5.2, Authorized A-CAM Support & Obligations - to Date Offer Authorizations, January 10, 2025, https://www.fcc.gov/document/cam-authorization-reports-52 (January 2025 Authorization Report). In January 2017, the Bureau authorized 182 rate-of-return companies, including TTC, to receive A-CAM support that had elected the revised A-CAM offers, including TTC. Wireline Competition Bureau Authorizes 182 Rate-of-Return Companies to Receive More than $454 Million Annually in Alternative Connect America Cost Model Support to Expand Rural Broadband, WC Docket No. 10-90, Public Notice, 32 FCC Rcd 842 (WCB 2017) (A-CAM Second Authorization Public Notice). In April 2019, WCB announced that 186 rate-ofreturn companies, including TTC, elected 242 revised offers to receive additional Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) support. See Wireline Competition Bureau Authorizes 186 Rate-of-Return Companies to Receive an Additional $65.7 Million Annually in Alternative Connect America Cost Model Support to Expand Rural Broadband, WC Docket No. 10-90, Public Notice, 34 FCC Rcd 2780 (WCB 2019) (Revised A-CAM Public Notice). 47 CFR 54.311(a)(2) ("'Revised A-CAM I' refers to carriers initially authorized to receive CAF-ACAM support as of January 24, 2017, and were subsequently authorized to receive CAF-ACAM pursuant to a revised offer on April 29, 2019. For such carriers, the first program year of CAF-ACAM is 2017.").
2/ See 47 U.S.C. Sec. 214(a); 47 CFR Sec. 63.04.
3/ See Domestic Section 214 Application Granted for the Acquisition of Certain Assets of Templeton Telephone Company by Corn Belt Telephone Company, WC Docket No. 25-163, Public Notice, DA 25-907 (WCB Sept. 26, 2025) (TTC-CBT 214 Transfer Public Notice). We note that Corn Belt has received a designation from the Iowa Utilities Commission as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in SAC 351308, conditioned upon the FCC's approval of the transaction and consummation of the transaction. See Cornbelt and Templeton Telephone Company, Order Approving Assignment of ETC Designation, Iowa Utilities Commission Docket No. ETA-2025-0001 (Apr. 3, 2025).
4/ See Letter from Donald L. Herman Jr., Counsel for Corn Belt Telephone Company and Templeton Telephone Company to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, WC Docket No. 25-163 (Nov. 3, 2025) (providing notice that the transaction that the Bureau approved in the TTC-CBT 214 Transfer Public Notice was consummated as of October 31, 2025).
5/ Revised Authorization Report Version 5.3 for Corn Belt Telephone, December 5, 2025, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-415771A1.xlsx.
6/ Authorization Report Version 5.3, Authorized A-CAM Support & Obligations - to Date Offer Authorizations, December 5, 2025, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-415773A1.xlsx.
7/ See Connect America Fund et al., WC Docket No. 10-90 et al., Report and Order, Order and Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 31 FCC Rcd 3087, 3097-3102, paras. 23-35 (2016) (2016 Rate-of-Return Order); Connect America Fund et al., WC Docket No. 10-90 et al., Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order on Reconsideration, 33 FCC Rcd 11893, 11900-02, paras. 22-29 (2018) (increasing funding cap and extending the term of support by two years, through 2028, for carriers electing Revised A-CAM I in exchange for increased 25/3 Mbps deployment obligations) (2018 Rate-of-Return Order). Revised ACAM I support recipients must also meet certain performance metrics and associated testing requirements. See generally Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Order, 33 FCC Rcd 6509 (WCB 2018); Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Order on Reconsideration, 34 FCC Rcd 10109 (2019); Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Order, WC Docket No. 10-90, Order, 35 FCC Rcd 14658 (WCB 2020) (clarifying certain requirements).
8/ CBT is required to serve a number of locations at 25/3 Mbps equal to 70% of its fully funded locations by the end of 2025, 80% by the end of 2026, 90% by the end of 2027, and 100% by the end of 2028. 2018 Rate-of-Return Order, 33 FCC Rcd at 11902, para. 29. With respect to those locations to which TTC previously had committed to provide 10/1 Mbps service, CBT is required to serve a number of locations equal to 90% of fully funded locations by the end of 2025 and to 100% of fully funded locations by the end of 2026. Id. (providing that electing carriers are obligated to meet the deployment milestones to which they previously agreed with respect to 10/1 Mbps service); 2016 Rate-of-Return Order, 31 FCC Rcd at 3100-01.
9/ 47 CFR Sec. 54.316.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1019A1.pdf
FCC Enforcement Bureau Issues Letter on Quadrant Holdings Group, Jenner & Block
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau issued the following letter (File No. EB-IHD-24-00037459) on Dec. 5, 2025:
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To: Mr. Issa Asad, Owner, Quadrant Holdings Group LLC (for Q Link Wireless, LLC), 499 E Sheridan St., Ste 400, Dania, FL 33004, issa@quadrantholdings.com
Samuel L. Feder, Esq., Jenner & Block LLP, 1099 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001, SFeder@jenner.com
Re: Notice of Debarment, File No. EB-IHD-24-00037459
Dear Messrs. Asad and Feder:
The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau issued the following letter (File No. EB-IHD-24-00037459) on Dec. 5, 2025:
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To: Mr. Issa Asad, Owner, Quadrant Holdings Group LLC (for Q Link Wireless, LLC), 499 E Sheridan St., Ste 400, Dania, FL 33004, issa@quadrantholdings.com
Samuel L. Feder, Esq., Jenner & Block LLP, 1099 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001, SFeder@jenner.com
Re: Notice of Debarment, File No. EB-IHD-24-00037459
Dear Messrs. Asad and Feder:
The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commissionor FCC) hereby notifies you that, pursuant to Section 54.8 of the Commission's rules, Issa Asad is prohibited from participating in activities associated with or related to the federal Lifeline program (Lifeline program) and any other program funded by federal universal service support mechanisms, commencing on either the date of Mr. Asad's receipt of this Notice of Debarment or of its publication in the Federal Register, whichever comes first (Debarment Date)./1 Furthermore, as a condition of the administrative settlement between the FCC and Mr. Asad, Q Link Wireless LLC (Q Link) and Q Link's parent company, Quadrant Holdings Group, LLC (Quadrant), which was entered into on January 17, 2025 (Administrative Settlement),/2 Mr. Asad and Q Link ceased participating in any program administered by the FCC (in addition to the universal service programs) and agreed to debarment from participation in all such programs in the future./3
On November 8, 2024, the Bureau sent Mr. Asad a notice of suspension and initiation of debarment proceeding (Notice of Suspension) that was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2024./4 The Notice of Suspension suspended Mr. Asad from participating in or receiving any benefit associated with the Lifeline program as well as any other program funded by federal universal service support mechanisms./5 It also described the basis for initiating the debarment proceeding against Mr. Asad, the applicable debarment procedures, and the effect of debarment./6
As discussed in the Notice of Suspension, on October 15, 2024, Mr. Asad pleaded guilty to a two count information./7 Count 1 consisted of Mr. Asad pleading guilty to conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, specifically, a violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1343 (wire fraud) and a violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 641 (theft of government funds), and conspiring to defraud the United States, all in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 371./8 Count 2 consisted of Mr. Asad pleading guilty to one count of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1957, all in connection with the intentional submission of fraudulent claims for reimbursement from the federal Lifeline program./9 Specifically, Mr. Asad and Q Link pleaded guilty to "purposely defraud[ing] two critical federal programs helping individuals and businesses suffering financial hardship, unlawfully taking hundreds of millions of dollars for [his] own use and profit, while obstructing the United States' ability to help people who. . . needed it."/10 Mr. Asad served as the Chief Executive Officer of Q Link beginning in 2012./11 From 2013 to 2021, Mr. Asad personally amassed over $15,000,000 through fraudulent Lifeline schemes./12 Pursuant to section 54.8(c) of the Commission's rules, Mr. Asad's conviction of criminal conduct in connection with the Lifeline program forms a key the basis for this debarment./13
Furthermore, on January 17, 2025, Mr. Asad entered into the Administrative Settlement, paragraph 15 of which provides as follows:
Q Link and Mr. Asad warrant that consistent with the Suspension Notices and the Commission's suspension rules (47 CFR Sec. 54.8), Q Link and Mr. Asad have ceased participation in any program administered by the FCC, and the Companies agree that Q Link and Mr. Asad will not participate in any such programs administered by the Commission in the future. Consistent with this representation, Q Link and Mr. Asad agree not to contest their suspensions and proposed debarments under the Suspension Notices and agree to waive all rights under the Commission's Rules to challenge the suspensions and proposed debarments. The Companies also warrant that upon execution of this Agreement, Quadrant, and all other related companies, affiliates or subsidiaries, and any other company in which Mr. Asad has a controlling ownership interest will have ceased participating in any program administered by the FCC (including the receipt of any benefit associated with any such programs) and will not participate in such any programs administered by the FCC in the future./14
In accordance with the Commission's debarment rules, Mr. Asad was required to file with the Commission any opposition to the suspension or its scope, or to the proposed debarment or its scope, no later than 30 calendar days from either the date of Mr. Asad's receipt of the Notice of Suspension or of its publication in the Federal Register, whichever date occurred first./15 The Commission received no opposition from Mr. Asad and in fact Mr. Asad agreed in the Administrative Settlement not to contest the suspension or debarment./16
For the above reasons, Mr. Asad is debarred from involvement with the Lifeline program and any other program funded by federal universal service support mechanisms, as well as any other program administered by the FCC, as of the Debarment Date./17 Mr. Asad is excluded from participating in any activities associated with or related to the Lifeline program or any other program administered by the FCC, including the receipt of funds or discounted services through the Lifeline program or any other program administered by the FCC, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding any such programs./18 After review of the record (including the terms of the Administrative Settlement) and due to the egregious nature of the fraudulent activities that led to Mr. Asad's criminal conviction, the Commission has determined that this debarment will be permanent.
Sincerely yours,
Christopher J. Sova, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau
cc: Fred Theobald, Universal Service Administrative Company (via e-mail)
Matthew Menchel, Esq., Kobre & Kim LLP (via e-mail)
Michael Sherwin, Esq., Kobre & Kim LLP (via e-mail)
Evelyn Sheehan, Esq., Kobre & Kim LLP (via e-mail)
Michele Ellison, Deputy General Counsel, FCC
Karen Onyeije, Deputy General Counsel, FCC
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Footnotes:
1/ 47 CFR Sec. 54.8 (e), (g); 47 CFR Sec. 0.111 (delegating to the Bureau authority to resolve universal service suspension and debarment proceedings). In 2007, the Commission extended the debarment rules to apply to all federal universal service support mechanisms, including the Lifeline program. See Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration, & Oversight, Report and Order, 22 FCC Rcd 16372, 16410-12 (2007) (Program Management Order) (renumbering Section 54.521 of the universal service debarment rules as Section 54.8 and amending subsections (a)(1), (a)(5), (c), (d), (e)(2)(i), (e)(3), (e)(4), and (g)).
2/ Settlement Agreement, Federal Communications Commission, Q Link Wireless LLC, Issa Asad, and Quadrant Holdings Group LLC (Jan. 17, 2025) (on file in EB-IHD-24-00037459) (Administrative Settlement).
3/ United States v. Issa Asad, Criminal Docket No. 1:24-cr-20363-RAR, Issa Asad's Sentencing Memo, at 23 (S.D. Fla., filed Jul. 17, 2025) (referencing Asad and Q Link's agreement in the Administrative Settlement to cease being federal telecommunication providers).
4/ Letter from Christopher J. Sova, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, FCC Enforcement Bureau, to Issa Asad, Chief Executive Officer, Q Link Wireless LLC, Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceeding, 89 Fed. Reg. 100485 (Dec. 12, 2024).
5/ Id.
6/ Id.
7/ United States v. Issa Asad, Criminal Docket No. 1:24-cr-20363-RAR, Plea Agreement (S.D. Fla., filed Oct. 15, 2024) (Plea Agreement).
8/ See id..
9/ Any further reference in this letter to "conviction" refers to Q Link's guilty plea agreement and factual proffer. See id.; see also Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, WC Docket No. 11-42, CC Docket No. 96-45, WC Docket No. 03-109, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 27 FCC Rcd 6656 (2012).
10/ Press Release, United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, Nationwide Telecommunications Provider and its CEO Plead Guilty to Massively Defrauding Federal Government Programs Meant to Aid the Needy (Oct. 15, 2024), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/nationwide-telecommunications-provider-and-its-ceo-pleadguilty-massively-defrauding.
11/ We note that as of January 17, 2025 and simultaneously with entering into a settlement of administrative claims with the FCC, Mr. Asad resigned as CEO of Q Link, but retained his ownership interest in Q Link's parent company, Quadrant Holdings Group LLC. Mr. Asad is the Manager and Sole Member of Quadrant Holdings, of which Q Link is a wholly owned subsidiary. See Administrative Settlement, Section 12(f).
12/ United States v. Issa Asad, Criminal Docket No. 1:24-cr-20363-RAR, Factual Proffer, at 5 (S.D. Fla., filed Oct. 15, 2024).
13/ 47 CFR Sec. 54.8(c).
14/ Administrative Settlement at 13-14, para 15.
15/ 47 CFR Sec. 54.8 (e)(3)-(4). Any opposition had to be filed no later than January 13, 2025.
16/ Administrative Settlement at 13-14, para 15.
17/ 47 CFR Sec. 54.8(g). Pursuant to the Administrative Settlement, as noted, Q Link voluntarily agreed to be debarred permanently from involvement in any program administered by the FCC. Administrative Settlement at 13-14, para 15.
18/ 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 54.8(a)(1), (d), (g).
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1008A1.pdf
Defendant in Operation Rock Bottom Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
ROANOKE, Virginia, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia posted the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Defendant in Operation Rock Bottom Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
Norman Goins is the last of 19 Defendants Charged in Region's Largest Federal Drug Trafficking Case
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The final defendant in the region's largest-ever federal drug trafficking prosecution was sentenced this week to 20 years in federal prison.
Norman Eugene Goins Jr., 31, of Charlottesville, was sentenced this week to 20 years in federal prison.
... Show Full Article
ROANOKE, Virginia, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia posted the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Defendant in Operation Rock Bottom Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
Norman Goins is the last of 19 Defendants Charged in Region's Largest Federal Drug Trafficking Case
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The final defendant in the region's largest-ever federal drug trafficking prosecution was sentenced this week to 20 years in federal prison.
Norman Eugene Goins Jr., 31, of Charlottesville, was sentenced this week to 20 years in federal prison.On August 27, 2025, a jury convicted Goins of possession with the intent to distribute over 4,000 fentanyl pills, nearly a kilo of fentanyl powder, and the possession of three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense following a multi-week trial. The jury trial was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Assistant United States Attorney Rachel B. Swartz.
"This sentencing concludes a multi-jurisdictional, cooperative investigation and prosecution that landed more than 15 defendants in federal prison for more than 186 years collectively," Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. "This prosecution took thousands of fentanyl pills out of the Western District of Virginia, any one of which could have resulted in a fatal overdose. Fentanyl is a uniquely pernicious and lethal toxin, so deadly that just one pill can kill. I am grateful to our local, state, and federal partners for their dedication to this case. Fentanyl has killed thousands of Virginians and hundreds of thousands of Americans and this office will continue to attach the highest priority to combatting those who traffic fentanyl and use firearms to protect their deadly trade."
"The DEA, and all our dedicated law enforcement partners are using every tool and resource available to investigate and prosecute dangerous narcotics distributors. Our mission to save and protect lives is clear," commented DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumenis. "Prominent drug traffickers like Mr. Goins and his organization destroy families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond by selling deadly illicit drugs, such as counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. This sentencing is the result of our collective efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and defend American citizens."
"This conviction and sentencing shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to target dangerous criminals," said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. "Lives were saved because together we were able to get large amounts of fentanyl off of the streets."
"This investigation and prosecution demonstrate what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners work together to hold those individuals who harm our community accountable for their actions," said Colonel Sean Reeves, Albemarle County Chief of Police.
Goins was identified at trial as the leader of a drug conspiracy that distributed large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in and around the Charlottesville region beginning in February 2023 and continuing through February 2024.
Goins distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and other drugs to members of the conspiracy for redistribution and profit.
A search warrant executed at Goins' home revealed a safe that contained a brick of fentanyl and 4,000 fentanyl pills. In addition, investigators found at least 10 firearms at the home, including a loaded gun found with his baby's clothes. Goins is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Previously convicted and sentenced as part of the conspiracy are:
* DuShaun Lamont Gregory -186 months
* Landon Devon Fields -180 months
* Bobby Eugene Christmas -120 months
* Michael Edward Cornett -120 months
* Antone Laron Harris -120 months
* John Ellis Turner, III -120 months
* Tyquane Pertell Gregory -108 months
* Dashard Brown -96 months
* Gary Wayne Woodson -84 months
* Brandon Carl Dent -75 months
* Shahiem Taishaun Michie -72 months
* Dustin Lee Welch -70 months
* Ashlee Renee Morris -54 months
* Brooks Lorenzo Woodfolk -52 months
* Wendy Nicole Shifflett -36 months
* Caleb Andrew Herndon -27 months
The Virginia State Police 3A Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Albemarle County Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security- HSI, the City of Charlottesville Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff's Office, the Nelson County Sheriff's Office, the Fluvanna County Sheriff's Office, the Henrico County Police Department, and the United States Marshal's Service are investigating the case. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Offices from the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, along with the Charlottesville Emergency Services and the Virginia National Guard have assisted in the investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Swartz and retired Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/defendant-operation-rock-bottom-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison
