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Jamestown Foundation Posts Commentary: Russia Sustaining War Machine Despite Western Sanctions
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Taras Kuzio, professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an associate research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, in the foundation's Eurasia Daily Monitor:
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Russia Sustaining War Machine Despite Western Sanctions
Executive Summary:
* Despite successive Western sanctions packages, Russia's military-industrial complex has expanded since 2022 by exploiting major sanctions gaps, leaving many defense-linked companies, chemicals, and dual-use technologies ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Taras Kuzio, professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an associate research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, in the foundation's Eurasia Daily Monitor: * * * Russia Sustaining War Machine Despite Western Sanctions Executive Summary: * Despite successive Western sanctions packages, Russia's military-industrial complex has expanded since 2022 by exploiting major sanctions gaps, leaving many defense-linked companies, chemicals, and dual-use technologiesoutside existing restrictions.
* Russia continues acquiring critical military components through intermediary states, parallel imports, and weak export controls, while thousands of companies--particularly in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong--facilitate sanctions evasion and sustain Russian weapons production.
* Ukrainian intelligence has documented extensive Western-made components in Russian missiles, drones, aircraft, and air defense systems, demonstrating that U.S., European, and Asian technologies remain integral to Russia's precision-strike capabilities despite sanctions.
* Tightening sanctions on unsanctioned suppliers, dual-use machinery, chemicals, and intermediary networks is increasingly urgent, as Russian weapons built with Western components threaten not only Ukraine but potentially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by the decade's end.
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The West is still imposing new sanctions on Russia due to its war against Ukraine. On July 23, the European Union adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, and on July 28 the U.S. Senate advanced sanctions legislation targeting Russia's energy sector (Council of the European Union, July 23; Kyiv Post, July 29). Western sanctions, however, have not successfully completely inhibited Russia's military-industrial complex. The paradox of Russia's military-industrial complex is that, as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found, it grew after the imposition of Western sanctions and the decline in arms exports following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 2026). This is because Western sanctions are allowing Russia to continue to build weapons systems that are being used against Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the 2025 Group of Seven (G7) meeting, "There's not a lot left to sanction from our part." At least half of the Russian companies that supply the military-industrial complex, however, remain unsanctioned (Euromaidan Press, February 9). Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, includes 21 companies--e.g., Innovation Hub, Mayak Production Association--that are not sanctioned and have links to the military-industrial complex (Dixi Group, March 4).
The West faces two main difficulties when imposing sanctions against Russia's military-industrial complex. According to Andrey Zayakin at The Insider, it is "not always clear which goods are being imported specifically for military use." Additionally, "when one company is sanctioned, a substitute soon appears in its place, and while new Western restrictions are being introduced, the Russian military-industrial complex has time to adapt" (The Insider, February 18). Russia acquires technology through intermediary countries, parallel imports, secondary markets and weak end-user controls (Ukraine Business News, April 9). Western sanctions have slowed down but not ended the supply of Western goods to Russia's military-industrial complex.
There are no sanctions on chemicals used to produce mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires. Western and Chinese companies provide motor oil additives and lubricants (Kyiv Independent, February 16). Raw glycerine is not sanctioned and continues to be exported to Russia despite its use for the manufacture of propellants and explosives. Russian petro-chemical manufacturers supply the military-industrial complex (Dekleptocracy Project, April 30).
Machine-building equipment from 15 Taiwanese, 13 German, 8 Czech, 6 Swiss, 3 Japanese, and 1 U.S. company was exported to Russia despite its dual-use for the military-industrial complex (Kyiv Independent, June 19). Russia's leading tank maker, Uralvagonzavod, uses Western machines that require parts and software updates. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) documented 300 Western companies exporting machinery to Russia that is essential to its military-industrial complex (Kyiv Post, March 26, 2025).
Many Western companies continued to supply Russia's military-industrial complex through corrupt middlemen and via intermediary countries such as Turkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan--countries not sanctioned. The People's Republic of China (PRC) directly, and through Hong Kong, continues to be a major supplier to Russia's military-industrial complex (Freedom Hong Kong, February 2026).
In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two decrees sanctioning 24 individuals and 27 companies supplying Russia's military-industrial complex, including those circumventing Western and Ukrainian sanctions from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia (President of Ukraine, February 7 [1], [2]).
The HUR documented 6,000 companies violating sanctions by trading with sanctioned Russian military-industrial complex companies, of whom 4,000 were Chinese (including those from Hong Kong) and the remainder from Turkiye, the Gulf states, the Middle East, and India (The Insider, March 11). A Dutch national registered the Redwing Metal company in Turkiye to re-export components and machinery from the European Union to Russia (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, June 19). A Polish-Ukrainian investigation found the Polish company Famot Pleszew had exported machinery to Russia (United24 Media, January 25, 2025; FrontStory, March 13). Fifty Western components are used in Russian shipbuilding and by the ship repair companies Kronstadt Marine Plant, Sevmash, and the Baltic Shipyard (Euromaidan Press, March 18).
Russia's military-industrial complex is assisted by two well-established sanctions evaders--Iran and North Korea. Western components are found in Iranian Shahed drones, which are used to build Russian Geran drones. Iranian drones used to attack Cyprus and the Gulf states during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran used Western components (United24 Media, March 5).
The number of Western components used by Russia's military-industrial complex is very high, and Western governments are failing to close the channels used to export them to Russia. The HUR maintains an extensive database of components from 33 countries used by the Russian military-industrial complex. As of April, the HUR's database included 1,635 components used in 218 Russian military-industrial complex plants (HUR, accessed July 29).
After analyzing debris from nearly 500 Russian drones and 50 missiles launched in an October 2025 attack on Ukraine, the HUR found they contained tens of thousands of Western components, which included 1,500 in the Iskander cruise missiles, 405 in the Kalibr cruise missiles, and 192 in the Kinzhal ballistic missiles (President of Ukraine, October 6, 2025). In another analysis of a Russian attack in May, the missiles Russia fired were built this year using 100 components from the United States (Texas Instruments, AMD), Germany (Harting Technical Group), and the Netherlands (Nexperia) (Kyiv Post, May 15). The largest share of components comes from the United States, the PRC, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Fewer components are from Czechia, Sweden, and Australia.
The Kyiv Independent, posing as a Russian defense company in 2025, ordered U.S. chips to prove how easy it was to buy them--and, if they had wished, export them to Russia (Kyiv Independent, January 24, March 10, 2025). An investigation by BILD magazine found Russian postal workers in Germany were sending components to Russia (BILD, January 25; United24 Media, January 26). Russia has built military communications systems using radio bridges, antennas and networking equipment from the U.S. company Ubiquiti (The Insider, February 20).
A third of the Russian military-industrial complex companies (e.g., Krasny Oktiabr, National Institute for Aviation Technologies, Yashz Avia) that build SU-57 planes used to launch the devastating KH-59 glide bombs at Ukraine are not sanctioned (Euromaidan Press, April 20). Russian glide bombs include components from the United States (Altera Corporation, Analog Devices, CTS, Texas Instruments, Linear Technology, MaxLinear, Sipex, American Semiconductor, Products Integrated), Ireland (Antena manufacturing, Taoglas), Switzerland (Ublox, TE Connectivity, Axicom STMicroelectronics), Japan (Din-Tek Semiconductor, Okuma Corporation), Taiwan (Akira Seiki), South Korea (Samsung Machine Engineering), and the PRC (Kyiv Independent, November 17, 2025). Components from the German company Guhring LLC are found in the SU-30 Russian fighter jet and S-400 air defense system (The Insider, July 3). The Pantsir S1 air defense system uses 52 Western components (Kyiv Post, May 12; Militarnyy, July 5).
The two main needs of Russia's war machine are components for missiles and drones that are launched nightly at Ukraine. The Kh-101, 3M-14, KN-23/24, Iskander 9M728, and Kinzhal KH47M2 cruise and ballistic missiles, which have been launched against Ukraine, include components from the U.S. companies mentioned above, as well as AMD, Anderson Electronics, Intel-USA, Motorola, Vicor Corporation, and Microchip Technology, alongside Dutch, Swiss, German, Swedish, Japanese, Taiwanese, and South Korean parts. Eighty to ninety percent of the guidance systems in Russian cruise missiles are Western.
Components from 16 U.S., Swiss, Chinese, and East Asian companies are found in the KH-101 cruise missile--64.3 percent of the components in the KH-101 cruise missile are U.S., 17.9 percent German, 7.1 percent Swiss, 7 percent Dutch, and 3.6 percent Taiwanese. A ballistic missile fired at Kyiv in April 2025 used 116 mainly U.S. components (Kyiv Independent, October 6, 2025). Seven hundred ninety-nine shipments of XP Power microchips were exported from the United Kingdom to Russia via Hong Kong and are used in its KN-23/24 ballistic missiles (The Telegraph, February 16).
Russia's Lancet and Zala reconnaissance drones use many Chinese components as well as components from 12 U.S. companies (Kyiv Independent, November 21, 2024). Besides the U.S. companies listed above, these also include components built by Nvidia, National Semiconductor, Micron Technology, Xilinx, Qorvo, Bel Fuse and Semtech Corporation.
Russia's Molniya-2R reconnaissance drone includes Chinese and U.K. (Raspberry Pi5 Microcomputers) components (Euromaidan Press, December 22, 2025). Russia's Kniaz Veshchiy Oleg reconnaissance drone depends on foreign parts, including 33 U.S., five Swiss, Taiwanese, Dutch, and Chinese components (Euromaidan Press; United 24 Media, April 13).
Russia's Orion, a plagiarism of the U.S. Reaper drone, is built by 43 Russian companies, a third of whom are not sanctioned. Orion uses components from many U.S. companies listed earlier (Kyiv Independent, November 5, 2025)
The HUR documented U.S., Swiss, Japanese, Taiwanese, Dutch, Irish, and Chinese components in the Shahed 107 Iranian drone rebuilt by Russia as Geran-1 (Kyiv Independent, November 25, 2025). Russia's Geran-2 drone uses the rotary encoder sensor built by the Austrian company AMS-Osram. The Geran-2 uses a clock buffer built by the Indian company Aura Semiconductor. Russia's Geran-3 drone (using Iranian Shahed 238 specifications) includes 45 Western components (Euromaidan Press, September 16, 2025). Half of these are from U.S. companies (including Infineon Technology, Sipex Corporation, Adesto Technology, Alpha and Omega, and other U.S. companies listed earlier), with the remainder from Switzerland (seven companies, including U-Blox and STMicroelectronics), Germany (including Infineon Technology and Bosch), the PRC (six companies), United Kingdom (Raspberry Pi, Futura Technical Services), and Japan (Rubycon Corporation) (The Telegraph, February 18).
With turbojet propulsion and triple the speed of the Geran-1, 2, 3, and 4 drones at 300 and 400 miles per hour, Russia's most advanced Geran-5 drone is a major technological upgrade. Geran-5 bridges the gap between low-cost loitering munitions and high-speed cruise missiles to bypass Ukrainian air defenses. Geran-5 includes components from six U.S. companies (in addition to the U.S. companies listed earlier, Monolithic Power Systems and CTS Corporation), and the German company Infineon (Kyiv Independent, January 22).
Historically, sanctions have never been 100 percent effective. Nevertheless, Western governments could take a greater number of steps to tighten sanctions on chemicals, components, and machinery exported to Russia for use by its military-industrial complex. Russia's military equipment is being used today against Ukraine, but with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intelligence and military leadership predicting Russia could be ready to launch an attack on NATO's territory between 2027 and 2030, its weapons, which use a high number of Western components, would then be used against the West.
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Taras Kuzio is a professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an associate research fellow at the London-based think tank, the Henry Jackson Society.
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Original text here: https://jamestown.org/russia-sustaining-war-machine-despite-western-sanctions/
[Category: ThinkTank]
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Russia Sustaining War Machine Despite Western Sanctions
Executive Summary:
* Despite successive Western sanctions packages, Russia's military-industrial complex has expanded since 2022 by exploiting major sanctions gaps, leaving many defense-linked companies, chemicals, and dual-use technologies ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Taras Kuzio, professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an associate research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, in the foundation's Eurasia Daily Monitor: * * * Russia Sustaining War Machine Despite Western Sanctions Executive Summary: * Despite successive Western sanctions packages, Russia's military-industrial complex has expanded since 2022 by exploiting major sanctions gaps, leaving many defense-linked companies, chemicals, and dual-use technologiesoutside existing restrictions.
* Russia continues acquiring critical military components through intermediary states, parallel imports, and weak export controls, while thousands of companies--particularly in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong--facilitate sanctions evasion and sustain Russian weapons production.
* Ukrainian intelligence has documented extensive Western-made components in Russian missiles, drones, aircraft, and air defense systems, demonstrating that U.S., European, and Asian technologies remain integral to Russia's precision-strike capabilities despite sanctions.
* Tightening sanctions on unsanctioned suppliers, dual-use machinery, chemicals, and intermediary networks is increasingly urgent, as Russian weapons built with Western components threaten not only Ukraine but potentially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by the decade's end.
-
The West is still imposing new sanctions on Russia due to its war against Ukraine. On July 23, the European Union adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, and on July 28 the U.S. Senate advanced sanctions legislation targeting Russia's energy sector (Council of the European Union, July 23; Kyiv Post, July 29). Western sanctions, however, have not successfully completely inhibited Russia's military-industrial complex. The paradox of Russia's military-industrial complex is that, as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found, it grew after the imposition of Western sanctions and the decline in arms exports following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 2026). This is because Western sanctions are allowing Russia to continue to build weapons systems that are being used against Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the 2025 Group of Seven (G7) meeting, "There's not a lot left to sanction from our part." At least half of the Russian companies that supply the military-industrial complex, however, remain unsanctioned (Euromaidan Press, February 9). Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, includes 21 companies--e.g., Innovation Hub, Mayak Production Association--that are not sanctioned and have links to the military-industrial complex (Dixi Group, March 4).
The West faces two main difficulties when imposing sanctions against Russia's military-industrial complex. According to Andrey Zayakin at The Insider, it is "not always clear which goods are being imported specifically for military use." Additionally, "when one company is sanctioned, a substitute soon appears in its place, and while new Western restrictions are being introduced, the Russian military-industrial complex has time to adapt" (The Insider, February 18). Russia acquires technology through intermediary countries, parallel imports, secondary markets and weak end-user controls (Ukraine Business News, April 9). Western sanctions have slowed down but not ended the supply of Western goods to Russia's military-industrial complex.
There are no sanctions on chemicals used to produce mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires. Western and Chinese companies provide motor oil additives and lubricants (Kyiv Independent, February 16). Raw glycerine is not sanctioned and continues to be exported to Russia despite its use for the manufacture of propellants and explosives. Russian petro-chemical manufacturers supply the military-industrial complex (Dekleptocracy Project, April 30).
Machine-building equipment from 15 Taiwanese, 13 German, 8 Czech, 6 Swiss, 3 Japanese, and 1 U.S. company was exported to Russia despite its dual-use for the military-industrial complex (Kyiv Independent, June 19). Russia's leading tank maker, Uralvagonzavod, uses Western machines that require parts and software updates. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) documented 300 Western companies exporting machinery to Russia that is essential to its military-industrial complex (Kyiv Post, March 26, 2025).
Many Western companies continued to supply Russia's military-industrial complex through corrupt middlemen and via intermediary countries such as Turkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan--countries not sanctioned. The People's Republic of China (PRC) directly, and through Hong Kong, continues to be a major supplier to Russia's military-industrial complex (Freedom Hong Kong, February 2026).
In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two decrees sanctioning 24 individuals and 27 companies supplying Russia's military-industrial complex, including those circumventing Western and Ukrainian sanctions from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia (President of Ukraine, February 7 [1], [2]).
The HUR documented 6,000 companies violating sanctions by trading with sanctioned Russian military-industrial complex companies, of whom 4,000 were Chinese (including those from Hong Kong) and the remainder from Turkiye, the Gulf states, the Middle East, and India (The Insider, March 11). A Dutch national registered the Redwing Metal company in Turkiye to re-export components and machinery from the European Union to Russia (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, June 19). A Polish-Ukrainian investigation found the Polish company Famot Pleszew had exported machinery to Russia (United24 Media, January 25, 2025; FrontStory, March 13). Fifty Western components are used in Russian shipbuilding and by the ship repair companies Kronstadt Marine Plant, Sevmash, and the Baltic Shipyard (Euromaidan Press, March 18).
Russia's military-industrial complex is assisted by two well-established sanctions evaders--Iran and North Korea. Western components are found in Iranian Shahed drones, which are used to build Russian Geran drones. Iranian drones used to attack Cyprus and the Gulf states during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran used Western components (United24 Media, March 5).
The number of Western components used by Russia's military-industrial complex is very high, and Western governments are failing to close the channels used to export them to Russia. The HUR maintains an extensive database of components from 33 countries used by the Russian military-industrial complex. As of April, the HUR's database included 1,635 components used in 218 Russian military-industrial complex plants (HUR, accessed July 29).
After analyzing debris from nearly 500 Russian drones and 50 missiles launched in an October 2025 attack on Ukraine, the HUR found they contained tens of thousands of Western components, which included 1,500 in the Iskander cruise missiles, 405 in the Kalibr cruise missiles, and 192 in the Kinzhal ballistic missiles (President of Ukraine, October 6, 2025). In another analysis of a Russian attack in May, the missiles Russia fired were built this year using 100 components from the United States (Texas Instruments, AMD), Germany (Harting Technical Group), and the Netherlands (Nexperia) (Kyiv Post, May 15). The largest share of components comes from the United States, the PRC, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Fewer components are from Czechia, Sweden, and Australia.
The Kyiv Independent, posing as a Russian defense company in 2025, ordered U.S. chips to prove how easy it was to buy them--and, if they had wished, export them to Russia (Kyiv Independent, January 24, March 10, 2025). An investigation by BILD magazine found Russian postal workers in Germany were sending components to Russia (BILD, January 25; United24 Media, January 26). Russia has built military communications systems using radio bridges, antennas and networking equipment from the U.S. company Ubiquiti (The Insider, February 20).
A third of the Russian military-industrial complex companies (e.g., Krasny Oktiabr, National Institute for Aviation Technologies, Yashz Avia) that build SU-57 planes used to launch the devastating KH-59 glide bombs at Ukraine are not sanctioned (Euromaidan Press, April 20). Russian glide bombs include components from the United States (Altera Corporation, Analog Devices, CTS, Texas Instruments, Linear Technology, MaxLinear, Sipex, American Semiconductor, Products Integrated), Ireland (Antena manufacturing, Taoglas), Switzerland (Ublox, TE Connectivity, Axicom STMicroelectronics), Japan (Din-Tek Semiconductor, Okuma Corporation), Taiwan (Akira Seiki), South Korea (Samsung Machine Engineering), and the PRC (Kyiv Independent, November 17, 2025). Components from the German company Guhring LLC are found in the SU-30 Russian fighter jet and S-400 air defense system (The Insider, July 3). The Pantsir S1 air defense system uses 52 Western components (Kyiv Post, May 12; Militarnyy, July 5).
The two main needs of Russia's war machine are components for missiles and drones that are launched nightly at Ukraine. The Kh-101, 3M-14, KN-23/24, Iskander 9M728, and Kinzhal KH47M2 cruise and ballistic missiles, which have been launched against Ukraine, include components from the U.S. companies mentioned above, as well as AMD, Anderson Electronics, Intel-USA, Motorola, Vicor Corporation, and Microchip Technology, alongside Dutch, Swiss, German, Swedish, Japanese, Taiwanese, and South Korean parts. Eighty to ninety percent of the guidance systems in Russian cruise missiles are Western.
Components from 16 U.S., Swiss, Chinese, and East Asian companies are found in the KH-101 cruise missile--64.3 percent of the components in the KH-101 cruise missile are U.S., 17.9 percent German, 7.1 percent Swiss, 7 percent Dutch, and 3.6 percent Taiwanese. A ballistic missile fired at Kyiv in April 2025 used 116 mainly U.S. components (Kyiv Independent, October 6, 2025). Seven hundred ninety-nine shipments of XP Power microchips were exported from the United Kingdom to Russia via Hong Kong and are used in its KN-23/24 ballistic missiles (The Telegraph, February 16).
Russia's Lancet and Zala reconnaissance drones use many Chinese components as well as components from 12 U.S. companies (Kyiv Independent, November 21, 2024). Besides the U.S. companies listed above, these also include components built by Nvidia, National Semiconductor, Micron Technology, Xilinx, Qorvo, Bel Fuse and Semtech Corporation.
Russia's Molniya-2R reconnaissance drone includes Chinese and U.K. (Raspberry Pi5 Microcomputers) components (Euromaidan Press, December 22, 2025). Russia's Kniaz Veshchiy Oleg reconnaissance drone depends on foreign parts, including 33 U.S., five Swiss, Taiwanese, Dutch, and Chinese components (Euromaidan Press; United 24 Media, April 13).
Russia's Orion, a plagiarism of the U.S. Reaper drone, is built by 43 Russian companies, a third of whom are not sanctioned. Orion uses components from many U.S. companies listed earlier (Kyiv Independent, November 5, 2025)
The HUR documented U.S., Swiss, Japanese, Taiwanese, Dutch, Irish, and Chinese components in the Shahed 107 Iranian drone rebuilt by Russia as Geran-1 (Kyiv Independent, November 25, 2025). Russia's Geran-2 drone uses the rotary encoder sensor built by the Austrian company AMS-Osram. The Geran-2 uses a clock buffer built by the Indian company Aura Semiconductor. Russia's Geran-3 drone (using Iranian Shahed 238 specifications) includes 45 Western components (Euromaidan Press, September 16, 2025). Half of these are from U.S. companies (including Infineon Technology, Sipex Corporation, Adesto Technology, Alpha and Omega, and other U.S. companies listed earlier), with the remainder from Switzerland (seven companies, including U-Blox and STMicroelectronics), Germany (including Infineon Technology and Bosch), the PRC (six companies), United Kingdom (Raspberry Pi, Futura Technical Services), and Japan (Rubycon Corporation) (The Telegraph, February 18).
With turbojet propulsion and triple the speed of the Geran-1, 2, 3, and 4 drones at 300 and 400 miles per hour, Russia's most advanced Geran-5 drone is a major technological upgrade. Geran-5 bridges the gap between low-cost loitering munitions and high-speed cruise missiles to bypass Ukrainian air defenses. Geran-5 includes components from six U.S. companies (in addition to the U.S. companies listed earlier, Monolithic Power Systems and CTS Corporation), and the German company Infineon (Kyiv Independent, January 22).
Historically, sanctions have never been 100 percent effective. Nevertheless, Western governments could take a greater number of steps to tighten sanctions on chemicals, components, and machinery exported to Russia for use by its military-industrial complex. Russia's military equipment is being used today against Ukraine, but with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intelligence and military leadership predicting Russia could be ready to launch an attack on NATO's territory between 2027 and 2030, its weapons, which use a high number of Western components, would then be used against the West.
* * *
Taras Kuzio is a professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an associate research fellow at the London-based think tank, the Henry Jackson Society.
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Original text here: https://jamestown.org/russia-sustaining-war-machine-despite-western-sanctions/
[Category: ThinkTank]
Center on Budget & Policy Priorities: To Better Serve Participants, States Should Maximize Choice and Flexibility in the WIC Food Package
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Ashley Blair, a community health advocate:
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To Better Serve Participants, States Should Maximize Choice and Flexibility in the WIC Food Package
As part of a family that thrives on a plant-based diet of nutritious foods, the groceries I'm able to get with my WIC benefits have made a huge difference in both my life and my children's lives. I especially value how the variety of foods expands our horizons and how having more options allows me to choose the foods that are best ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Ashley Blair, a community health advocate: * * * To Better Serve Participants, States Should Maximize Choice and Flexibility in the WIC Food Package As part of a family that thrives on a plant-based diet of nutritious foods, the groceries I'm able to get with my WIC benefits have made a huge difference in both my life and my children's lives. I especially value how the variety of foods expands our horizons and how having more options allows me to choose the foods that are bestfor our family.
The fruit and vegetable benefit is especially helpful, and I appreciate that I can use these cash-like benefits for any fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. For other items, where WIC provides specific foods in specific amounts, WIC allows substitutions, which are also important for my family. For example, I choose a dairy-free alternative to standard milk based on personal preferences. I'm also able to choose dry or canned beans, and whole grain foods, such as whole-wheat bread or tortillas (either corn or whole wheat).
Having choices in WIC means my kids and I get to try foods from other cultures that are good for us, such as fruits and vegetables we didn't grow up with. And it's not just about nutrition. It's also watching my kids get excited about mango or trying plantains for the first time. Those moments expand our palates and teach us there's more than one way to eat healthily. It helps us become well-rounded, curious people at the table and in life.
The WIC food package is designed to provide nutritious food to supplement the diets of participants at key developmental stages. WIC-authorized foods include breakfast cereal, whole grains, milk, yogurt, eggs, beans, fruits and vegetables, juice, infant foods, and infant formula. To ensure that WIC-authorized foods are aligned with the latest nutrition research and dietary guidelines, USDA is required to update the food packages at least every ten years.
A 2009 overhaul of the food packages added the fruit and vegetable benefit for the first time, along with whole grains, reduced-fat milk, and milk substitutes including regular cheese, yogurt and tofu. Research found that WIC participants receiving the revised food packages purchased and consumed more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. In addition, researchers found possible positive impacts on pregnancy outcomes and children's vitamin D, iron, and saturated fat intake. Finally, the food package improvements have contributed to healthier food environments in low-income neighborhoods.
In 2021 Congress accelerated implementation of a science-based recommendation to increase WIC's fruit and vegetable benefit, which has now been made permanent. The increase is meant to provide half the amount participants need according to dietary guidelines for expecting and postpartum parents and toddlers. Research following implementation of the 2021 increase shows that it expanded the amount and variety of fruit and vegetables purchased and consumed.
Many WIC participants appreciate the fruit and vegetable benefits like I do. According to the National WIC Association's 2025 Multi-State WIC Participant Satisfaction Survey report, the top reason for participating in WIC was the fruits and vegetables participants received in the WIC food package, with 97 percent of respondents listing the fruit and vegetable benefit as one of the reasons they participate.
USDA issued a final rule revising the food packages in 2024, and state WIC agencies have been implementing these revisions for the past two years. The food package update includes a wider range of foods, which are more appealing to people from different racial and cultural backgrounds, and is based on evidence on how to improve the nutritional value of WIC food packages.
While federal rules prescribe the types and quantities of WIC foods available to participants, state WIC agencies determine which brands and package sizes to approve. States also have some flexibility with regard to which substitutions for cultural or family preferences to allow, and how to offer these flexibilities to participants.
To ensure that WIC continues to make progress in meeting participants' needs, state WIC agencies should offer the full array of food package substitutions and authorize foods that respond to participants' preferences. When I can choose between different foods instead of being stuck with one product, it changes dinner at home. I'm not forcing my kids to eat something they don't like just to use the benefit. I get to build meals that fit our tastes, our culture, and our health. With more options, we can cook the foods that mean home to us -- such as curry, stews, tacos, pasta sauce, dips, and desserts. Those are the recipes we pass down. That's how we keep our traditions alive.
WIC is taking steps to make substitutions they offer more accessible by allowing parents (rather than doctors) to choose and by clearly explaining the options available to participants. For example, in Tennessee, we used to have to get a letter from the doctor for certain substitutions (such as non-dairy milk). Too many of us felt like we had to explain, justify, or prove why a certain product was better for our kids -- whether it was for an allergy, a cultural need, or just what our family would actually eat. Under new federal rules, we are no longer required to obtain a doctor's note for substitutions (aside from infant formula), which gives us more choice over the foods we eat without having to justify our needs. It's important for WIC to continue pursuing policies that accommodate the diversity of participants' needs. My household isn't the same as the next family's, and that's okay. Trust us to know what our households need and ensure we have a voice and a choice in the foods we bring home. When we have choices that work for us, we're more likely to use our benefits and feel good about the program.
It is also important for state and local staff to make sure substitution options are explained to participants in detail. Some participants may not know exactly what to ask or what substitutions are available. At my first WIC appointment, the information felt overwhelming. If I hadn't had a patient nutritionist, I would've been lost. I didn't even know what I could ask for. A simple one-pager of substitutions -- especially plant-based options -- in the shopping app or printed out would've helped me visualize what options were available.
Families need authorized foods that reflect their preferences, and a range of accessible substitutions, for important reasons such as allergies, dietary restrictions, food sensitivities, and culture. This isn't about special treatment. It's about making sure WIC works for the people it's meant to serve. When states fully implement these flexibilities, they're telling families, "We see you, and your health matters."
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Ashley Blair is a Community Health Advocate.
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Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/to-better-serve-participants-states-should-maximize-choice-and-flexibility-in-the-wic-food
[Category: ThinkTank]
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To Better Serve Participants, States Should Maximize Choice and Flexibility in the WIC Food Package
As part of a family that thrives on a plant-based diet of nutritious foods, the groceries I'm able to get with my WIC benefits have made a huge difference in both my life and my children's lives. I especially value how the variety of foods expands our horizons and how having more options allows me to choose the foods that are best ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Ashley Blair, a community health advocate: * * * To Better Serve Participants, States Should Maximize Choice and Flexibility in the WIC Food Package As part of a family that thrives on a plant-based diet of nutritious foods, the groceries I'm able to get with my WIC benefits have made a huge difference in both my life and my children's lives. I especially value how the variety of foods expands our horizons and how having more options allows me to choose the foods that are bestfor our family.
The fruit and vegetable benefit is especially helpful, and I appreciate that I can use these cash-like benefits for any fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. For other items, where WIC provides specific foods in specific amounts, WIC allows substitutions, which are also important for my family. For example, I choose a dairy-free alternative to standard milk based on personal preferences. I'm also able to choose dry or canned beans, and whole grain foods, such as whole-wheat bread or tortillas (either corn or whole wheat).
Having choices in WIC means my kids and I get to try foods from other cultures that are good for us, such as fruits and vegetables we didn't grow up with. And it's not just about nutrition. It's also watching my kids get excited about mango or trying plantains for the first time. Those moments expand our palates and teach us there's more than one way to eat healthily. It helps us become well-rounded, curious people at the table and in life.
The WIC food package is designed to provide nutritious food to supplement the diets of participants at key developmental stages. WIC-authorized foods include breakfast cereal, whole grains, milk, yogurt, eggs, beans, fruits and vegetables, juice, infant foods, and infant formula. To ensure that WIC-authorized foods are aligned with the latest nutrition research and dietary guidelines, USDA is required to update the food packages at least every ten years.
A 2009 overhaul of the food packages added the fruit and vegetable benefit for the first time, along with whole grains, reduced-fat milk, and milk substitutes including regular cheese, yogurt and tofu. Research found that WIC participants receiving the revised food packages purchased and consumed more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. In addition, researchers found possible positive impacts on pregnancy outcomes and children's vitamin D, iron, and saturated fat intake. Finally, the food package improvements have contributed to healthier food environments in low-income neighborhoods.
In 2021 Congress accelerated implementation of a science-based recommendation to increase WIC's fruit and vegetable benefit, which has now been made permanent. The increase is meant to provide half the amount participants need according to dietary guidelines for expecting and postpartum parents and toddlers. Research following implementation of the 2021 increase shows that it expanded the amount and variety of fruit and vegetables purchased and consumed.
Many WIC participants appreciate the fruit and vegetable benefits like I do. According to the National WIC Association's 2025 Multi-State WIC Participant Satisfaction Survey report, the top reason for participating in WIC was the fruits and vegetables participants received in the WIC food package, with 97 percent of respondents listing the fruit and vegetable benefit as one of the reasons they participate.
USDA issued a final rule revising the food packages in 2024, and state WIC agencies have been implementing these revisions for the past two years. The food package update includes a wider range of foods, which are more appealing to people from different racial and cultural backgrounds, and is based on evidence on how to improve the nutritional value of WIC food packages.
While federal rules prescribe the types and quantities of WIC foods available to participants, state WIC agencies determine which brands and package sizes to approve. States also have some flexibility with regard to which substitutions for cultural or family preferences to allow, and how to offer these flexibilities to participants.
To ensure that WIC continues to make progress in meeting participants' needs, state WIC agencies should offer the full array of food package substitutions and authorize foods that respond to participants' preferences. When I can choose between different foods instead of being stuck with one product, it changes dinner at home. I'm not forcing my kids to eat something they don't like just to use the benefit. I get to build meals that fit our tastes, our culture, and our health. With more options, we can cook the foods that mean home to us -- such as curry, stews, tacos, pasta sauce, dips, and desserts. Those are the recipes we pass down. That's how we keep our traditions alive.
WIC is taking steps to make substitutions they offer more accessible by allowing parents (rather than doctors) to choose and by clearly explaining the options available to participants. For example, in Tennessee, we used to have to get a letter from the doctor for certain substitutions (such as non-dairy milk). Too many of us felt like we had to explain, justify, or prove why a certain product was better for our kids -- whether it was for an allergy, a cultural need, or just what our family would actually eat. Under new federal rules, we are no longer required to obtain a doctor's note for substitutions (aside from infant formula), which gives us more choice over the foods we eat without having to justify our needs. It's important for WIC to continue pursuing policies that accommodate the diversity of participants' needs. My household isn't the same as the next family's, and that's okay. Trust us to know what our households need and ensure we have a voice and a choice in the foods we bring home. When we have choices that work for us, we're more likely to use our benefits and feel good about the program.
It is also important for state and local staff to make sure substitution options are explained to participants in detail. Some participants may not know exactly what to ask or what substitutions are available. At my first WIC appointment, the information felt overwhelming. If I hadn't had a patient nutritionist, I would've been lost. I didn't even know what I could ask for. A simple one-pager of substitutions -- especially plant-based options -- in the shopping app or printed out would've helped me visualize what options were available.
Families need authorized foods that reflect their preferences, and a range of accessible substitutions, for important reasons such as allergies, dietary restrictions, food sensitivities, and culture. This isn't about special treatment. It's about making sure WIC works for the people it's meant to serve. When states fully implement these flexibilities, they're telling families, "We see you, and your health matters."
* * *
Ashley Blair is a Community Health Advocate.
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Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/to-better-serve-participants-states-should-maximize-choice-and-flexibility-in-the-wic-food
[Category: ThinkTank]
Center on Budget & Policy Priorities: Outdated SSI Asset Limits Pose Real Problem for Children With Disabilities Hoping to Benefit From Trump Accounts
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Kathleen Romig, senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Devin O'Connor, senior fellow on the Federal Fiscal Policy Team:
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Outdated SSI Asset Limits Pose Real Problem for Children With Disabilities Hoping to Benefit From Trump Accounts
Starting this month, families can open Trump Accounts for their children. Those welcoming new babies between 2025 and 2028 will qualify for a $1,000 federal contribution to seed the account. But for some families caring ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Kathleen Romig, senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Devin O'Connor, senior fellow on the Federal Fiscal Policy Team: * * * Outdated SSI Asset Limits Pose Real Problem for Children With Disabilities Hoping to Benefit From Trump Accounts Starting this month, families can open Trump Accounts for their children. Those welcoming new babies between 2025 and 2028 will qualify for a $1,000 federal contribution to seed the account. But for some families caringfor disabled children -- who will need savings the most as they come of age -- the accounts could create big problems. That's because once account holders reach adulthood, the money saved in their Trump Accounts will likely run afoul of the extraordinarily strict asset limits in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for low-income disabled people. If those savings exceed the cap -- just $2,000 -- it will lead not only to the loss of needed monthly income support from SSI, but could also jeopardize their eligibility for health care and community-based services through Medicaid.
The real problem here is that the asset limits in SSI are far out of date and too low, both for young adults and others. Congress should raise SSI asset limits to prevent families from worrying that their efforts to save for their children's futures will cost them essential support from SSI and Medicaid as a result. There is strong bipartisan support for this approach, notably the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would raise the limit for a single beneficiary to $10,000 and index it to inflation.
SSI's asset limits have been frozen at $2,000 (or $3,000 for couples), with no adjustment for inflation, for nearly 40 years. There is a good chance that many disabled children with Trump Accounts will be at risk of exceeding this extremely low threshold when they reach adulthood. Babies born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible for a $1,000 contribution from the federal government -- to which children's families and others can add. Even if there are no further contributions, an initial $1,000 contribution would exceed the $2,000 SSI asset limit level if it grows as little as 4 percent each year for 18 years (well below the historical average annual return for the default fund, an S&P 500 index).
* * *
Chart: Strict, Outdated SSI Asset Limits Penalize Saving
* * *
As CBPP has described before, the tight SSI asset limit -- the most restrictive of any federal program -- does not allow for beneficiaries to have savings that can help them weather an emergency, let alone provide stability or save for the future. Policymakers have recognized the case for allowing greater savings and have increased or eliminated resource limits in other economic security programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Trump Account balances don't count towards the asset limit for children receiving SSI while they're still minors. But the entire value of their Trump Accounts will count against the limit starting on their 18th birthday -- unless their parents are savvy enough to take advantage of a one-time opportunity to transfer Trump Account balances into a special savings vehicle for people with disabilities (known as ABLE accounts) at age 17. But it's unlikely that many families will take advantage. To date, only about 246,000 ABLE accounts have been set up, including for people who are not SSI beneficiaries. That's significantly less than 5 percent of SSI beneficiaries who are eligible under the current rules.
The conflict between SSI asset limits and Trump Accounts will have significant consequences not just for disabled children in low-income families receiving SSI now, but also for disabled children in middle-income families who may become eligible when they turn 18.
About half of disabled children receiving SSI continue to receive benefits into adulthood. If their assets exceed $2,000 -- including not only Trump Accounts, but also any other savings or checking accounts, college funds, and more -- their benefits will be suspended and then terminated. And if the Social Security Administration doesn't suspend their benefits promptly -- as is often the case -- these young adults will likely rack up thousands of dollars in overpayments that will be extremely difficult to repay from their meager benefits. But it will be too late to transfer Trump Account balances into little-known ABLE accounts to avoid these negative consequences, since that one-time opportunity will have already expired.
Families whose children with severe disabilities are not currently eligible for SSI benefits because of their families' incomes and savings will be in a similar position. By the time those children reach young adulthood and apply for SSI benefits after turning 18, their Trump Account balances will likely be too high for them to qualify -- and it will be too late to take advantage of the opportunity to transfer Trump Account balances into an ABLE account, either.
There are many other good reasons to increase outdated asset limits, which we have described previously. A higher limit would encourage -- rather than penalize -- saving and allow people to retain savings to use when they really need those resources. It would also help relieve families of disabled kids of the need to jump through hoops to transfer Trump Account savings to a different account -- which most are unlikely to do. In addition to raising SSI asset limits, Congress should consider allowing families who do wish to transfer Trump Account balances to ABLE accounts to do so at any age.
* * *
Kathleen Romig is a Senior Fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She works on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, paid leave, and other budget issues.
Devin O'Connor is a Senior Fellow on the Federal Fiscal Policy team. Prior to joining the Center, Devin served as the White House Senior Advisor for American Rescue Plan Implementation and as the Chief Economic Advisor on the White House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team.
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Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/outdated-ssi-asset-limits-pose-real-problem-for-children-with-disabilities-hoping-to-benefit
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Outdated SSI Asset Limits Pose Real Problem for Children With Disabilities Hoping to Benefit From Trump Accounts
Starting this month, families can open Trump Accounts for their children. Those welcoming new babies between 2025 and 2028 will qualify for a $1,000 federal contribution to seed the account. But for some families caring ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Kathleen Romig, senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Devin O'Connor, senior fellow on the Federal Fiscal Policy Team: * * * Outdated SSI Asset Limits Pose Real Problem for Children With Disabilities Hoping to Benefit From Trump Accounts Starting this month, families can open Trump Accounts for their children. Those welcoming new babies between 2025 and 2028 will qualify for a $1,000 federal contribution to seed the account. But for some families caringfor disabled children -- who will need savings the most as they come of age -- the accounts could create big problems. That's because once account holders reach adulthood, the money saved in their Trump Accounts will likely run afoul of the extraordinarily strict asset limits in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for low-income disabled people. If those savings exceed the cap -- just $2,000 -- it will lead not only to the loss of needed monthly income support from SSI, but could also jeopardize their eligibility for health care and community-based services through Medicaid.
The real problem here is that the asset limits in SSI are far out of date and too low, both for young adults and others. Congress should raise SSI asset limits to prevent families from worrying that their efforts to save for their children's futures will cost them essential support from SSI and Medicaid as a result. There is strong bipartisan support for this approach, notably the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would raise the limit for a single beneficiary to $10,000 and index it to inflation.
SSI's asset limits have been frozen at $2,000 (or $3,000 for couples), with no adjustment for inflation, for nearly 40 years. There is a good chance that many disabled children with Trump Accounts will be at risk of exceeding this extremely low threshold when they reach adulthood. Babies born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible for a $1,000 contribution from the federal government -- to which children's families and others can add. Even if there are no further contributions, an initial $1,000 contribution would exceed the $2,000 SSI asset limit level if it grows as little as 4 percent each year for 18 years (well below the historical average annual return for the default fund, an S&P 500 index).
* * *
Chart: Strict, Outdated SSI Asset Limits Penalize Saving
* * *
As CBPP has described before, the tight SSI asset limit -- the most restrictive of any federal program -- does not allow for beneficiaries to have savings that can help them weather an emergency, let alone provide stability or save for the future. Policymakers have recognized the case for allowing greater savings and have increased or eliminated resource limits in other economic security programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Trump Account balances don't count towards the asset limit for children receiving SSI while they're still minors. But the entire value of their Trump Accounts will count against the limit starting on their 18th birthday -- unless their parents are savvy enough to take advantage of a one-time opportunity to transfer Trump Account balances into a special savings vehicle for people with disabilities (known as ABLE accounts) at age 17. But it's unlikely that many families will take advantage. To date, only about 246,000 ABLE accounts have been set up, including for people who are not SSI beneficiaries. That's significantly less than 5 percent of SSI beneficiaries who are eligible under the current rules.
The conflict between SSI asset limits and Trump Accounts will have significant consequences not just for disabled children in low-income families receiving SSI now, but also for disabled children in middle-income families who may become eligible when they turn 18.
About half of disabled children receiving SSI continue to receive benefits into adulthood. If their assets exceed $2,000 -- including not only Trump Accounts, but also any other savings or checking accounts, college funds, and more -- their benefits will be suspended and then terminated. And if the Social Security Administration doesn't suspend their benefits promptly -- as is often the case -- these young adults will likely rack up thousands of dollars in overpayments that will be extremely difficult to repay from their meager benefits. But it will be too late to transfer Trump Account balances into little-known ABLE accounts to avoid these negative consequences, since that one-time opportunity will have already expired.
Families whose children with severe disabilities are not currently eligible for SSI benefits because of their families' incomes and savings will be in a similar position. By the time those children reach young adulthood and apply for SSI benefits after turning 18, their Trump Account balances will likely be too high for them to qualify -- and it will be too late to take advantage of the opportunity to transfer Trump Account balances into an ABLE account, either.
There are many other good reasons to increase outdated asset limits, which we have described previously. A higher limit would encourage -- rather than penalize -- saving and allow people to retain savings to use when they really need those resources. It would also help relieve families of disabled kids of the need to jump through hoops to transfer Trump Account savings to a different account -- which most are unlikely to do. In addition to raising SSI asset limits, Congress should consider allowing families who do wish to transfer Trump Account balances to ABLE accounts to do so at any age.
* * *
Kathleen Romig is a Senior Fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She works on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, paid leave, and other budget issues.
Devin O'Connor is a Senior Fellow on the Federal Fiscal Policy team. Prior to joining the Center, Devin served as the White House Senior Advisor for American Rescue Plan Implementation and as the Chief Economic Advisor on the White House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/outdated-ssi-asset-limits-pose-real-problem-for-children-with-disabilities-hoping-to-benefit
[Category: ThinkTank]
Center on Budget & Policy Priorities: Falling Through the Cracks - Major Gaps in Medicaid Work Requirement Policy
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Jennifer Wagner, director of medicaid eligibility and enrollment:
* * *
Falling Through the Cracks: Major Gaps in Medicaid Work Requirement Policy
The Medicaid work requirement in the harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law will take away health coverage from millions of people. It's clear from past experiences with work requirements that many eligible people will be caught in the administrative burdens of the work requirement and lose coverage. In addition to these burdens, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Jennifer Wagner, director of medicaid eligibility and enrollment: * * * Falling Through the Cracks: Major Gaps in Medicaid Work Requirement Policy The Medicaid work requirement in the harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law will take away health coverage from millions of people. It's clear from past experiences with work requirements that many eligible people will be caught in the administrative burdens of the work requirement and lose coverage. In addition to these burdens,the policy details of the law create fundamental complications and gaps -- including some that might be surprising even to the law's supporters -- that will prevent many people from qualifying for coverage under the new structure.
The work requirement could take away or block coverage from people who are looking for work, who are hospitalized, or who miss deadlines through no fault of their own. Conditioning medical care, a basic need for every person, on meeting a harsh work requirement is a fundamentally flawed policy. As enacted in the Republican reconciliation law, the work requirement is a complex policy maze that will be difficult to correctly program into state systems, complicated to communicate to health professionals and others who help connect people to coverage, and extremely difficult for families to understand and comply with. It will take away health care from millions of people trying to get by, including the situations described below, and Congress should repeal it.
Consider the following hypothetical examples. In these examples, we assume the state does what it can within the federal rules to limit coverage loss by requiring applicants to verify they meet the work requirement in the one month prior to the month they apply; requiring one month of compliance or exemption at renewal; and adopting the optional short-term hardship exceptions, including for receiving care in an acute care setting like a hospital.
* People looking for work. Daniel loses his job -- and health insurance -- in June. He immediately begins applying for new jobs, but nothing has come through yet. He applies for Medicaid in August.
Republican Reconciliation Law: Job search doesn't "count" as meeting the work requirement (except in narrow circumstances when part of a SNAP or unemployment insurance work program).
Outcome: Daniel remains uninsured. When Daniel applies for Medicaid in August, he must show he met the work requirement in July. But since job search isn't a countable activity, he isn't eligible.
* People who are hospitalized. Gloria was out of work in February. She gets into a car accident in March and is hospitalized. She applies for Medicaid in March while hospitalized.
Republican Reconciliation Law: People who are hospitalized qualify for a short-term hardship exception from the work requirement during the month of their hospitalization, but when they apply, they still have to comply with, or be exempt from, the work requirement during the lookback period (the month before). Even if people request retroactive coverage, they must show they met the work requirement during the lookback period before the retroactive month.
Outcome: Gloria can't get Medicaid coverage for her March hospitalization (unless she qualifies for a medical frailty exclusion) because when she applies in March, she must show she met the work requirement in February (the one-month lookback period in her state), which she didn't. If she applies again and enrolls in Medicaid in April (when her hospitalization qualifies her for an exception from the work requirement in March), her Medicaid will begin in April, and she won't have coverage for her hospital stay in March.
If she requests retroactive coverage for March, she will still have to show she met the work requirement in February, which she didn't. This is because retroactive coverage only applies if a person would have otherwise been eligible for Medicaid during the retroactive period -- which includes satisfying the work requirement during the lookback period.
* People who miss deadlines through no fault of their own. Fatima works at a retail store and gets a lot of holiday hours in November and December, but her employer cuts her hours in January after the holiday shopping rush is over. Her Medicaid is due for renewal in January. She recently moved and reported her change of address to the Medicaid agency, but her renewal forms had already been sent to her old address. She doesn't receive her Medicaid renewal paperwork in the mail and finds out she lost coverage in early February when she goes to fill a prescription. Fatima immediately contacts her Medicaid agency and submits the required paperwork.
Republican Reconciliation Law: At renewal, enrollees must show they met the work requirement in at least one month since the beginning of their eligibility period. However, if they submit their renewal paperwork late (within 90 days of the end of their eligibility period), it is treated as a new application, and they must show they met the work requirement in the month prior to when they submitted it.
Outcome: Fatima is unable to reinstate her coverage since she didn't get 80 hours of work in January. She would have been able to renew if her renewal was completed on time in January, since she worked more than 80 hours in November and December (within the renewal lookback period). However, when she submits her paperwork in February, it is treated as a new application, and she has to show she met the work requirement in January.
The harsh consequences of the Medicaid work requirement will be even worse in states that choose to require more months of compliance at application and renewal and fail to adopt the optional short-term hardship exemptions.
* * *
Jennifer Wagner, Director of Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment
Jennifer Wagner joined the Center in 2015 and is a member of the health team. She focuses primarily on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment issues including the policy, operations, and technology that affects the enrollment experience for clients and staff.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/falling-through-the-cracks-major-gaps-in-medicaid-work-requirement-policy
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Falling Through the Cracks: Major Gaps in Medicaid Work Requirement Policy
The Medicaid work requirement in the harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law will take away health coverage from millions of people. It's clear from past experiences with work requirements that many eligible people will be caught in the administrative burdens of the work requirement and lose coverage. In addition to these burdens, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following commentary on July 29, 2026, by Jennifer Wagner, director of medicaid eligibility and enrollment: * * * Falling Through the Cracks: Major Gaps in Medicaid Work Requirement Policy The Medicaid work requirement in the harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law will take away health coverage from millions of people. It's clear from past experiences with work requirements that many eligible people will be caught in the administrative burdens of the work requirement and lose coverage. In addition to these burdens,the policy details of the law create fundamental complications and gaps -- including some that might be surprising even to the law's supporters -- that will prevent many people from qualifying for coverage under the new structure.
The work requirement could take away or block coverage from people who are looking for work, who are hospitalized, or who miss deadlines through no fault of their own. Conditioning medical care, a basic need for every person, on meeting a harsh work requirement is a fundamentally flawed policy. As enacted in the Republican reconciliation law, the work requirement is a complex policy maze that will be difficult to correctly program into state systems, complicated to communicate to health professionals and others who help connect people to coverage, and extremely difficult for families to understand and comply with. It will take away health care from millions of people trying to get by, including the situations described below, and Congress should repeal it.
Consider the following hypothetical examples. In these examples, we assume the state does what it can within the federal rules to limit coverage loss by requiring applicants to verify they meet the work requirement in the one month prior to the month they apply; requiring one month of compliance or exemption at renewal; and adopting the optional short-term hardship exceptions, including for receiving care in an acute care setting like a hospital.
* People looking for work. Daniel loses his job -- and health insurance -- in June. He immediately begins applying for new jobs, but nothing has come through yet. He applies for Medicaid in August.
Republican Reconciliation Law: Job search doesn't "count" as meeting the work requirement (except in narrow circumstances when part of a SNAP or unemployment insurance work program).
Outcome: Daniel remains uninsured. When Daniel applies for Medicaid in August, he must show he met the work requirement in July. But since job search isn't a countable activity, he isn't eligible.
* People who are hospitalized. Gloria was out of work in February. She gets into a car accident in March and is hospitalized. She applies for Medicaid in March while hospitalized.
Republican Reconciliation Law: People who are hospitalized qualify for a short-term hardship exception from the work requirement during the month of their hospitalization, but when they apply, they still have to comply with, or be exempt from, the work requirement during the lookback period (the month before). Even if people request retroactive coverage, they must show they met the work requirement during the lookback period before the retroactive month.
Outcome: Gloria can't get Medicaid coverage for her March hospitalization (unless she qualifies for a medical frailty exclusion) because when she applies in March, she must show she met the work requirement in February (the one-month lookback period in her state), which she didn't. If she applies again and enrolls in Medicaid in April (when her hospitalization qualifies her for an exception from the work requirement in March), her Medicaid will begin in April, and she won't have coverage for her hospital stay in March.
If she requests retroactive coverage for March, she will still have to show she met the work requirement in February, which she didn't. This is because retroactive coverage only applies if a person would have otherwise been eligible for Medicaid during the retroactive period -- which includes satisfying the work requirement during the lookback period.
* People who miss deadlines through no fault of their own. Fatima works at a retail store and gets a lot of holiday hours in November and December, but her employer cuts her hours in January after the holiday shopping rush is over. Her Medicaid is due for renewal in January. She recently moved and reported her change of address to the Medicaid agency, but her renewal forms had already been sent to her old address. She doesn't receive her Medicaid renewal paperwork in the mail and finds out she lost coverage in early February when she goes to fill a prescription. Fatima immediately contacts her Medicaid agency and submits the required paperwork.
Republican Reconciliation Law: At renewal, enrollees must show they met the work requirement in at least one month since the beginning of their eligibility period. However, if they submit their renewal paperwork late (within 90 days of the end of their eligibility period), it is treated as a new application, and they must show they met the work requirement in the month prior to when they submitted it.
Outcome: Fatima is unable to reinstate her coverage since she didn't get 80 hours of work in January. She would have been able to renew if her renewal was completed on time in January, since she worked more than 80 hours in November and December (within the renewal lookback period). However, when she submits her paperwork in February, it is treated as a new application, and she has to show she met the work requirement in January.
The harsh consequences of the Medicaid work requirement will be even worse in states that choose to require more months of compliance at application and renewal and fail to adopt the optional short-term hardship exemptions.
* * *
Jennifer Wagner, Director of Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment
Jennifer Wagner joined the Center in 2015 and is a member of the health team. She focuses primarily on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment issues including the policy, operations, and technology that affects the enrollment experience for clients and staff.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/falling-through-the-cracks-major-gaps-in-medicaid-work-requirement-policy
[Category: ThinkTank]
CSIS Issues States Weekly News Wrap Up on July 29, 2026
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 29, 2026:
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Big News: Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction; Delhi implements PARIVARTAN, the "Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions" Scheme; Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026; Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill; Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution to ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 29, 2026: * * * Big News: Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction; Delhi implements PARIVARTAN, the "Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions" Scheme; Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026; Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill; Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution toimplement the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024; and more.
Health
Maharashtra launches a Rating System under the Public Health Department. The initiative, introduced via a Government Resolution (GR) aims to provide citizens with a "service standard" assessment of government hospitals.
Source: Deccan Herald (https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/maharashtra-launches-5-star-rating-system-for-government-hospitals-1973743)
In detail: Star Rating System System (https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/202607241055447617.pdf)
Arunachal Pradesh approves CM CARES - Chief Minister's Comprehensive Action for Resilient, Equitable and Healthy State. The CM CARES program aims to bring about greater convergence between health and social security schemes of the Arunchal Pradesh government.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/arunachal-cabinet-oks-schemes-to-boost-healthcare-tackle-drug-abuse/articleshow/132463390.cms)
In detail: Press Release (https://arunachalipr.gov.in/post/cabinet-unveils-sweeping-reform-agenda-approves-rs-7-834-crore-investment-plan)
Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction. The scheme aims to fight drug addiction and increase rehabilitation support programs.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/arunachal-cabinet-oks-schemes-to-boost-healthcare-tackle-drug-abuse/articleshow/132463390.cms)
In detail: Press Release (https://arunachalipr.gov.in/post/cabinet-unveils-sweeping-reform-agenda-approves-rs-7-834-crore-investment-plan)
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Climate Change and Energy
Bihar issues (BERC) Order for Determining the Generic Levelized Tariff for Electricity Generated from Renewable Energy Sources for the Financial Year 2026-27. The order, issued by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC), will be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
Source: Solar Quarter (https://solarquarter.com/2026/07/21/berc-announces-renewable-energy-tariffs-for-fy-2026-27-across-biomass-and-waste-to-energy-projects-in-bihar/)
In detail: Order for Determining the Generic Levelized Tariff for Electricity Generated from Renewable Energy Sources for the Financial Year 2026-27 (https://berc.co.in/orders/daily-orders/3386-suo-motu-proceeding-for-determination-of-generic-levellized-tariff-for-power-generated-from-renewable-energy-sources-for-fy-2026-27)
Delhi implements PARIVARTAN - Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions Scheme. The scheme aims to reduce air pollution by incentivizing the replacement of older polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Source: The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-clears-implementation-of-central-scheme-to-phase-out-polluting-commercial-vehicles/article71245336.ece)
Uttar Pradesh issues Draft UPERC (Uttar Pradesh Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, intend to modernize the operational framework for intra-state transmission systems, improve grid security, and enhance the overall power system management.
Source: Solar Quarter (https://solarquarter.com/2026/07/24/uperc-invites-stakeholder-comments-on-draft-uttar-pradesh-electricity-grid-code-regulations-2026/)
In detail: Uttar Pradesh Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2026 (https://www.uperc.org/App_File/UPERCDraftGridCode-pdf723202670548PM.pdf)
West Bengal launches the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' (Prime Minister's Solar Home Free Electricity Scheme). The scheme aims to cover 500,000 households with rooftop solar installations by March 2027.
Source: Economic Times (https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/bengal-launches-pm-surya-ghar-scheme-sets-target-of-5-lakh-rooftop-solar-homes-by-2027/132560764)
Goa implements JERC Electricity Supply Code (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024. The regulations, issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, mandate smart pre-payment for all new electricity connections, prescribes timelines for new connections, and provides for a penalty of up to $5.18 (INR 500) per day for delays by distribution licenses.
Source: Digital Goa (https://digitalgoa.com/smart-meter-framework-notified-as-goa-adopts-amended-jerc-power-code/)
In detail: JERC Electricity Supply Code (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (https://jercuts.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JERC-Electricity-Supply-Code-Third-Amendment-Regulations-2024.pdf)
* * *
Finance
Nothing critical to report this week.
* * *
Industrial Policy and Business Regulations
Haryana issues a policy for the formalization of industrial colonies. It will allow industrial establishments operating in unauthorized industrial clusters to be eligible for formalization, if they were constructed before October 3, 2025, and is spread over a minimum contiguous area of 10 acres and comprises at least 50 units.
Source: Tribune (https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/haryana-rolls-out-regularisation-policy-for-unauthorised-industrial-colonies-who-gets-relief/)
In detail: Policy Notification (https://tcpharyana.gov.in/Policy/Policy%20dtd%2017072026.pdf)
Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026. The policy aims to attract $2.6 billion (INR 25,000 crore) in greenfield investments over the next 5 years.
Source: Hindustan Times (https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/maharashtra-unveils-first-ever-bioplastics-policy-seeks-to-attract-25k-cr-in-5-yrs-101784918923858.html)
In detail: Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026 (https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/202607241541457352....pdf)
* * *
Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations
Assam amends its property registration policy. The policy mandates the registration of a wide range of documents. These include agreements for sale, development agreements, and property-related powers of attorney.
Source: NE Wire (https://newire.in/articles/assam-cabinet-overhauls-property-rules-and-waives-loan-stamp-duty)
* * *
Infrastructure and Governance
Andhra Pradesh launches 'Netannala Sevalo' (Serving Weavers) Scheme. As per the scheme, below-poverty-line handloom weaver families will receive annual financial assistance of $259.13 (INR 25,000), irrespective of the beneficiary's age or the number of looms owned.
Source: Deccan Chronicle (https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-cabinet-clears-pushkaralu-security-weaver-welfare-schemes-1973383)
Bihar passes the Bihar Gambling (Prohibition) Bill, 2026. The bill repeals the Public Gambling Act, 1867. It prohibits all forms of gambling in the state including online and mobile app-based gambling.
Source: The Print (https://theprint.in/india/bihar-assembly-passes-bill-prohibiting-all-forms-of-gambling/2992549/)
Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill. It becomes the 4th state after Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam to pass a Uniform Civil Code.
Source: ETV (https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/madhya-pradesh-becomes-fourth-state-to-pass-uniform-civil-code-bill-enn26072105093)
West Bengal announces restrictions on the powers of municipalities and other local bodies. Elected representatives, including municipal chairpersons and 'Gram Panchayat' (Village Council) heads, no longer have the authority to issue birth and death certificates. Only designated government officials would be authorized to issue birth and death certificates.
Source: Telegraph (https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/bengal-govt-removes-civic-heads-of-power-to-issue-birth-and-death-certificates/cid/2171431#goog_rewarded)
Chhattisgarh approves a 10 percent reservation for Agniveer Soldiers in the state-level civil services. It will apply to direct recruitment for Class-III (Group C) posts, specifically constables in the police department, forest guards in the forest department and guards in the jail department.
Source: New Indian Express (https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Jul/22/chhattisgarh-cabinet-approves-10-per-cent-quota-for-ex-agniveers-in-state-police-forest-jail-services)
In detail: Cabinet Decision (https://cmo.cg.gov.in/cabinet-decisions/July-22,-2026-%E2%80%93-Key-Decisions-of-the-Cabinet-Meeting/MFNocUU0cnRBUmcwQkJRcTZrSElzdz09)
Odisha revises delegation of financial powers for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) along with Bhubaneswar and Rourkela Smart Cities. The financial powers of the managing directors of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) and Rourkela Smart City Limited (RSCL) have been brought at par with those of commissioners of municipal corporations.
Source: The Print (https://theprint.in/india/odisha-govt-enhances-financial-powers-of-urban-local-bodies/2994388/)
Sikkim passes Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education, Sikkim (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The former amends the 2025 parent law on private universities and the latter aims at strengthening regulatory oversight and aligning the state with the National Education Policy.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
Sikkim passes the Fire and Emergency Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to decriminalize minor regulatory offences, simplify compliance requirements, and facilitate ease of doing business.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
* * *
Water and Sanitation
Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution to implement the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024. The implementation aims to relax minor offences and facilitate ease of doing business.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
* * *
Center - State Relations
Nothing critical to report this week.
* * *
Any Other
Maharashtra abolishes the one-year Social Responsibility Service required of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduates from government, municipal, government-aided, and private unaided medical colleges. It does not apply to postgraduate and super-speciality degree recipients.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-scraps-mandatory-one-year-service-bond-for-mbbs-graduates/articleshow/132590718.cms)
In detail: Cancellation of the Mandatory Social Responsibility Service Requirement(in Marathi)
Goa updates Casino Regulations. The regulations prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering designated gambling areas.
Source: World Casino Directory (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/goa-tightens-casino-rules-with-age-limit-and-penalties-123631)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/states-weekly-july-29-2026
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Big News: Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction; Delhi implements PARIVARTAN, the "Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions" Scheme; Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026; Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill; Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution to ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 29, 2026: * * * Big News: Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction; Delhi implements PARIVARTAN, the "Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions" Scheme; Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026; Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill; Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution toimplement the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024; and more.
Health
Maharashtra launches a Rating System under the Public Health Department. The initiative, introduced via a Government Resolution (GR) aims to provide citizens with a "service standard" assessment of government hospitals.
Source: Deccan Herald (https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/maharashtra-launches-5-star-rating-system-for-government-hospitals-1973743)
In detail: Star Rating System System (https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/202607241055447617.pdf)
Arunachal Pradesh approves CM CARES - Chief Minister's Comprehensive Action for Resilient, Equitable and Healthy State. The CM CARES program aims to bring about greater convergence between health and social security schemes of the Arunchal Pradesh government.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/arunachal-cabinet-oks-schemes-to-boost-healthcare-tackle-drug-abuse/articleshow/132463390.cms)
In detail: Press Release (https://arunachalipr.gov.in/post/cabinet-unveils-sweeping-reform-agenda-approves-rs-7-834-crore-investment-plan)
Arunachal Pradesh approves Mission SURAKSHA - State Unified Response Against Drugs, Substance Harm, and Addiction. The scheme aims to fight drug addiction and increase rehabilitation support programs.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/arunachal-cabinet-oks-schemes-to-boost-healthcare-tackle-drug-abuse/articleshow/132463390.cms)
In detail: Press Release (https://arunachalipr.gov.in/post/cabinet-unveils-sweeping-reform-agenda-approves-rs-7-834-crore-investment-plan)
* * *
Climate Change and Energy
Bihar issues (BERC) Order for Determining the Generic Levelized Tariff for Electricity Generated from Renewable Energy Sources for the Financial Year 2026-27. The order, issued by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC), will be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
Source: Solar Quarter (https://solarquarter.com/2026/07/21/berc-announces-renewable-energy-tariffs-for-fy-2026-27-across-biomass-and-waste-to-energy-projects-in-bihar/)
In detail: Order for Determining the Generic Levelized Tariff for Electricity Generated from Renewable Energy Sources for the Financial Year 2026-27 (https://berc.co.in/orders/daily-orders/3386-suo-motu-proceeding-for-determination-of-generic-levellized-tariff-for-power-generated-from-renewable-energy-sources-for-fy-2026-27)
Delhi implements PARIVARTAN - Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions Scheme. The scheme aims to reduce air pollution by incentivizing the replacement of older polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Source: The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-clears-implementation-of-central-scheme-to-phase-out-polluting-commercial-vehicles/article71245336.ece)
Uttar Pradesh issues Draft UPERC (Uttar Pradesh Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, intend to modernize the operational framework for intra-state transmission systems, improve grid security, and enhance the overall power system management.
Source: Solar Quarter (https://solarquarter.com/2026/07/24/uperc-invites-stakeholder-comments-on-draft-uttar-pradesh-electricity-grid-code-regulations-2026/)
In detail: Uttar Pradesh Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2026 (https://www.uperc.org/App_File/UPERCDraftGridCode-pdf723202670548PM.pdf)
West Bengal launches the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' (Prime Minister's Solar Home Free Electricity Scheme). The scheme aims to cover 500,000 households with rooftop solar installations by March 2027.
Source: Economic Times (https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/bengal-launches-pm-surya-ghar-scheme-sets-target-of-5-lakh-rooftop-solar-homes-by-2027/132560764)
Goa implements JERC Electricity Supply Code (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024. The regulations, issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, mandate smart pre-payment for all new electricity connections, prescribes timelines for new connections, and provides for a penalty of up to $5.18 (INR 500) per day for delays by distribution licenses.
Source: Digital Goa (https://digitalgoa.com/smart-meter-framework-notified-as-goa-adopts-amended-jerc-power-code/)
In detail: JERC Electricity Supply Code (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (https://jercuts.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JERC-Electricity-Supply-Code-Third-Amendment-Regulations-2024.pdf)
* * *
Finance
Nothing critical to report this week.
* * *
Industrial Policy and Business Regulations
Haryana issues a policy for the formalization of industrial colonies. It will allow industrial establishments operating in unauthorized industrial clusters to be eligible for formalization, if they were constructed before October 3, 2025, and is spread over a minimum contiguous area of 10 acres and comprises at least 50 units.
Source: Tribune (https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/haryana-rolls-out-regularisation-policy-for-unauthorised-industrial-colonies-who-gets-relief/)
In detail: Policy Notification (https://tcpharyana.gov.in/Policy/Policy%20dtd%2017072026.pdf)
Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026. The policy aims to attract $2.6 billion (INR 25,000 crore) in greenfield investments over the next 5 years.
Source: Hindustan Times (https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/maharashtra-unveils-first-ever-bioplastics-policy-seeks-to-attract-25k-cr-in-5-yrs-101784918923858.html)
In detail: Maharashtra Bioplastics Policy 2026 (https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/202607241541457352....pdf)
* * *
Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations
Assam amends its property registration policy. The policy mandates the registration of a wide range of documents. These include agreements for sale, development agreements, and property-related powers of attorney.
Source: NE Wire (https://newire.in/articles/assam-cabinet-overhauls-property-rules-and-waives-loan-stamp-duty)
* * *
Infrastructure and Governance
Andhra Pradesh launches 'Netannala Sevalo' (Serving Weavers) Scheme. As per the scheme, below-poverty-line handloom weaver families will receive annual financial assistance of $259.13 (INR 25,000), irrespective of the beneficiary's age or the number of looms owned.
Source: Deccan Chronicle (https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-cabinet-clears-pushkaralu-security-weaver-welfare-schemes-1973383)
Bihar passes the Bihar Gambling (Prohibition) Bill, 2026. The bill repeals the Public Gambling Act, 1867. It prohibits all forms of gambling in the state including online and mobile app-based gambling.
Source: The Print (https://theprint.in/india/bihar-assembly-passes-bill-prohibiting-all-forms-of-gambling/2992549/)
Madhya Pradesh passes a Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill. It becomes the 4th state after Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam to pass a Uniform Civil Code.
Source: ETV (https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/madhya-pradesh-becomes-fourth-state-to-pass-uniform-civil-code-bill-enn26072105093)
West Bengal announces restrictions on the powers of municipalities and other local bodies. Elected representatives, including municipal chairpersons and 'Gram Panchayat' (Village Council) heads, no longer have the authority to issue birth and death certificates. Only designated government officials would be authorized to issue birth and death certificates.
Source: Telegraph (https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/bengal-govt-removes-civic-heads-of-power-to-issue-birth-and-death-certificates/cid/2171431#goog_rewarded)
Chhattisgarh approves a 10 percent reservation for Agniveer Soldiers in the state-level civil services. It will apply to direct recruitment for Class-III (Group C) posts, specifically constables in the police department, forest guards in the forest department and guards in the jail department.
Source: New Indian Express (https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Jul/22/chhattisgarh-cabinet-approves-10-per-cent-quota-for-ex-agniveers-in-state-police-forest-jail-services)
In detail: Cabinet Decision (https://cmo.cg.gov.in/cabinet-decisions/July-22,-2026-%E2%80%93-Key-Decisions-of-the-Cabinet-Meeting/MFNocUU0cnRBUmcwQkJRcTZrSElzdz09)
Odisha revises delegation of financial powers for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) along with Bhubaneswar and Rourkela Smart Cities. The financial powers of the managing directors of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) and Rourkela Smart City Limited (RSCL) have been brought at par with those of commissioners of municipal corporations.
Source: The Print (https://theprint.in/india/odisha-govt-enhances-financial-powers-of-urban-local-bodies/2994388/)
Sikkim passes Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education, Sikkim (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The former amends the 2025 parent law on private universities and the latter aims at strengthening regulatory oversight and aligning the state with the National Education Policy.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
Sikkim passes the Fire and Emergency Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to decriminalize minor regulatory offences, simplify compliance requirements, and facilitate ease of doing business.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
* * *
Water and Sanitation
Sikkim adopts a Government Resolution to implement the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024. The implementation aims to relax minor offences and facilitate ease of doing business.
Source: North East Today (https://northeasttoday.in/uncategorized/sikkim-assembly-passes-three-bills-clears-resolution-to-adopt-water-pollution-amendment-act/)
In detail: Press Release (https://ipr.sikkim.gov.in/Home/News?slug=general-budget-session-of-the-sikkim-legislative-assembly-commences-in-the-capital)
* * *
Center - State Relations
Nothing critical to report this week.
* * *
Any Other
Maharashtra abolishes the one-year Social Responsibility Service required of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduates from government, municipal, government-aided, and private unaided medical colleges. It does not apply to postgraduate and super-speciality degree recipients.
Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-scraps-mandatory-one-year-service-bond-for-mbbs-graduates/articleshow/132590718.cms)
In detail: Cancellation of the Mandatory Social Responsibility Service Requirement(in Marathi)
Goa updates Casino Regulations. The regulations prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering designated gambling areas.
Source: World Casino Directory (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/goa-tightens-casino-rules-with-age-limit-and-penalties-123631)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/states-weekly-july-29-2026
[Category: ThinkTank]
American Action Forum: Faster Labor Contracts Act - What You Need to Know
WASHINGTON, July 30 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release:
* * *
The Faster Labor Contracts Act: What You Need to Know
*
The Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA), a bill designed to speed up the process by which a newly ratified union and an employer sign an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA), passed the House in June and now heads to the Senate. In a new insight, Labor Policy Analyst Emmet Bowling provides a breakdown of the legislation and how it passed the House.
Key points:
* The bill would set strict timelines-which cumulatively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release: * * * The Faster Labor Contracts Act: What You Need to Know * The Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA), a bill designed to speed up the process by which a newly ratified union and an employer sign an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA), passed the House in June and now heads to the Senate. In a new insight, Labor Policy Analyst Emmet Bowling provides a breakdown of the legislation and how it passed the House. Key points: * The bill would set strict timelines-which cumulativelyadd up to roughly four months-for the union and the employer to come to an initial CBA.
* If no agreement is reached after the expiration of certain timelines, then the dispute could move to a binding process where a federal arbitration panel would mandate the terms and conditions of the initial CBA.
* The established timelines and the imposition of binding arbitration could hasten the negotiation process and leave employers and workers with less of a voice when deciding on the wages, benefits, and working conditions of the initial contract.
Read the analysis (https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/the-faster-labor-contracts-act-what-you-need-to-know/).
***
Original text here: https://www.americanactionforum.org/press-release/the-faster-labor-contracts-act-what-you-need-to-know/
* * *
The Faster Labor Contracts Act: What You Need to Know
*
The Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA), a bill designed to speed up the process by which a newly ratified union and an employer sign an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA), passed the House in June and now heads to the Senate. In a new insight, Labor Policy Analyst Emmet Bowling provides a breakdown of the legislation and how it passed the House.
Key points:
* The bill would set strict timelines-which cumulatively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release: * * * The Faster Labor Contracts Act: What You Need to Know * The Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA), a bill designed to speed up the process by which a newly ratified union and an employer sign an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA), passed the House in June and now heads to the Senate. In a new insight, Labor Policy Analyst Emmet Bowling provides a breakdown of the legislation and how it passed the House. Key points: * The bill would set strict timelines-which cumulativelyadd up to roughly four months-for the union and the employer to come to an initial CBA.
* If no agreement is reached after the expiration of certain timelines, then the dispute could move to a binding process where a federal arbitration panel would mandate the terms and conditions of the initial CBA.
* The established timelines and the imposition of binding arbitration could hasten the negotiation process and leave employers and workers with less of a voice when deciding on the wages, benefits, and working conditions of the initial contract.
Read the analysis (https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/the-faster-labor-contracts-act-what-you-need-to-know/).
***
Original text here: https://www.americanactionforum.org/press-release/the-faster-labor-contracts-act-what-you-need-to-know/
America First Policy Institute Issues Commentary to Washington Examiner: Trump Enacted the Policies That Made Lower Grocery Prices Possible
WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The America First Policy Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 28, 2026, by Vice Chair of Rural Policy Kip Tom to the Washington Examiner:
* * *
Trump enacted the policies that made lower grocery prices possible
Recently, Walmart announced rollbacks on ground beef, ribs, soda, and thousands of other summer staples, part of a number of retailers following suit. President Donald Trump welcomed the news and noted that his administration had asked retailers to deliver for consumers. The media reaction was instant and predictable.
CNN and others rushed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The America First Policy Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 28, 2026, by Vice Chair of Rural Policy Kip Tom to the Washington Examiner: * * * Trump enacted the policies that made lower grocery prices possible Recently, Walmart announced rollbacks on ground beef, ribs, soda, and thousands of other summer staples, part of a number of retailers following suit. President Donald Trump welcomed the news and noted that his administration had asked retailers to deliver for consumers. The media reaction was instant and predictable. CNN and others rushedto inform the country that the sale was already planned, and therefore, no credit to the president, while missing the entire point.
A retailer can schedule a sale whenever it likes. What it cannot do is cut prices it cannot afford. For four years under the Biden administration, sales came and went while grocery prices marched higher.
The question worth asking is not who announced what first. It is why, after the worst food inflation in a generation, companies suddenly have room to lower prices at all. The answer is a policy environment that prioritizes American farmers and families.
To read the full article, click here (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/4664563/trump-enacted-policies-made-lower-grocery-prices-possible/#google_vignette).
* * *
Kip Tom, Vice Chair of Rural Policy
Kip Tom is a lifelong advocate for American agriculture, a pioneering agribusiness leader, and a champion for policies that strengthen U.S. farmers. With deep roots in production agriculture, his family has farmed in Northern Indiana since 1837. Under his leadership, Tom Farms has grown into one of the nation's largest seed producers and a leading grain operation, while his expansion into agri-business ventures like CereServ and GlobalAg has driven innovation in food production and technology.
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Original text here: https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/trump-enacted-the-policies-that-made-lower-grocery-prices-possible
[Category: ThinkTank]
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Trump enacted the policies that made lower grocery prices possible
Recently, Walmart announced rollbacks on ground beef, ribs, soda, and thousands of other summer staples, part of a number of retailers following suit. President Donald Trump welcomed the news and noted that his administration had asked retailers to deliver for consumers. The media reaction was instant and predictable.
CNN and others rushed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 30 -- The America First Policy Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 28, 2026, by Vice Chair of Rural Policy Kip Tom to the Washington Examiner: * * * Trump enacted the policies that made lower grocery prices possible Recently, Walmart announced rollbacks on ground beef, ribs, soda, and thousands of other summer staples, part of a number of retailers following suit. President Donald Trump welcomed the news and noted that his administration had asked retailers to deliver for consumers. The media reaction was instant and predictable. CNN and others rushedto inform the country that the sale was already planned, and therefore, no credit to the president, while missing the entire point.
A retailer can schedule a sale whenever it likes. What it cannot do is cut prices it cannot afford. For four years under the Biden administration, sales came and went while grocery prices marched higher.
The question worth asking is not who announced what first. It is why, after the worst food inflation in a generation, companies suddenly have room to lower prices at all. The answer is a policy environment that prioritizes American farmers and families.
To read the full article, click here (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/4664563/trump-enacted-policies-made-lower-grocery-prices-possible/#google_vignette).
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Kip Tom, Vice Chair of Rural Policy
Kip Tom is a lifelong advocate for American agriculture, a pioneering agribusiness leader, and a champion for policies that strengthen U.S. farmers. With deep roots in production agriculture, his family has farmed in Northern Indiana since 1837. Under his leadership, Tom Farms has grown into one of the nation's largest seed producers and a leading grain operation, while his expansion into agri-business ventures like CereServ and GlobalAg has driven innovation in food production and technology.
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Original text here: https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/trump-enacted-the-policies-that-made-lower-grocery-prices-possible
[Category: ThinkTank]