WASHINGTON, July 27 -- A group of scientists has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) expressing significant concerns regarding the proposed deep-sea mining activities by Impossible Metals in American Samoa's waters. The scientists, who have extensive experience studying the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), highlight potential ecological risks associated with commercial leasing for outer continental shelf minerals. The letter outlines the unique biodiv  more

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11672) on July 24, 2025, by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) Program: Background and Issues for Congress Introduction The Coast Guard's Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program envisages procuring 30 replacements for the Coast Guard's 35 aging river buoy tenders (WLRs), inland construction tenders (W  more

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * Congressman Al Green Issues Statement Regarding Texas Redistricting * (Houston, TX)-- On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Congressman Al Green issued the following statement: RE: Unconstitutional Race-Based Congressional Redistricting of TX-09, TX-18, TX-29, and TX-33 Ordered by President Trump's Justice Department To Whom It May Concern: Our state of Texas has a shameful history of unconstitutional racial   more

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The HEAL Food Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding the urgent need for a new standard aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in outdoor and indoor work settings. Representing a national coalition of 57 organizations dedicated to ensuring safe working conditions for approximately 21.5 million farm and food chain workers, HEAL Food Alliance is advocating for timely implementation of thi  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, posted the following news release: * * * Hearing Wrap Up: Congress Must Help USPS Address Mail Theft and Crime Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing titled "An Update on Mail Theft and Crime." During the hearing, members examined the pervasiveness of mail crimes, especially theft, and examined ways Congress can support the United States Postal Ser  more

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSFR) -- Fugro USA Marine Inc., Houston, Texas, has received a modified letter of authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The authorization permits the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of America. The letter of authorization was issued in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which allows for the unintentional taking of small numbers of marine mammals  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement by spokesperson Tammy Bruce on the delivery of a $4 billion foreign military financing loan guarantee to Poland, which a move designed to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank. * * * Today, the United States is proud to announce a $4 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan guarantee to the Republic of Poland. This substantial support reflects Poland's   more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the U.S., issued the following news: * * * Task Force Chairman McCaul for the Washington Times: "The World Will Be Watching Live--But Those Who Wish to Do Us Harm Are Already Planning" This week, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, penned an op-e  more