This executive order establishes a new order of succession for the Attorney General’s office, outlining four U.S. Attorneys who will temporarily assume the role if the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, Associate Attorney General, and any designated officers are unable to perform their duties. The order explicitly excludes acting U.S. Attorneys and those ineligible under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. President Biden retains the discretion to deviate from this order as permitted by law. Finally, this order revokes Executive Order 13787 of March 31, 2017.
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Israel is considering restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza to limit resources for Hamas, a move that risks worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis. This action follows Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza and is being considered alongside other options. While Israel disputes the UN’s figures on aid entering Gaza, the UN reports a drastic reduction in aid compared to pre-conflict levels, leaving the vast majority of Gazans facing acute food insecurity. This decision comes after the Biden administration’s concerns regarding humanitarian access, which ultimately did not lead to sanctions.
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Biden’s recent notification to Congress regarding an $8 billion arms sale to Israel has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from pragmatic acceptance to outspoken criticism. It’s a significant transaction, undoubtedly, and one that raises several important questions.
The sheer scale of the deal – $8 billion – is certainly noteworthy. This is a substantial investment in Israel’s military capabilities, a commitment that reflects the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations. The financial aspect is significant and naturally leads to questions regarding the allocation of such funds, especially considering other global priorities and the ongoing debate over military spending.
One perspective views the sale as a purely business transaction, a strategic investment in maintaining a crucial ally in a volatile region.… Continue reading
Biden’s recent decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese buyer has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from outrage to cautious approval. The immediate question many are asking is why the administration intervened, especially considering U.S. Steel’s seemingly strong financial position and the potential benefits of the deal.
The argument that U.S. Steel’s balance sheet is robust, with significant ore rights, is often raised. However, some counter that the balance sheet might underrepresent the true value of the company’s assets due to historical costing, potentially obscuring a more accurate picture of its worth. This leads to a broader discussion about the strategic importance of maintaining control of key national assets, particularly amidst escalating global tensions and the potential for conflict.… Continue reading
President Biden’s decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has sparked considerable debate, and it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Reports indicate Biden’s opposition dates back to at least April 2024, suggesting a carefully considered stance rather than a sudden intervention.
The United Steelworkers (USW) union, a key player in this saga, also voiced its opposition to the sale. Their official statements highlight a worker-centric approach to trade policy, aligning with the Biden administration’s broader strategy. This shared position adds weight to the argument that the decision wasn’t solely based on political whim.
The controversy surrounding this decision extends beyond the immediate players.… Continue reading
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan presented President Biden with potential options for a preemptive US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, contingent on Iran’s advancement of its weapons program before a specified date. While some aides saw strategic advantages in such action, the options presented were exploratory, not a formal plan, and no decision was made. A month has passed since this meeting, with no further discussion of military action. President Biden has previously stated his opposition to an Israeli strike but acknowledged Iran’s concerning nuclear activities and the imposition of sanctions.
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In a move finalized just weeks before the change in presidential administrations, the Department of the Interior proposed a two-year ban on oil and gas leasing across 264,000 acres of Nevada’s Ruby Mountains. This follows a prior rejection of a similar proposal under the Trump administration due to overwhelming public opposition and geological surveys indicating minimal oil potential. The Biden administration cites preservation of the area’s recreational value and wildlife habitat as justification. The proposal now enters a 90-day public comment period under the incoming Trump administration, which could potentially challenge the ban.
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President Biden’s recent announcement of a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine has sparked a wave of intense debate, highlighting the complex and deeply divisive nature of the ongoing conflict. The sheer magnitude of the aid – a substantial injection into the war effort – is prompting many to question the long-term implications, both domestically and internationally.
The timing of this announcement, falling shortly before a potential change in administration, is particularly significant. Some believe this represents a last-ditch effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses before any potential shift in US policy. The fear is that a change in leadership could lead to a drastic reduction or even complete cessation of aid, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable.… Continue reading
The United States plans to send a significant $1.25 billion military aid package to Ukraine on December 30th, following a previous $500 million announcement. This substantial aid will include munitions for critical air defense systems like Hawk and NASAMS, alongside Stinger missiles and artillery rounds. The delivery is a direct response to escalating Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, fulfilling President Biden’s promise of increased weapons support. This aid package addresses Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing offensive.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood