🦅 Executive Branch |
White House |
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On September 29, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation that puts new taxes called tariffs on certain wood products coming into the United States. These tariffs are 10% on softwood timber and lumber, and 25% on some wooden furniture and kitchen cabinets, with some rates rising to 30% and 50% starting January 1, 2026. The proclamation says these tariffs are meant to protect U.S. wood businesses and jobs by reducing imports that the government says could hurt national security, especially because wood is used in defense and important infrastructure. The tariffs affect companies that import these wood products and could change trade with countries like the UK, the European Union, and Japan, which have lower tariff limits. The government will watch imports closely and may add more products or change tariffs if needed. This action matters because it aims to support U.S. wood industries and reduce reliance on foreign wood, but it could also raise costs for buyers and affect trade relationships. Read full document →
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On September 29, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order that keeps 22 federal advisory committees active until September 30, 2027. These committees, which advise different parts of the government on topics like national security, health, environment, and Native American lands, are connected to various government departments such as the Interior, Health and Human Services, and Justice. The order says the leaders of these departments will now handle the President’s responsibilities for these committees, following rules set by the General Services Administration. This action matters because it continues the work of these advisory groups, which can influence government decisions, but it also clarifies who manages them and updates previous orders. The order notes it does not create new legal rights or change existing government powers and depends on available funding. Read full document →
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Federal Register |
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The Department of Veterans Affairs has changed a rule about a special help program for family members who care for veterans with serious injuries. This change extends the time that certain family caregivers, called the “legacy cohort,” can keep getting help and money from the program until September 30, 2028. This means that family caregivers who were already in the program before new rules started in 2020 will not lose their benefits until that date. The rule applies to these caregivers and veterans right away starting September 30, 2025. This is important because it gives these families more time to keep receiving support while the VA works on updating the program’s rules, so they don’t suddenly lose help they rely on. Read full document →
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The government is working on new rules to allow drones to fly beyond the pilot’s sight, which means drones can go farther without someone watching them directly. These rules are for companies and people who operate drones, especially for services that manage drone traffic and safety. The public was invited to share their thoughts about these rules until October 6, 2025, but the government decided not to give extra time for comments because the President wants the final rules ready quickly, within about eight months from June 2025. This matters because it will help drones be used more safely and widely, which can affect deliveries, farming, and emergency services that use drones every day. Read full document →
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a new rule to protect fish and other water animals in parts of the Delaware River between river miles 108.4 and 70.0, covering areas in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Starting November 28, 2025, this rule requires that the water in these parts of the river must have enough oxygen to help fish grow and survive, especially during three key times of the year: March to June, July to October, and November to February. The rule sets clear oxygen levels that the water must meet most days, allowing only a few days each season when oxygen can be a bit lower. This is important because low oxygen harms fish like the endangered Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon, which live in the river. The rule affects industries and cities that release treated wastewater into the river, as they may need to improve their treatment to keep oxygen levels safe. Protecting the river’s water quality helps keep fish healthy, supports fishing and recreation, and benefits the environment for everyone who lives nearby or enjoys the river. Read full document →
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