U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Switzerland’s Largest Insurance Company And Three Subsidiaries Admit To Conspiring With U.S. Taxpayers To Hide Assets And Income In Offshore Accounts

Swiss Life Holding AG, Swiss Life (Liechtenstein) AG, Swiss Life (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., and Swiss Life (Luxembourg) S.A. Enter into Deferred Prosecution Agreement for Criminal Misconduct; Agree to Pay More than $77 Million

Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and James C. Lee, Chief of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today the filing of a criminal Information charging Swiss Life Holding AG (“Swiss Life Holding”), Swiss Life (Liechtenstein) AG (“Swiss Life Liechtenstein”), Swiss Life (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (“Swiss Life Singapore”), and Swiss Life (Luxembourg) S.A. (“Swiss Life Luxembourg”) (collectively, the “Swiss Life Entities”) with conspiring with U.S. taxpayers and others to conceal from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) more than $1.452 billion in offshore insurance policies, including more than 1,600 insurance wrapper policies, and related policy investment accounts in banks around the world and the income generated in these accounts.

Ms. Strauss, Mr. Goldberg, and Mr. Lee also announced a deferred prosecution agreement with the Swiss Life Entities (“the Agreement”) under which they agreed to accept responsibility for their criminal conduct by stipulating to the accuracy of the Statement of Facts attached to the Agreement. The Agreement requires the Swiss Life Entities to refrain from all future criminal conduct, enhance remedial measures, and continue to cooperate fully with further investigations into hidden insurance policies and related policy investment accounts. Further, as part of today’s resolution, the Swiss Life Entities agreed to pay approximately $77.3 million to the U.S. Treasury, which includes restitution, forfeiture of all gross fees, and a penalty component. If the Swiss Life Entities abide by all of the terms of the Agreement, the Government will defer prosecution on the Information for three years and then seek to dismiss the charge.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As they admit, Swiss Life and its subsidiaries sought out and offered their services to U.S. taxpayers to help them become U.S. tax evaders. The Swiss Life Entities offered private placement life insurance policies and related policy investment accounts to U.S. customers, and provided services that concealed the policies and other assets from the IRS. Indeed, the Swiss Life Entities saw U.S. authorities’ stepped-up offshore tax enforcement as an opportunity to pitch themselves to tax-evading U.S. customers as an alternative to Swiss banks. Under the terms of today’s agreement, Swiss Life will turn over more than $77 million and be required to continue to cooperate with the United States in identifying U.S. tax evaders.”

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg said: “Swiss Life today is held responsible for creating and marketing specially designed insurance products to U.S. tax evaders seeking a new way to hide their offshore assets, in light of heightened Justice Department and IRS tax enforcement efforts. Financial enablers here and abroad – and the taxpayers seeking their services – should know that we will continue to identify and unmask such schemes.”

IRS-CI Chief James C. Lee said: “The successful resolution of this investigation is an important victory for the American taxpayer for two primary reasons. First, the recovery of more $77 million owed to the U.S. government sends an unequivocal message that offshore evasion is still a high priority of IRS Criminal Investigation. Secondly, this agreement further requires Swiss Life Entities to continue to cooperate with the government and does not shield them from future civil or criminal sanctions, which should put every entity engaged in offshore evasion on notice.”

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

University researcher sentenced to prison for lying on grant applications to develop scientific expertise for China

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A rheumatology professor and researcher with strong ties to China was sentenced to 37 months in prison for making false statements to federal authorities as part of an immunology research fraud scheme.

As part of his sentence, Song Guo Zheng, 58, of Hilliard, was also ordered to pay more than $3.4 million in restitution to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and approximately $413,000 to The Ohio State University.

Zheng was arrested Friday, May 22, 2020, after he arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, aboard a charter flight and as he prepared to board another charter flight to China.

When he was arrested, Zheng was carrying three large bags, one small suitcase and a briefcase containing two laptops, three cell phones, several USB drives, several silver bars, expired Chinese passports for his family, deeds for property in China and other items.

He was transported to the Southern District of Ohio and made his first federal court appearance in Columbus on July 7, 2020.

Zheng pleaded guilty in November 2020 and admitted he lied on applications in order to use approximately $4.1 million in grants from NIH to develop China’s expertise in the areas of rheumatology and immunology.

Zheng was a professor of internal medicine who led a team conducting autoimmune research at The Ohio State University and Pennsylvania State University. According to his plea, Zheng caused materially false and misleading statements on NIH grant applications, seeking to hide his participation in Chinese Talent Plans and his affiliation and collaboration with a Chinese university controlled by the Chinese government.

“In yet another case involving the Chinese Government’s Thousand Talents program, Song Guo Zheng will spend the next 37 months in a federal prison because he chose to lie and hide his involvement in this program from U.S. research funding agencies,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “American research funding is provided by the American taxpayer for the benefit of American society—not as an illicit gift to the Chinese Government. The American people deserve total transparency when federal dollars are being provided for research, and we will continue to hold accountable those who choose to lie about their foreign government affiliations in an attempt to fraudulently gain access to these funds.”

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Former Army Green Beret Sentenced for Russian Espionage Conspiracy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Army Green Beret was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for conspiring with Russian intelligence operatives to provide them with U.S. national defense information.

“Debbins flagrantly and repeatedly sold out his country, including while he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The defendant’s brazen disclosures to Russian intelligence agents jeopardized U.S. national security and threatened the safety of his fellow servicemembers. This prosecution underscores our firm resolve to hold accountable those who betray their sworn oath and bring them to justice for their exceptionally serious crimes.”

According to court documents, from December 1996 to January 2011, Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, 46, of Gainesville, a former member of the U.S. Army, conspired with agents of a Russian intelligence service. During that time, Debbins periodically visited Russia and met with Russian intelligence agents. In 1997, Debbins was assigned a code name by Russian intelligence agents and signed a statement attesting that he wanted to serve Russia.

“Debbins violated his oath as a U.S. Army officer, betrayed the Special Forces, and endangered our country’s national security by revealing classified information to Russian intelligence officers, providing details of his unit, and identifying Special Forces team members for Russian intelligence to try to recruit as a spy,” said John C Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “His conduct is a personal betrayal of colleagues and country, and it reflects the threat of Russian intelligence operations targeting our military. Today’s almost 16-year sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct. It should also serve as a warning to those who would be tempted to do the same.”

“The Green Berets epitomize heroics, leadership, and bravery, but Debbins was just the opposite,” said Alan E. Kohler, Jr., Assistant Director of Counterintelligence for the FBI. “Debbins’ actions in this case show a complete disregard for his fellow soldiers and for his country. The FBI will do everything in its power to identify those who choose to betray our country and bring them to justice.”

“The betrayal of fellow U.S. citizens and servicemembers is inexcusable, and today Debbins was sentenced for his reprehensible and dangerous actions,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “He was entrusted to serve his country and protect his fellow Special Forces team, but instead he chose to provide classified national defense information to his own country’s adversary. This investigation which led to today’s sentencing is a reminder that the FBI and our partners will continue to diligently and doggedly counter national security threats to the U.S.”

From 1998 to 2005, Debbins served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army, serving in chemical units before being selected for the U.S. Army Special Forces. The Russian intelligence agents encouraged him to join and pursue a career in the Special Forces, where he attained the rank of Captain.

>>13661072

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-army-green-beret-sentenced-russian-espionage-conspiracy

>>13661067

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/university-researcher-sentenced-prison-lying-grant-applications-develop-scientific

>>13661061

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/switzerland-s-largest-insurance-company-and-three-subsidiaries-admit-conspiring-us

May 14, 2021Project Safe Childhood Bun

Baltimore Man Facing Federal Indictment for Using Female Aliases on Social Media and Messaging Applications to Entice Boys to Send Him Sexually Explicit Images and Videos

>… to engage in sexually explicit conduct; and receipt of child pornography. The indictment was returned on May 12, … Baltimore Field Office at (410) 265-8080. To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line … sentence of 20 years for each of two counts of receipt of child pornography. Actual sentences for federal crimes are …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/baltimore-man-facing-federal-indictment-using-female-aliases-social-media-and-messaging

Lyon County Man Faces Federal Child Pornography And Firearms Charges

>… Swartz, 63, of Eddyville, Kentucky with possession of child pornography and being a felon in possession of a … further analyzed the data and located over 200 images of child pornography. Swartz has previous felony convictions in … and not more than 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography and not more than 10 years in prison for …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdky/pr/lyon-county-man-faces-federal-child-pornography-and-firearms-charges

Former Watertown Woman Sentenced for Misuse by a Representative Payee

>… was appointed to be the representative payee for a minor child, received the child’s Title XVI Supplemental Security Income benefits …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/former-watertown-woman-sentenced-misuse-representative-payee

Cavour Man Indicted on Child Pornography and Enticement Charges

… by a federal grand jury for Attempted Production of Child Pornography, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/cavour-man-indicted-child-pornography-and-enticement-charges

Olean Man Going To Prison For Receiving Naked Pictures Of Young Girls On Social Media

>… Guay, 30, of Olean, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in … through the Instagram application to produce images of child pornography. On November 6, 2016, the defendant … officers recovered 154 images and five videos of child pornography on electronic devices seized from the …

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/olean-man-going-prison-receiving-naked-pictures-young-girls-social-media

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Man Pleads Guilty to Million Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – After three days of trial before a federal jury, an Owings Mills, Maryland man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme worth approximately $1.26 million.

“In the midst of a jury trial, the defendant admitted that he deceived victims into believing they were investing more than $1.2 million in a high-end fabric design business, when in reality, he fraudulently used their money to fund personal expenses,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our Office is grateful to the FBI and prosecution team for uncovering and piecing together the evidence that exposed this investment fraud scheme. We will continue to hold accountable those who seek to swindle honest investors.”

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Manish Singh, 48, entered into an agreement in 2016 with a married couple to create a business that would design and sell high-end fabrics. The business was to be called Sanaa Home and Lifestyle. The couple was to provide the capital for the business, and Singh was to contribute his expertise and contacts in the fabric industry.

Singh represented to the victim investors that their money was being used for numerous expenses related to Sanaa, such as the manufacture of fabric in India. In reality, Singh was using the victims’ money almost entirely for personal expenses, mostly to view live pornography online. Based on Singh’s misrepresentations, the victims gave him approximately $1.26 million for the fraudulent joint business venture.

Singh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on July 30. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and James A. Dawson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis III accepted the plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grace L. Hill and Heidi B. Gesch are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-59.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/man-pleads-guilty-million-dollar-investment-fraud-scheme

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Buffalo Man For Being A Felon-In-Possession Of A Firearm

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kaylen Edwards, 23, of Buffalo, NY, with being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. The charge carries carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on November 7, 2020, Cheektowaga Police Officers responded to Pinehurst Avenue, where a limousine bus party was being let out, following a report of disorderly persons. According to the complaint, earlier that day, the defendant was identified on social media flashing a black and silver handgun and wearing a distinct black and red jacket inside the limousine bus. A member of law enforcement sent a photo of the social media post to responding officers.

While on Pinehurst Avenue, officers observed Edwards getting into the front passenger seat of a vehicle with Georgia license plates and leave the area. The officers then observed the vehicle in violation of multiple vehicle and traffic infractions and conducted a traffic stop. The officers observed a marijuana cigar end in the center console area and immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Officers identified Edwards as the passenger. The defendant was detained. During a pat frisk, an officer felt and observed a handgun in Edwards’ side waist band. The handgun was loaded with a magazine containing seven .45 caliber rounds and one .45 caliber round in the chamber. In November 2017, the defendant was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in New York State Court, and as a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-buffalo-man-being-felon-possession-firearm

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty To His Role In Three Armed Credit Union Robberies

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Adrian D. Applewhite a/k/a Boons, 33, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to three counts of aggravated bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant robbed three credit unions:

• On the morning of October 26, 2017, Applewhite and two other associates robbed the Lakeshore Federal Credit Union on Erie Road in Evans, NY. Applewhite planned the robbery and provided instructions and a firearm to Khalil Holland to assist the robbery. Holland entered the Lakeshore Federal Credit Union wearing a mask and brandishing a semi-automatic pistol while Applewhite waited in a car nearby. Holland approached the teller and demanded money; however, the alarm was activated, and Holland left without taking any money. Holland was arrested shortly thereafter and subsequently convicted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. Applewhite also fled the scene but was not apprehended.

• On July 24, 2019, Applewhite entered the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union on South Park Avenue in Lackawanna, NY while co-defendant Ronald Morris, a/k/a Cracks, waited outside. Inside the credit union, Applewhite approached the teller, asked a question, and “cased” the credit union. The next day, on July 25, 2019, Morris and another associate entered the credit union wearing dark colored clothing and face masks and conducted a bank robbery with pepper spray and a pistol while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. Morris and the associate traversed the teller’s counter, sprayed the tellers with pepper spray, and went to the unlocked safe. Morris and the associate took $290,500 in United States currency. Applewhite took a share of the proceeds for his role.

• On October 31, 2019, Applewhite entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, NY. Applewhite approached the teller and asked whether the credit union had an ATM. Applewhite’s sole purpose in entering the credit union was to “case” it and facilitate a future effort by him and his associates to rob it. On November 7, 2019, Morris, and co-defendant Carl Wilson, a/k/a Baby C, armed with a pistol and donning masks and gloves, entered the credit union, and conducted a bank robbery while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. Morris and Wilson ordered all the employees to the ground and demanded money. Wilson went behind the teller line and went through teller’s drawers. Morris went to the vault. A total of $148,793.90 in United States currency was taken. The defendant took a share of the proceeds for his role.

Carl Wilson was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against Ronald Morris. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Douglas J. Czora; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger; and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-pleads-guilty-his-role-three-armed-credit-union-robberies

Mayoral Candidate from Cajeme, Sonora, Killed While Campaigning

By MX 5/14/2021 05:00:00 AM No comments

"MX" for Borderland Beat

Francisco Abel Murrieta Gutiérrez

A new homicide marred the Mexican elections of June 6. Abel Murrieta, the mayoral candidate of Cajeme, Sonora, for the Citizen Movement Party (MC), was shot dead while he was engaging in a campaign.

Murrieta was also the lawyer of the LeBarón family, who were victims of a brutal attack in which nine of its members, all women and children who held dual US-Mexican citizenship, were killed in Sonora in November 2019. The attack was attributed to the criminal group La Linea.

The spokesman for the LeBaróns, Iván García Reyes, lamented the incident and demanded that authorities not rule out the possible connection in both cases (his candidacy and the LeBaron case) in their investigations.

"The family is hurt and dismayed. We knew that Abel Murrieta was running for the electoral campaign … he was an excellent professional who went from being a lawyer to being a great friend. He was the one who knew the most about this [LeBaron] case", he said.

In a post on social media, Murrieta's party lamented the murder and reported that Lizeth López, the woman who was injured during the attack, is stable.

“Citizens live in fear … Murrieta paid with his life for having said in the campaign that he had the courage to confront drug cartels and that he was going to put order in Sonora," the post read.

The party's national coordinator, Clemente Castañeda Hoeflich, said on Twitter that Murrieta was "an honorable man with an impeccable career."

Adrian LeBarón wrote in his Twitter account, "They have killed my defender! Today they decided to kill the person who defended us legally. What do we call this? The rule of law?"

Before being a candidate for the MC, Murrieta was Attorney General of Justice in Sonora from 2004 to 2012, during the six-year terms of former Governors Eduardo Bours and Guillermo Padrés. He later served as local deputy for the Cajeme district from 2012 to 2015, and as federal deputy from 2015 to 2018.

Murrieta was taken to the hospital in serious condition. He did not survive.

Background

In recent months, Sonora has been on the national spotlight due to rising cartel-related violence. As reported by Borderland Beat, much of the violence in Sonora is driven by conflicts between several factions of the Sinaloa Cartel and local drug groups like La Plaza and/or the Caborca Cartel.

Cajeme, in southern Sonora, is among just 15 municipalities in Mexico that make up more than a quarter of murders in the country, Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said this week.

While some of those areas have seen a decrease in murders in the first three months of this year compared to 2020, Cajeme and others have seen an increase.

"We had an average increase of 19% in the municipalities of León, Cajeme, Guadalajara, Acapulco and Chihuahua," Rodríguez said.

Of those, Cajeme has seen the greatest increase in killings in 2021 — up more than 40% from 92 in the first three months of 2020 to 133 during the same period this year.

An important trade region for the U.S., Cajeme Municipality is also home to Sonora’s second-largest city, Ciudad Obregon, which was ranked by a security-focused nonprofit in Mexico this week as the fourth most violent city in the world, with a murder rate of 101 per 100,000 people.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/05/mayoral-candidate-from-cajeme-sonora.html

South Texas Police Encounter Pakistanis in Alleged Smuggling Stop near Border

RANDY CLARK14 May 2021

On Tuesday, Zavala County Sheriff’s deputies and Border Patrol arrested two U.S. citizens for suspicion of human trafficking near La Pryor, Texas. Six passengers were determined to be migrants illegally present in the country. Two of those were Pakistani nationals.

The arrest of human smugglers on border highways is becoming common due to the surge in migrant crossings. Encountering Pakistani nationals in these types of stops are uncommon at the moment, however. Most illegal border crossings involve citizens of Mexico and Central America. A source working for Customs and Border Protection says they are detaining several migrants from Department of Homeland Security-designated “special interest” countries. The source says CBP is holding alien nationals of Turkey (18), Pakistan (4), and Syria (1).

According to the Department of Homeland Security:

[G]enerally, a Special Interest Alien is a non-U.S. person who, based on an analysis of travel patterns, potentially poses a national security risk to the United States or its interests. Often such individuals or groups are employing travel patterns known or evaluated to possibly have a nexus to terrorism. DHS analysis includes an examination of travel patterns, points of origin, and/or travel segments that are tied to current assessments of national and international threat environments.

This case remains under investigation.

>Randy Clark is a 32-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Division Chief for Law Enforcement Operations, directing operations for nine Border Patrol Stations within the Del Rio, Texas, Sector. Follow him on Twitter @RandyClarkBBTX.

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2021/05/14/south-texas-police-encounter-pakistanis-in-alleged-smuggling-stop-near-border/

EXCLUSIVE: Border Patrol Migrant Got-Away Count Hits 200K

RANDY CLARK11 May 2021

A law enforcement source within Customs and Border Protection revealed the number of migrants escaping apprehension has reached 200,000 this fiscal year. The source, speaking on a condition of anonymity, says more than 45,000 of those avoided capture in the last 30 days.

As Breitbart Texas reported previously, the got-away total had reached more than 185,000, frustrating Border Patrol leadership. Last year, 69,000 migrants managed to avoid apprehension. In just over seven months of this fiscal year, the number has nearly tripled over last year’s figures. Sources report the sharpest increase has occurred since January.

The metric is usually not released by the Department of Homeland Security. It is achieved by counting illegal immigrants who ultimately escape Border Patrol apprehension after being observed by aircraft platforms and camera systems. In addition, Border Patrol agents using traditional sign-cutting techniques identify footprints crossing the border and count those that elude apprehension.

“That’s where it gets tricky,” says one Border Patrol agent who did not wish to be identified. “On a small trail, dozens can walk all over each other’s footprints, so you just do your best. Often, they’ll glue carpet to the soles of their shoes making detection even harder.”

Sources report for these reasons, the “got-away” count is usually lower than reality. How much so is debatable as the latter method of counting is not scientific. The increasing “got-away” numbers come as CBP reports its highest apprehension totals since 2006.

Despite the current administration’s refusal to call the immigration situation on the border a crisis, the recent surges are concerning. The increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border has Health and Human Services struggling to find sponsors within the United States. Many believe the impetus for the surges in illegal entries is being fueled by the promise of amnesty legislation. The Biden administration’s new policies regarding lax interior enforcement and a reduction in removals are also believed to be contributing to the surge in activity along the border.

Recent reports concerning the reduced patrols being conducted by the Border Patrol are likely contributing to the surge in the “got-away” count. Addressing the humanitarian needs of thousands of migrants crossing the border directly impacts the Border Patrol’s ability to patrol many remote areas. This situation is likely to worsen as the crisis develops.

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2021/05/11/exclusive-border-patrol-got-away-count-hits-200k/

1. S.1651 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to impose certain measures with respect to Hizballah-affected areas in Latin America and the Caribbean and to impose sanctions with respect to senior foreign political figures in Latin America who support Hizballah, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)

1. S.1650 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to protect Federal, State, and local public safety officers.

Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1649 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend section 3606 of title 18, United States Code, to grant probation officers authority to arrest hostile third parties who obstruct or impede a probation officer in the performance of official duties.

Sponsor: Sen. Tillis, Thom [R-NC] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (4)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1648 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the construction of naval vessels in shipyards in North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries.

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Armed Services

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (All Actions)

1. S.1647 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to authorize an exception to the restriction on construction of Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards for certain construction in shipyards in North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries.

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1646 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1645 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to provide for an accelerated approval pathway for certain drugs that are authorized to be lawfully marketed in other countries.

Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1644 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a time-limited provisional approval pathway, subject to specific obligations, for certain drugs and biological products, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (3)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1643 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to establish the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1642 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit a report on the status of women and girls in Afghanistan, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)

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1. S.1641 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to prohibit rescinding the recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (14)

Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)

1. S.1640 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to establish a process for waiver of coastwise endorsement requirements.

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1639 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize the energy efficiency and conservation block grant program.

Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1638 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to protect immigrant families, combat fraud, promote citizenship, and build community trust, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1637 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to impose certain measures with respect to Hizballah-dominated areas in Lebanon and to impose sanctions with respect to senior foreign political figures in Lebanon supporting Hizballah.

Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (All Actions)

1. S.1636 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to clarify the treatment of 2 or more employers as joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger W. [R-KS] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (5)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1635 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to establish a new nonimmigrant category for alien relatives of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents seeking to enter the United States temporarily for family purposes, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1634 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Food and Drug Administration to determine whether to permit the use of enriched enrollment randomized withdrawal methodology with respect to clinical trials.

Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1633 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish a program for the procurement of domestically grown unprocessed fruits and vegetables to provide healthier school meals, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (All Actions)

1. S.1632 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish a program to provide loans to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

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1. S.1631 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System land in the State of Arizona to the Arizona Board of Regents, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1630 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study regarding social media use by teenagers.

Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1629 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a pilot program to develop and provide to States and transportation planning organizations accessibility data sets, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1628 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to strengthen protections relating to the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children and minors, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions)

1. S.1627 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of tax on estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfers.

Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Finance

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions)

1. S.1626 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to award career pathways innovation grants to local educational agencies and consortia of local educational agencies, to provide technical assistance within the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education to administer the grants and support the local educational agencies with the preparation of grant applications and management of grant funds, to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support community college and industry partnerships, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1625 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to authorize notaries public to perform, and to establish minimum standards for, electronic notarizations and remote notarizations that occur in or affect interstate commerce, to require any Federal court to recognize notarizations performed by a notarial officer of any State, to require any State to recognize notarizations performed by a notarial officer of any other State when the notarization was performed under or relates to a public Act, record, or judicial proceeding of the notarial officer's State or when the notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1624 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Programs to address biotechnology threats, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1623 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide for additional grants for States to conduct activities related to establishing American Health Benefit Exchanges.

Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

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1. S.1622 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States with the option to provide coordinated care through a pregnancy medical home for high-risk pregnant women, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Finance

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions)

1. S.1621 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to reauthorize and limit the pre-disaster mitigation program of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (6)

Committees: Senate - Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (All Actions)

1. S.1620 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of Eunice, Louisiana, certain Federal land in the State of Louisiana, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1619 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for a 2-year prohibition on employment in a career civil service position for any former political appointee, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (All Actions)

1. S.1618 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow first responders to continue to exclude service-connected disability pension payments after reaching the age of retirement.

Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Finance

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions)

1. S.1617 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to modify the requirements for the Administrator of the Small Business Administration relating to declaring a disaster in a rural area, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (4)

Committees: Senate - Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (All Actions)

1. S.1616 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to provide exceptions from permitting and fee requirements for content creation, regardless of distribution platform, including digital or analog video and digital or analog audio recording activities, conducted on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.

Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1615 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to limit the scope of regulations issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to control communicable diseases, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

1. S.1614 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require certain grantees under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to submit a plan to track discriminatory land use polices, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (All Actions)

>>13661493

1. S.1613 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a grant program for certain fitness facilities, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (All Actions)

1. S.1612 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to assist States to rehabilitate or replace certain bridges, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (4)

Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (All Actions)

1. S.1611 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the responses of the Department of Defense to sex-related offenses, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (6)

Committees: Senate - Armed Services

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2525) (All Actions)

1. S.1610 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)

1. S.1609 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that electrochromic glass qualifies as energy property for purposes of the energy credit.

Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Finance

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions)

1. S.1608 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to support the sustainable aviation fuel market, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Finance

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (All Actions)

1. S.1607 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve how the Department of Veterans Affairs discloses to individuals entitled to educational assistance from the Department risks associated with using such assistance at particular educational institutions and to restore entitlement of students to such assistance who are pursuing programs of education at educational institutions that are subject to Federal or State civil enforcement action, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (3)

Committees: Senate - Veterans' Affairs

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (All Actions)

1. S.1606 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to designate as wilderness certain National Forest System land in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Romney, Mitt [R-UT] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (All Actions)

1. S.1605 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions)

1. S.1604 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to codify the successes of rapid development of safe vaccines through Operation Warp Speed, for the next administration to use as a guide in the event of another pandemic.

Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (0)

Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions)

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1. S.1603 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership program, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (All Actions)

1. S.1585 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act

Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] (Introduced 05/12/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Latest Action: House - 05/13/2021 Held at the desk. (All Actions)

1. S.1511 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 with respect to payments to certain public safety officers who have become permanently and totally disabled as a result of personal injuries sustain in the line of duty, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] (Introduced 04/29/2021) Cosponsors: (15)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. (All Actions)

1. S.1502 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A bill to make Federal law enforcement officer peer support communications confidential, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 04/29/2021) Cosponsors: (10)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (All Actions)

1. S.1260 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Endless Frontier Act

Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] (Introduced 04/20/2021) Cosponsors: (13)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2504) (All Actions)

1. S.921 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act

Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] (Introduced 03/23/2021) Cosponsors: (12)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (All Actions)

1. S.593 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Alaska Tourism Restoration Act

Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] (Introduced 03/04/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2510) (All Actions)

1. S.228 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2021

Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (Introduced 02/04/2021) Cosponsors: (2)

Committees: Senate - Judiciary

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. (All Actions)

1. S.Res.216 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University, the oldest public historically Black land-grant university in the United States.

Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)

Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S2529) (All Actions)

1. S.Res.215 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A resolution designating the week of May 9 through May 15, 2021, as "National Police Week".

Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (78)

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2531; text: CR S2528-2529) (All Actions)

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1. S.Res.214 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A resolution supporting the designation of May 13, 2021, as "National Senior Fraud Awareness Day" to raise awareness about the increasing number of fraudulent scams targeted at seniors in the United States, to encourage the implementation of policies to prevent those scams from happening, and to improve protections from those scams for seniors.

Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (9)

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2530-2531; text: CR S2527) (All Actions)

1. S.Res.213 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A resolution recognizing the importance of the United States-Republic of Korea relationship to safeguarding peace security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and welcoming the visit of President Moon Jae-in to the United States.

Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (3)

Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2526-2527) (All Actions)

1. S.Res.212 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

A resolution establishing a McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program in the Senate.

Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (7)

Committees: Senate - Rules and Administration

Latest Action: Senate - 05/13/2021 Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S2526) (All Actions)

1. S.Amdt.1492 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)

Purpose: In the nature of a substitute.

Amends Bill: S.593

Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] (Submitted 05/13/2021) (Proposed 05/13/2021)

Latest Action: 05/13/21 Amendment SA 1492 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions)

https://www.congress.gov/search?searchResultViewType=compact&pageSort=latestAction:desc&q={%22congress%22:[%22117%22],%22source%22:%22all%22,%22chamber%22:%22Senate%22}

>>13661350

>Baltimore Man Facing Federal Indictment for Using Female Aliases on Social Media and Messaging Applications to Entice Boys to Send Him Sexually Explicit Images and Videos

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 14, 2021

Baltimore Man Facing Federal Indictment for Using Female Aliases on Social Media and Messaging Applications to Entice Boys to Send Him Sexually Explicit Images and Videos

Two Victims Identified in the Indictment, but Law Enforcement Believes There May be More Victims

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Matthew K. Walsh, age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, for the federal charges of sexual exploitation of a minor; coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct; and receipt of child pornography. The indictment was returned on May 12, 2021, and unsealed today upon Walsh’s arrest. Walsh had an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before U.S. Magistrate Judge Boardman. Walsh consented to detention pending a detention hearing which will be held on May 20, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.

The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to the six-count indictment, beginning no later than November 2019, Walsh used text messaging, an internet-based social media company, and a messaging application for mobile devices to meet and communicate online with minor males. The indictment alleges that Walsh often posed as a female in these communications, using the aliases “Linamarie” or “Mariel” on social media and “Islow6_5” on the messaging application. Walsh allegedly used his online female aliases to cause and attempt to cause minor males to produce sexually explicit images of themselves and send those images to Walsh.

Specifically, the indictment alleges that from November 4, 2019 through December 23, 2020, Walsh, using his online female aliases, enticed and coerced Victim 1, who was a 14 to 15-year-old minor male, to produce a series of sexually explicit visual depictions of Victim 1, including several video files, which Victim 1 sent to Walsh. Further, the indictment alleges that from March 8, 2020 through March 12, 2020, Walsh, using his online female aliases, enticed and coerced Victim 2, a 15-year-old minor male, to produce a series of sexually explicit visual depictions of himself, which he sent to Walsh.

If you believe you or a loved one was a victim of Walsh please contact the FBI Baltimore Field Office at (410) 265-8080.

To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

If convicted, Walsh faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years for each of two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for each of two counts of enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct; and a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years for each of two counts of receipt of child pornography. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.

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Maricopa blasts Arizona Senate's 'lies and half-truths' about 2020 election audit

Washington Times|5 hours ago

>Maricopa Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers says his board is tired of the "lies and half-truths" about the 2020 election audit after the Arizona Senate president's letter complaining about "serious issues" with the ballot review.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/may/14/maricopa-blasts-arizona-senates-lies-and-half-trut/

'This is dangerous': Maricopa County supervisors plan response to Arizona Senate's election audit concerns

The Arizona Republic|22 hours ago

>Arizona Senate raises concerns over Maricopa County routers, passwords, ballots and deleted files, but county says it's mostly a misunderstanding.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/05/13/arizona-senate-wants-meeting-maricopa-county-election-audit-questions/5074932001/

Arizona Senate questions whether Maricopa County erased key election files

Washington Examiner on MSN.com|1 day ago

>Arizona Senate President Karen Fann requested Maricopa County officials meet with her next week to resolve issues related to the 2020 election audit, particularly whether someone deleted a main database from the Election Management System last month.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/arizona-senate-questions-whether-maricopa-county-erased-key-election-files/ar-BB1gHJoi

Arizona audit: Recount of Maricopa County election packs up shop for now

The Arizona Republic on MSN.com|2 hours ago

>Get caught up on the latest news and comprehensive coverage of the Arizona Senate-ordered audit of Maricopa County's general election.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/arizona-audit-recount-of-maricopa-county-election-packs-up-shop-for-now/ar-BB1gHLUZ

Arizona Senate Republicans sign lease to continue vote audit

NBC News|15 hours ago

>Ballots, computers and other equipment will be stored at the state fairgrounds; review will resume after prescheduled high school graduations take place.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/arizona-senate-republicans-sign-lease-continue-vote-audit-n1267330

Senate GOP leaders back away from subpoenas for Maricopa County officials in election audit

Havasu News|13 hours ago

>Senate Republican leaders are not going to subpoena Maricopa County supervisors, at least for the time being in the ongoing battle over information they want to conduct their

https://www.havasunews.com/news/arizona/senate-gop-leaders-back-away-from-subpoenas-for-maricopa-county-officials-in-election-audit/article_11d6dfae-b47e-11eb-bf71-979e182415c2.html

Arizona's election audit has become a coast-to-coast embarrassment. Senate should end it

Arizona Republic on MSN.com|3 hours ago

>Arizona Senate President Karen Fann should end this disaster of an election audit. It's embarrassing and it won't achieve what she claims is her goal.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/arizonas-election-audit-has-become-a-coast-to-coast-embarrassment-senate-should-end-it/ar-BB1gFzzi

Senate Committee Deadlocks on Elections Overhaul

New York Times|20 hours ago

>The 9-9 party-line vote sets the stage for a showdown on the Senate floor over the bill, which could determine the future of voting rights and campaign rules across the country. Detentions at the southwest border reached a 20-year high.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/11/us/biden-news-today

AZ Senate decides against subpoenas for Maricopa County supervisors

Pinalcentral.com|20 hours ago

>PHOENIX — Senate Republican leaders are not going to subpoena Maricopa County supervisors, at least for the time being in the ongoing battle over information they want to conduct their

https://www.pinalcentral.com/arizona_news/az-senate-decides-against-subpoenas-for-maricopa-county-supervisors/article_bd6e1d0f-0f25-5fc0-8ca4-7284aa8325c7.html

Arizona Senate backs off subpoena of Maricopa County officials in election audit

yourvalley.net|19 hours ago

>Senate Republican leaders are not going to subpoena Maricopa County supervisors, at least for the time being in the ongoing battle over information they want to conduct their audit of

https://yourvalley.net/stories/arizona-senate-backs-of-threat-to-subpoena-maricopa-county-officials-in-election-audit,233670