Sumter Police: Expect military vehicles, aircraft noise during training exercise
The Sumter Police Department is telling residents of a special training exercise taking place April 19—26.
https://www.abccolumbia.com/2023/04/19/sumter-police-expect-military-vehicles-aircraft-noise-during-training-exercise/
Austin Speaks at Ukraine Defense Meeting
Defense.gov April 21, 2023 | 8:55
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomes defense leaders from around the world to the 11th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany.
https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Videos/
mp4
April 21, 2023
9:00 AM EDT
Field Hearing Peachtree, Georgia - on the State of the American Economy: The South
House Ways and Means Committee
https://waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ADVISORY_Full-Committee-April-21-2023.pdf
https://waysandmeans.house.gov/event/field-hearing-on-the-state-of-the-american-economy-the-south/
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House Ways and Means Field Hearing on U.S. Economy
The House Ways and Means Committee holds a field hearing in Peachtree City, Georgia, on the U.S. economy and challenges facing workers and families.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?527568-1/house-ways-means-field-hearing-us-economy
Lara Logan
@laralogan
The fact that this could happen on US soil at all is unbelievable. 6 more illegal Chinese police stations allegedly operating in US including Houston
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/6-more-illegal-chinese-police-stations-allegedly-operating-in-us-including-houston
9:53 AM · Apr 21, 2023
https://twitter.com/laralogan/status/1649410977023008770
April 21, 2023
10:30 AM EDT
Accounting for Climate Change Within Central Bank and Banking Supervision Mandates
Peterson Institute for International Economics
https://www.piie.com/events/accounting-climate-change-within-central-bank-and-banking-supervision-mandates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x2JJMSgLws
April 21, 2023
10:30 AM EDT
Press Conference With Secretary Austin and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Milley
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
https://www.defense.gov/News/Today-in-DOD/Date/2023-04-21/
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_214008.htm
https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3362482/secretary-of-defense-to-visit-sweden-followed-by-ukraine-defense-contact-group/
https://www.defense.gov/News/Live-Events/
https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/31717
Vice Chiefs Talk Recruiting Shortfalls, Readiness Issues
April 20, 2023
The Army, Navy and Air Force will not make enlistment goals this year, officials told the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness, yesterday.
The Marine Corps and Space Force expect to make their goals, with the Space Force having some questions about interservice transfers.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3369472/vice-chiefs-talk-recruiting-shortfalls-readiness-issues/
Stoltenberg Visits Kyiv, Says 'NATO Stands With Ukraine'
April 20, 2023
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, today, and his very presence in embattled Ukraine sent the message to the people of the country that "NATO stands with Ukraine," he said.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, looks at destroyed Russian tanks, rockets and equipment in central Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, April 20, 2023.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3369642/stoltenberg-visits-kyiv-says-nato-stands-with-ukraine/
Stoltenberg Visits Kyiv, Says 'NATO Stands With Ukraine'
April 20, 2023
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, today, and his very presence in embattled Ukraine sent the message to the people of the country that "NATO stands with Ukraine," he said.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, looks at destroyed Russian tanks, rockets and equipment in central Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, April 20, 2023.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3369642/stoltenberg-visits-kyiv-says-nato-stands-with-ukraine/
Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine
PRESS STATEMENT
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
APRIL 19, 2023
We will continue to stand with our Ukrainian partners in response to of Russia’s continued war of aggression.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 36th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $325 million. This security assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and artillery rounds, as well as anti-armor systems, small arms, logistics support vehicles, and maintenance support essential to strengthening Ukraine’s defenders on the battlefield. This new security assistance will enable Ukraine to continue to bravely defend itself in the face of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and unjustified war.
Russia could end its war today. Until Russia does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
https://www.state.gov/additional-u-s-security-assistance-for-ukraine-2/
Statement on Arrests of Political Opponents in Tunisia
PRESS STATEMENT
VEDANT PATEL, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON
APRIL 19, 2023
The arrests by the Tunisian government of political opponents and critics are fundamentally at odds with the principles Tunisians adopted in a constitution that explicitly guarantees freedom of opinion, thought, and expression. The arrest on Monday of former Speaker of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi, the closure of the Nahda party headquarters, and the banning of meetings held by certain opposition groups – and the Tunisian government’s implication that these actions are based on public statements – represent a troubling escalation by the Tunisian government against perceived opponents. The Tunisian government’s obligation to respect freedom of expression and other human rights is larger than any individual or political party, and is essential to a vibrant democracy and to the U.S.-Tunisia relationship.
https://www.state.gov/statement-on-arrests-of-political-opponents-in-tunisia/
United States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Military Procurement Network
PRESS STATEMENT
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
APRIL 20, 2023
The United States remains firmly committed to taking action to disrupt Iran’s military programs and its procurement networks. We are designating elements of Iran’s military procurement network — one individual and six entities. These elements based in Iran, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and Malaysia have supported procurement activities of the U.S.-sanctioned Iranian company Pardazan System Namad Arman (PASNA), which is linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. This network has enabled PASNA to procure electronic components, including components for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), from foreign suppliers primarily based in the PRC. Iran’s proliferation of weapons destabilizes the Middle East and beyond, and we will continue to work with allies and partners to counter such activity.
These actions are pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1423
https://www.state.gov/united-states-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-military-procurement-network-2/
Secretary Blinken’s Diplomacy to Arrange an Eid al-Fitr Ceasefire in Sudan
READOUT
OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON
APRIL 20, 2023
The following is attributable to Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated today in a special ministerial session under the leadership of African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki. African, Arab, and regional and international partners and organizations joined the session. Participating leaders agreed unanimously on the urgent need for an Eid al-Fitr ceasefire in Sudan to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and to pave the way for a more permanent ceasefire.
Secretary Blinken spoke separately with General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces. Secretary Blinken condemned the indiscriminate fighting that has caused significant civilian deaths and injuries and damage to essential infrastructure. He urged both military leaders to implement and uphold a nationwide ceasefire and sustain it through at least the end of Eid al-Fitr, Sunday, April 23.
Secretary Blinken expressed grave U.S. concern about the risk to civilians, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel, including U.S. personnel. He underscored that the people of Sudan and the regional and international community are speaking with one voice about the need to end the violence and demanded that the two military leaders heed that voice.
https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-diplomacy-to-arrange-an-eid-al-fitr-ceasefire-in-sudan/
When Comey and Mueller Bungled the Anthrax Case
May 21, 2017
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2017/05/21/when_comey_and_mueller_bungled_the_anthrax_case_133953.html