Policy & Government Affairs

National Angel Family Day Proclamation

The President proclaimed February 23, 2026, as National Angel Family Day to honor victims of illegal immigration and recommit to mass deportation efforts. The proclamation highlights specific cases and reiterates the administration's stance on border security and immigration enforcement.

New York Declares Disaster Emergency Due to Nor'easter

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency effective February 22, 2026, due to a nor'easter impacting numerous counties. The order suspends certain statutes to facilitate response and recovery efforts, including waiving procurement processes and hours of service rules for utility restoration crews.

Ofcom Fines Porn Company £1.35m for Lack of Age Checks

Ofcom has fined pornographic company 8579 LLC £1.35 million for failing to implement effective age verification measures as required by the UK's Online Safety Act. The company also received a £50,000 fine for failing to respond to a legally binding information request. These actions underscore Ofcom's commitment to protecting children online.

EU Legislation and Notices - February 23, 2026

The EU published several legislative acts and decisions on February 23, 2026. These include implementing regulations concerning restrictive measures in Russia, amendments to active substance approvals for biocidal products, and a decision on Iceland's participation in the Union Space Programme.

European AI Innovation Month Announced

The European Commission and the Irish Presidency of the Council have announced the European AI Innovation Month, a series of events scheduled from mid-October to mid-November 2026. The initiative aims to discuss and showcase AI development and deployment in Europe, culminating in the European Apply AI Summit.

NY Executive Order Declares Disaster Emergency

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state disaster emergency effective February 22, 2026, due to an expected nor'easter. The order applies to numerous counties and contiguous areas, suspending certain regulations to facilitate emergency response and relief efforts.

Temporary 10% Import Duty Imposed

President Trump has imposed a temporary 10% ad valorem import duty on articles imported into the United States for 150 days, effective February 24, 2026. This action aims to address international payment problems and rebalance trade relationships, with specific exemptions for certain critical goods and trade partners.

GAO Report: Improve Disability Access to DOL Job Programs

The GAO released a report highlighting issues with disability access to Department of Labor (DOL) job programs. The report found that job seekers with disabilities may not receive necessary accommodations and that DOL does not routinely analyze its monitoring results or evaluate the use of its guidance. The GAO recommended DOL address these systemic issues.

GAO Report on Interior Department Oil and Gas Data Sharing

The GAO released a report highlighting significant inefficiencies in the Department of the Interior's oil and gas data sharing processes. The report found that despite efforts to modernize systems, manual data entry and a lack of automated sharing persist, hindering oversight of energy development on federal and Tribal lands. The GAO recommends setting specific time frames and measurable goals to address these issues.

Presidential Proclamation: 10% Import Surcharge

The President has issued a proclamation imposing a temporary 10% import surcharge to address fundamental international payments problems, including large balance-of-payments deficits. This action, authorized by the Trade Act of 1974, aims to protect the U.S. economy and national security. Specific product exceptions may apply.