Policy & Government Affairs

Coast Guard Discrimination: GAO Recommends Actions for Personnel

The GAO has released a report recommending actions for the Coast Guard to address inconsistencies in handling discrimination and harassment incidents affecting its 40,000 personnel. The report highlights differing interpretations of policies and a lack of standardized documentation processes, urging the Coast Guard to implement clearer definitions and a consistent collection system.

GAO Report on Service Member Absence Response Guidance

A GAO report released on February 12, 2026, identifies significant gaps in the Army, Navy, and Air Force's guidance for responding to absent service members. The report highlights inconsistencies in response timeframes, mental health considerations, and safety protocols, recommending improvements to prevent harm and save lives.

GAO Report on CBP Northern Border Challenges and Staffing Gaps

A GAO report highlights significant challenges faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the northern border, including a more than threefold increase in apprehensions from FY 2019 to 2024 and critical staffing gaps for specialists monitoring surveillance technology. The report recommends CBP develop a plan to address these workforce shortages.

GAO Report on Do Not Pay System Benefits and SSA Death Data Costs

A GAO report highlights that the Treasury's Do Not Pay system, using SSA death data, is projected to yield $337 million in benefits over three years. However, increased SSA costs for state death records and improper cost allocation among agencies require attention.

GAO Update on COVID-19 Relief Funds Spending by States and Localities

The GAO has released an update on the spending of COVID-19 relief funds by state and local governments. As of March 31, 2025, states had spent 80% of their funds, and localities had spent 84%. Recipients had until December 31, 2026, to spend the remaining funds.

Trump Administration Increases Beef Quota to Address Prices

President Trump signed a Proclamation to increase the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons annually from Argentina. This action aims to boost supply and lower ground beef prices, which have reached record highs due to reduced domestic production and other market challenges.

EO on Iran National Emergency, Tariffs, and IRGC Designation

President Trump signed an Executive Order reaffirming the national emergency with respect to Iran and establishing a process to impose tariffs on countries that acquire goods or services from Iran. This action aims to protect U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy by countering Iran's malign influence and support for terrorism.

Executive Order on America First Arms Transfer Strategy

President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy. This strategy aims to reindustrialize the US defense industrial base by prioritizing arms transfers that build production capacity, support domestic reindustrialization, strengthen supply chains, and benefit strategic partners. The order directs Secretaries of War, State, and Commerce to develop sales catalogs, enhance advocacy, and improve efficiency in transfer processes.

US-India Trade Deal Announced

The White House announced a trade deal between the US and India, including tariff reductions and India's commitment to purchase over $500 billion in US products. The agreement aims to open India's market to American goods and address non-tariff barriers.

Executive Order on Prioritizing Clean Coal for National Defense

President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Department of War to prioritize long-term Power Purchase Agreements with clean coal facilities for military installations. This action aims to ensure uninterrupted baseload power for national defense and strengthen grid reliability.