US Federal

DOJ Announces New Trade Fraud Enforcement Initiative

The US Department of Justice has announced a new Trade Fraud Task Force and initiative, elevating trade fraud enforcement to a national and economic security priority. This signals increased scrutiny and criminal enforcement actions against companies involved in customs violations, tariff evasion, and forced labor.

USTR Seeks Input on Critical Minerals Trade Agreement

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has opened a public docket to gather stakeholder input for a proposed "Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals." This initiative aims to establish multinational policies for critical minerals supply chains, potentially including pricing mechanisms and investment incentives, following President Trump's Section 232 Proclamation.

China's 2025 Arbitration Law Effective

China's amended Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, introduces significant reforms to its arbitration framework. Key changes include codifying the arbitration seat, expanding foreign-related arbitration access, strengthening court support for interim relief, and allowing limited ad hoc arbitration. International companies doing business with China should review their dispute resolution clauses.

US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for Violating Washington Accords

The United States has sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their support of the M23 movement in the DRC, violating the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. This action, taken under Executive Order 13413, demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold regional stability.

OFAC Designates Rwanda Defence Force and Officials; Issues General License

The US Treasury's OFAC has designated the Rwanda Defence Force and four Rwandan officials under its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List for actions related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. OFAC also issued DRC-related General License 1 to authorize the wind-down of transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force.

BIS Fines Teledyne FLIR $1M for Unlicensed China Exports

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) settled with Teledyne FLIR for $1,000,000 over alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The violations involved unlicensed exports of thermal imaging cameras to China and miscalculations under the de minimis rule.

Federal Register Public Inspection Document Search

The Federal Register is providing a prototype website for searching proposed and final rules from US agencies. This site is an unofficial informational resource and does not replace the official print or electronic versions until granted official legal status by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register.

HHS OIG: Colorado Medicaid Improper Payments for ABA Services

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that Colorado made at least $77.8 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services provided to children in 2022 and 2023. The OIG recommended Colorado refund $42.6 million to the Federal Government and improve guidance for ABA providers.

Education Department Proposed Priorities for Comprehensive Centers Program

The U.S. Department of Education has published proposed priorities, requirements, and definitions for the Comprehensive Centers Program. These proposed changes are open for public comment and aim to update the program's operational framework.

GAO Report: DOE Nuclear Waste Cleanup Cost and Schedule Accuracy Needs Improvement

A GAO report released March 2, 2026, found that the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) needs to improve the accuracy and consistency of its cost and schedule estimates for nuclear waste cleanup projects. The report highlights significant cost increases and data management challenges, impacting over $500 billion in ongoing cleanup efforts.