Search

Rural Support Resolution Passes 220-196

H. Res. 1182, expressing support for rural communities as environmental stewards, energy resource suppliers, food production providers, and drivers of economic stability, passed the House on April 22, 2026 by a vote of 220-196. The resolution passed largely along party lines with 212 Republicans and 7 Democrats voting in favor, while 196 Democrats voted against. As a simple House resolution, this measure carries no binding legal effect and serves as an expression of congressional sentiment.

Sanctions Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/443)

The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/443), made 20th April 2026 under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, correct errors in S.I. 2024/644 and S.I. 2025/394. The instrument introduces new trade end-use controls for Venezuela and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) via new Regulation 31A in both sanctions regimes, requiring UK persons to cease exporting goods or transferring technology when notified by the Secretary of State that items may be destined for those jurisdictions. It raises the 'relevant firm' threshold from €10,000 to £10,000 in both Venezuela and DPRK sanctions regulations, removes CEMA penalty modification provisions, and modernises Treasury licence purposes and electronic notice procedures.

Rising Violence Against Politicians Threatens Democracy, Women and Minorities Targeted

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution on 21 April 2026 warning that rising violence and hate speech against politicians poses a direct threat to democratic life and pluralism in Europe. The resolution calls on member states to adopt robust legislation recognising violence against politicians as specific criminal offences and requests the Committee of Ministers establish a mechanism to identify and track threats at local, regional and national levels. Women politicians and representatives of minority groups are disproportionately targeted and require specific attention under the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

U.S. Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement, $10k-$100k Awards

The U.S. Department of State's Mission New Zealand Public Diplomacy Section announces an open competition for grants to advance U.S.-New Zealand economic, scientific, and cultural ties. The program offers $350,000 in total funding for 7 expected awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per award. Applications closing July 15, 2026 may address science cooperation, prosperity and innovation, or democratic and cultural programming.

Silicon Metal from Angola and Laos Antidumping Duty Orders

Commerce is issuing antidumping duty orders on silicon metal from Angola and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, following affirmative final determinations by Commerce and the ITC. The ITC determined that U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of less-than-fair-value imports. CBP will suspend liquidation of affected entries and collect cash deposits equal to the amount by which normal value exceeds export price.

EU Extends Moldova Sanctions to April 2027

The Council of the European Union extended restrictive measures targeting those undermining Moldova's sovereignty until 29 April 2027. The sanctions regime, first introduced in April 2023 at Moldova's request, currently covers 23 individuals and 5 entities subject to asset freezes, prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available, and EU travel bans. The extension responds to intensified Russian destabilization efforts, including hybrid attacks targeting Moldova's democratic institutions and EU border security.

Secretary General Alain Berset Official Visit to Ireland Dublin 24 April

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will make an official visit to Ireland on 24 April to discuss democratic security, international rule of law, migration, and accountability for Ukraine. During the visit he will meet Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, and Minister of State Thomas Byrne. The Secretary General will also meet with civil-society organisations chaired by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and discussions will address ongoing negotiations towards a political declaration on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights ahead of the 15 May foreign ministers meeting in Chișinău.

S. 1020 Passes House 394-14, Extends FERC Hydropower Construction Deadline

The House passed S. 1020 on April 21, 2026, by a vote of 394 to 14, under a motion to suspend the rules requiring a 2/3 majority. The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects. All 14 opposing votes came from Republican members, while all 207 Democratic members and 1 Independent voted in favor.

Young V&A Wins 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize

The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly awarded the 2026 Museum Prize to London's Young V&A, a children's branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The prize, presented in Strasbourg during the Assembly's spring plenary session, recognizes institutions that bridge cultures and promote democratic values. Winners receive a Joan Miró statuette and diploma.

Governor Green Appoints Michael Ratcliffe to Represent House District 28

Governor Josh Green appointed Michael Covenant 'Cov' Ratcliffe to serve as the state Representative for House District 28, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Rep. Daniel Holt. Ratcliffe, a labor law attorney who has represented public sector unions, was selected from a list provided by the Democratic Party of Hawai'i pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes 17-4. House District 28 includes the communities of Sand Island, Iwilei and Chinatown. Ratcliffe will be sworn in on April 14, 2026, at noon during the House Floor Session and will serve through the remainder of the term expiring in November 2026.

Carrera and Keke Qualify for June 30 State Primary Ballot

The Colorado Secretary of State's Elections Division announced that Andrés Carrera, Democratic candidate for Colorado State Senate District 34, and Anne Keke, Democratic candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 41, have submitted sufficient valid signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot. Carrera submitted 1,517 valid signatures against a required 1,000, while Keke submitted 1,133 valid signatures. Both candidates exceeded the statutory threshold outlined by 1-4-801, C.R.S.

Neil and Winchester Fail to Qualify for State Primary Ballot

The Colorado Secretary of State's Elections Division announced on April 17, 2026, that Michael Neil and Tracy Winchester, Democratic candidates for State House District 2, have failed to qualify for the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot. Michael Neil submitted 874 signatures and Tracy Winchester submitted 979 signatures, both falling short of the required 1,000-signature threshold established by 1-4-801(2)(b), C.R.S. Neither candidate will appear on the primary ballot.

Colton Plahn Qualifies for State Primary Ballot

Colton Jonjak Plahn, Democratic candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 19, has qualified for the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot. The Elections Division verified 1,011 of 1,354 submitted signatures, exceeding the required 1,000-signature threshold under C.R.S. 1-4-801(2)(b). A record of all accepted and rejected signatures is on file with the Secretary of State.

Secretary General Berset Visits UK for Diplomatic Discussions on Law, Security and Migration

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will visit the United Kingdom on 22–23 April 2026 for diplomatic discussions with senior UK government figures including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and other cabinet ministers. The visit will address recent geopolitical developments including the Middle East conflict, democratic security challenges to the international rule of law, and ongoing negotiations toward a political declaration on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights, ahead of the Council of Europe foreign ministers meeting in Chisinau on 15 May.

French Minister Warns Force Gaining Ground Over Law at Council of Europe

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot addressed the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly warning that human rights, rule of law, and democracy are under threat "even in countries at the forefront of these battles." The minister highlighted democratic backsliding including contested elections, intimidation of judges and journalists, erosion of public freedoms, and attacks on women's rights. France reaffirmed support for the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, and announced plans to join the agreement on the Special Tribunal's Steering Committee for Ukraine.

Secretary General Berset Visits UK, Meets PM Starmer, 22nd-23rd Apr

Secretary General Alain Berset of the Council of Europe (46 member states) will make an official visit to the United Kingdom on 22-23 April 2026, meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy PM David Lammy, and other senior ministers. Discussions will focus on international law, democratic security, migration governance, and the Council of Europe's support for Ukraine, ahead of the May 15 Foreign Ministers meeting in Chişinău. Berset will also speak at Oxford University on 'Democratic Security After Rupture' and attend events in the House of Commons with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.

PACE President Calls for European Leadership Amid Global Crises at Spring Session

PACE President Petra Bayr opened the spring plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 20 April 2026, urging European parliamentarians to demonstrate leadership amid ongoing international crises. The President highlighted a pattern of international law being bent or broken and democratic norms being challenged, calling on Europe to stand firm and advance rights. Specific issues raised included solidarity with Ukraine, creation of a special tribunal for aggression, concerns over Iran's war and Israel's expansion of the death penalty, and the Epstein network investigation.

Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office published a cost estimate for H.R. 7674, the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 26, 2026. The estimate covers projected costs to the federal government of implementing the act's provisions related to Venezuela's democratic transition. CBO did not estimate costs for provisions that would take effect only if specific conditions were met.

Hungary Parliamentary Elections: Vibrant But Unequal Opportunities

International observers from OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe released a preliminary statement on 13 April 2026 following Hungary's 12 April parliamentary elections. The observers found record voter turnout and active citizen engagement, with candidates able to campaign freely. However, the ruling party benefited from systemic advantages including misuse of public office and resources, bias in monitored media coverage, and serious shortcomings in campaign finance regulation, undermining equal opportunities among contestants. The legal framework continues to fall short of OSCE commitments and international democratic election standards.

Senate Democrats Seek Delay of Kevin Warsh Nomination

The eleven Democratic members of the Senate Banking Committee called on Chairman Tim Scott (R-N.C.) to delay the nomination hearing for Kevin Warsh to be Federal Reserve chairman until the Trump administration drops investigations into current Chairman Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook. The committee scheduled the Warsh hearing for April 21, 2026. Democrats cited concerns about President Trump's involvement in directing criminal investigations against sitting Fed board members.

Secretary General Discusses Monaco Presidency Priorities

Secretary General Alain Berset visited Monaco on 9 April 2026 to meet with Prince Albert II, Princely Government officials, and the National Council President to discuss Monaco's forthcoming presidency of the Committee of Ministers, marking a first in the country's history from 15 May to 10 November 2026. Key priorities include protecting human rights for women, children, and young people; promoting sport as a tool for inclusion; and strengthening the rule of law and democratic security among the 46 Council of Europe member states. Berset emphasised the organisation's role in upholding the legal and democratic framework essential for lasting European security, with justice for Ukraine remaining a central concern.

Serbia: UN High Commissioner Condemns Civic Space Erosion and Media Freedom Restrictions

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk issued a statement expressing serious concern over the erosion of civic space in Serbia, citing attacks on critical voices, restrictions on media freedom, and constraints on democratic expression. Reports of violence, voter intimidation, police raids on opposition premises during recent local elections, and targeting of journalists were highlighted as evidence of democratic deterioration.

TN Democratic Committee composition ruling with dissent

TN Democratic Committee composition ruling with dissent