President-elect Trump’s foreign policy is beginning to take shape, based on pre-inaugural diplomacy and his appointments to date. Uncertainties abound, from unexpected world events—such as a sudden regime change in Syria—to Trump’s mercurial nature, the congressional confirmation process, and how his team settles into producing policy.… Continue Reading
This report provides a snapshot of the U.S. Executive Branch priorities via daily schedules and the prior day’s press releases. POTUS’ Schedule* 8:25 a.m. EDT – THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, en route to Dover Air Force Base 9:05 a.m. EDT – THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Dover … Continue Reading
The United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) continued to impose sanctions against Russia over the first two weeks of May, while the European Union (EU) continued its debate over another sanctions package. The US Congress also continues to debate a new $40 billion assistance package for Ukraine. The UK introduced legislation that would bring … Continue Reading
After multiple top European officials’ visits to Kyiv, the United States (US) Government dispatched two Cabinet-level officials to Ukraine, marking the return of American officials to the country and a re-opening of the US Embassy, since the conflict with Russia started in late February. The United Kingdom (UK) also announced its Embassy was re-opening in … Continue Reading
The United States (US) Congress moved to isolate further Russia and Belarus these past two week, as the US Government also increased bilateral pressure with the imposition of additional sanctions and restrictions. The United Kingdom (UK) Government also moved in concert these past two weeks with the US and European Union (EU) in ratcheting up … Continue Reading
While the President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, appears to be willing to increase rhetoric against the President of the Russian Federation (Russia), other Western allies are less willing to join in increasing tension with Russia on this front. By Sunday, the US Secretary of State appeared to downplay President Biden’s Friday remarks … Continue Reading
Officials from the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) participated in the final week of the 26th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Scotland. The Summit concluded with the publication of the Glasgow Climate Pact, which maintains the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to … Continue Reading
On Monday, October 4, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai gave a speech outlining the Biden Administration’s approach to the US-China trade relationship. While the speech was light on specifics, it provided for the first time a framework through which to view President Biden’s trade policies on China. From SPB’s perspective, the speech contained two notable … Continue Reading
The United Kingdom (UK) approved its first COVID-19 vaccine this past week, moving forward with its first inoculations this month. Regulators in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) are still examining the Phase 3 clinical data but are not far behind in their respective approval processes for some vaccine candidates. Talks between the … Continue Reading
In partnership with the US-UAE Business Council (Business Council) and its 2020 “Back to Business” webinar series, our Public Policy colleagues, including former elected and appointed US government officials, joined Danny E. Seabright, President of the Business Council to share their outlook on domestic and foreign policy priorities of the incoming Biden Administration, and their … Continue Reading
For the past four years, the Trump Administration has pursued a relentless strategy against the People’s Republic of China (“China”) that can be best described as “chaotic pressure.” The Biden Administration will likely keep up the pressure, but apply it more predictably.… Continue Reading
COVID-19 cases continue to increase on both sides of the Atlantic. While European countries continue to impose restrictions toward stemming the spread of the coronavirus, the United States (US) remains focused on the presidential election and continued ballot counting in some states. Despite some legal challenges, Saturday saw the announcement of Democratic presidential contender Joe … Continue Reading
A second wave of COVID-19 cases is being seen around the world and governments on both sides of the Atlantic are re-examining restrictions to curb the spread of the virus again. Two of four COVID vaccine candidates in late stage trials in the United States (US) have paused after individuals had complications that are being … Continue Reading
This report provides a snapshot of the US Executive Branch priorities via daily schedules and the prior day’s press releases. POTUS’ Schedule* *The US President (POTUS) and Vice President’s (VPOTUS) daily schedules are subject to change. THE PRESIDENT has no public events scheduled. VPOTUS’ Schedule* 2:00 p.m. EDT | THE VICE PRESIDENT leads a conference … Continue Reading
For several months, the United States (US) has been a COVID-19 hotspot. This week, Western Europe surpassed the US in new daily infections, re-emerging as a hotspot. The European Commission shuffled some portfolios this week, after former European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan’s resignation. Meanwhile, talks between the EU and the United Kingdom (UK) … Continue Reading
On September 1, the Office of the US Trade Representative, working with the Departments of Commerce (DOC) and of Agriculture (USDA), announced a number of actions aimed at supporting domestic producers of seasonal/perishable produce. Their plans – which include new trade actions targeting certain fruit and vegetable imports – could have widespread impacts on produce … Continue Reading
Over the past two weeks, the European Union (EU) saw the resignation of its EU Trade Commissioner, increased tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, and several EU countries received a high-level Chinese delegation. The United States (US) and EU also achieved a tariff reducing deal on American lobsters and other products. Meanwhile, transatlantic attention remains focused … Continue Reading
American officials continue to raise concerns with China’s perceived long-term goals, which they believe may undermine multilateral institutions, national security and sovereign interests, and democratic principles in general. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing concerns with China, and it may serve as the catalyst for further transatlantic cooperation aimed at responding to some of China’s … Continue Reading
America and European countries remain focused on securing a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent resurgences of the virus, with the European Commission unveiling a strategy this week to accelerate its coordinated efforts. At a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defense Ministerial this week, partners focused on COVID-19 and other topics, including the US’ announcement to lower … Continue Reading
America’s top monetary policy official, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell, is urging the US Congress to extend the enhanced unemployment benefits approved this spring that are set to expire at the end of July, intensifying a policy debate that will be pivotal to the negotiations next month that will determine the next phase in … Continue Reading
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, gives the president – acting on the recommendation of the Secretary of Commerce – the authority to take actions to adjust imports of goods found to be imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity Waters of the U.S. On Wednesday, February 4, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in conjunction with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will hold a hearing to examine the impacts of the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule on state and local governments. Liquid Natural Gas On Thursday, January 29, the … Continue Reading
