The Bureau of Industry and Security has paused reviews of new export license applications submitted this month, without explanation, causing concern and frustration among exporters and trade compliance officials.
Abby Kohlman, former DOJ prosecutor in the fraud section, has rejoined Akin Gump as senior counsel in the white collar defense and government investigations practice, the firm announced. At DOJ, Kohlman also served as special counsel for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Kohlman's practice will focus on advising clients on congressional investigations and other government inquiries, including those related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Bonnie Jenkins, former undersecretary of state for arms control and international security in the Biden administration (see 2502120058), has joined George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs as the Shapiro Visiting Professor of International Affairs, the university announced Jan. 30. The announcement notes that Jenkins' duties at State included overseeing the department’s efforts on the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) security partnership.
President Donald Trump has nominated John Hurley to be undersecretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial crimes and Thomas DiNanno to be undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, the White House told the Senate Feb. 11.
President Donald Trump has nominated congressional staffer Landon Heid to be assistant secretary of commerce for export administration at the Bureau of Industry and Security, the White House told the Senate Feb. 11.
A new European Parliament briefing published this week analyzes the state of EU sanctions against Russia, including developments last year and possible next steps that the bloc could take to increase pressure against Moscow.
The U.K. on Feb. 12 published a general license permitting humanitarian activity in Syria. The license allows for the U.N., humanitarian organizations with observer status with the U.N. General Assembly, bilaterally or multilaterally funded non-governmental organizations taking part in the UN Humanitarian Response Plans and international organizations conducting relief activities in Syria to engage in activities needed to "provide humanitarian assistance, other activities that support basic human needs and facilitate the timely provision of those activities in Syria." Any parties carrying out those activities must "provide written notice to HM Treasury within 30 days of commencing the activity."
Japan has asked the Trump administration to exempt it from new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto said during a Feb. 12 press conference.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., introduced a bill on Feb. 11 to give companies more time to comply with the ownership reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The Protect Small Businesses From Excessive Paperwork Act, which has 10 co-sponsors, would extend the filing deadline in the CTA-mandated beneficial ownership information (BOI) rule by a year, to Jan. 1, 2026. The House unanimously passed the legislation Feb. 10 (see 2502110032).
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a bill Feb. 7 that would authorize the president to sanction Middle Eastern leaders, except those in Israel, who decline to offer humanitarian entry to Palestinians from Gaza. The Make Gaza Great Again Act is intended to encourage cooperation with President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Gaza’s population outside the war-torn territory. The legislation was referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees.