On Tuesday, President Trump met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, where the two leaders finalized a $12.5 billion weapons deal. This comes less than a year after Trump announced a $110 billion arms deal with the Saudis. During the meeting, Trump held up posters of recent Saudi weapon purchases from the United States and said, “We make the best equipment in the world.” Human rights groups warn the massive arms deal may make the United States complicit in war crimes committed in the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen. We speak with Al Jazeera’s Mehdi Hasan and Medea Benjamin of CodePink. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/reformer_or_war_criminal_saudi_crown[with embedded video, and transcript]
As Yemen Faces World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis, Senate Refuses to End U.S. Support for Saudi War
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by Democracy Now!
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate rejected a bipartisan resolution to end U.S. military involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen within 30 days, unless Congress formally authorizes the military action. The vote was 44 to 55, with 10 Democrats joining the Republican majority to block the legislation and Arizona Senator John McCain not casting a vote. The U.S.-backed, Saudi-led airstrikes and naval blockade have devastated Yemen’s health, water and sanitation systems, sparking a massive cholera outbreak and pushing millions of Yemenis to the brink of starvation. More than 15,000 people have died since the Saudi invasion in 2015. We hear part of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ speech against U.S. involvement and speak with Al Jazeera’s Mehdi Hasan and Medea Benjamin of CodePink. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/as_yemen_faces_worlds_worst_humanitarian[with embedded video, and transcript]
Are Israel & Saudi Arabia Pressuring U.S. Toward War with Iran?
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Journalist Mehdi Hasan and Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink, discuss how the United States is siding with Saudi Arabia in its feud with Iran and what it means for the Middle East. Could it mean war against Iran? On Monday, Saudi Arabia called the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers a “flawed agreement.” President Trump has long threatened to pull out of the deal. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/are_israel_saudi_arabia_pressuring_us[with embedded video, and transcript]
15 Years After Invasion of Iraq, Amnesia & Distortion Obscure U.S. Record of War Crimes & Torture
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Fifteen years ago this week, the U.S. launched its invasion of Iraq on the false pretense that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction. The attack came despite worldwide protest and a lack of authorization from the United Nations Security Council. The ongoing war has devastated Iraq and destabilized the region. We speak with Al Jazeera’s Mehdi Hasan and Medea Benjamin of CodePink. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/15_years_after_invasion_of_iraq[with embedded video, and transcript]
A massive spending bill with over 2,000 pages is dropped less than 24 hours before the deadline, funding Schumer’s pork tunnel is funded, but not The Wall. Stormy weather is coming for Trump with several REAL bimbos looking for publicity. When autonomous vehicles crash, who’s responsible (assuming the establishment ever blames them)? Then, Silk Road was the pattern for killing websites and cryptocurrency that challenge the power of the state and the Senate is now legislating anti-internet freedom laws.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
Issued on: March 22, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to reaffirm the importance of strong relations between the United States and Turkey, as NATO Allies and strategic partners, and to exchange views on regional developments. The two leaders committed to continue efforts to intensify cooperation on shared strategic challenges and to address the concerns of both countries that affect the bilateral relations.
This week on FFRF's Ask an Atheist our topic is, "Raising Hell? Secular Parenting Round II." Joining us are Communications Director Amit Pal, Constitutional Attorney Liz Cavell, and IT Director James Phetteplace.
Presidential Memorandum on the Actions by the United States Related to the Section 301 Investigation
Issued on: March 22, 2018
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
THE SENIOR ADVISOR FOR POLICY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR HOMELAND SECURITY AND COUNTERTERRORISM
SUBJECT: Actions by the United States Related to the Section 301 Investigation of China’s Laws, Policies, Practices, or Actions Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation
On August 14, 2017, I directed the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) to determine whether to investigate China’s laws, policies, practices, or actions that may be unreasonable or discriminatory and that may be harming American intellectual property rights, innovation, or technology development. On August 18, 2017, the Trade Representative initiated an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the “Act”) (19 U.S.C. 2411).
During its investigation, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) consulted with appropriate advisory committees and the interagency section 301 Committee. The Trade Representative also requested consultations with the Government of China, under section 303 of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2413). The USTR held a public hearing on October 10, 2017, and two rounds of public written comment periods. The USTR received approximately 70 written submissions from academics, think tanks, law firms, trade associations, and companies.
The Trade Representative has advised me that the investigation supports the following findings:
First, China uses foreign ownership restrictions, including joint venture requirements, equity limitations, and other investment restrictions, to require or pressure technology transfer from U.S. companies to Chinese entities. China also uses administrative review and licensing procedures to require or pressure technology transfer, which, inter alia, undermines the value of U.S. investments and technology and weakens the global competitiveness of U.S. firms.
Second, China imposes substantial restrictions on, and intervenes in, U.S. firms’ investments and activities, including through restrictions on technology licensing terms. These restrictions deprive U.S. technology owners of the ability to bargain and set market-based terms for technology transfer. As a result, U.S. companies seeking to license technologies must do so on terms that unfairly favor Chinese recipients.
Third, China directs and facilitates the systematic investment in, and acquisition of, U.S. companies and assets by Chinese companies to obtain cutting-edge technologies and intellectual property and to generate large-scale technology transfer in industries deemed important by Chinese government industrial plans.
Fourth, China conducts and supports unauthorized intrusions into, and theft from, the computer networks of U.S. companies. These actions provide the Chinese government with unauthorized access to intellectual property, trade secrets, or confidential business information, including technical data, negotiating positions, and sensitive and proprietary internal business communications, and they also support China’s strategic development goals, including its science and technology advancement, military modernization, and economic development.
It is hereby directed as follows:
Section 1. Tariffs. (a) The Trade Representative should take all appropriate action under section 301 of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2411) to address the acts, policies, and practices of China that are unreasonable or discriminatory and that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. The Trade Representative shall consider whether such action should include increased tariffs on goods from China.
(b) To advance the purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the Trade Representative shall publish a proposed list of products and any intended tariff increases within 15 days of the date of this memorandum. After a period of notice and comment in accordance with section 304(b) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2414(b)), and after consultation with appropriate agencies and committees, the Trade Representative shall, as appropriate and consistent with law, publish a final list of products and tariff increases, if any, and implement any such tariffs.
Sec. 2. WTO Dispute Settlement. (a) The Trade Representative shall, as appropriate and consistent with law, pursue dispute settlement in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address China’s discriminatory licensing practices. Where appropriate and consistent with law, the Trade Representative should pursue this action in cooperation with other WTO members to address China’s unfair trade practices.
(b) Within 60 days of the date of this memorandum, the Trade Representative shall report to me his progress under subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 3. Investment Restrictions. (a) The Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary), in consultation with other senior executive branch officials the Secretary deems appropriate, shall propose executive branch action, as appropriate and consistent with law, and using any available statutory authority, to address concerns about investment in the United States directed or facilitated by China in industries or technologies deemed important to the United States.
(b) Within 60 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary shall report to me his progress under subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 4. Publication. The Trade Representative is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
President Trump Approves Section 232 Tariff Modifications
Issued on: March 22, 2018
WASHINGTON – Today, based on ongoing dialogues, President Donald J. Trump authorized the modification of the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to suspend the tariffs for certain countries before they take effect. These suspensions are based on factors including ongoing discussions regarding measures to reduce global excess capacity in steel and aluminum production by addressing its root causes.
The tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the following countries are suspended until May 1, 2018, pending discussions of satisfactory long-term alternative means to address the threatened impairment to U.S. national security:
• Argentina;
• Australia;
• Brazil;
• Canada;
• Mexico;
• the member countries of the European Union; and
• South Korea.
By May 1, 2018, the President will decide whether to continue to exempt these countries from the tariffs, based on the status of the discussions. The European Union will negotiate on behalf of its member countries.
The President retains broad authority to further modify the tariffs, including by removing the suspensions or suspending additional countries. Any country not currently suspended remains welcome to discuss a possible suspension with the United States based on a shared commitment to addressing global excess steel and aluminum capacity and production.
The Administration will closely monitor imports of steel and aluminum imports from exempted countries, and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the National Economic Council, may advise the President to impose quotas as appropriate. Further action by the President would be needed to implement any quota the President might decide to adopt.
The tariffs proclaimed in Presidential Proclamations 9704 and 9705 will go into effect on 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018.
The process for directly affected parties to apply for an exclusion for specific steel or aluminum products that they need remains in place, as announced in the two Presidential Proclamations and subsequent Federal Register notices by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Secretary Ross, in consultation with other Administration officials, will evaluate exclusion requests for products, taking into account national security considerations. In that evaluation, the Secretary will consider whether a product is produced in the United States of a satisfactory quality or in a sufficient and reasonably available amount.
Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States
Issued on: March 22, 2018
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
1. On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).
2. In Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretary’s finding that steel mill articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of steel mill articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 8 of this proclamation (steel articles), by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico.
3. In proclaiming this tariff, I recognized that our Nation has important security relationships with some countries whose exports of steel articles to the United States weaken our internal economy and thereby threaten to impair the national security. I also recognized our shared concern about global excess capacity, a circumstance that is contributing to the threatened impairment of the national security. I further determined that any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on steel articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries as the national security interests of the United States require.
4. The United States is continuing discussions with Canada and Mexico, as well as the following countries, on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of steel articles from those countries: the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), the Argentine Republic (Argentina), the Republic of Korea (South Korea), the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), and the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries. Each of these countries has an important security relationship with the United States and I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports from steel articles from these countries is to continue these discussions and to exempt steel articles imports from these countries from the tariff, at least at this time. Any country not listed in this proclamation with which we have a security relationship remains welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports of steel articles from that country.
5. The United States has an important security relationship with Australia, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns, particularly through our security, defense, and intelligence partnership; the strong economic and strategic partnership between our countries; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in steel production; and the integration of Australian persons and organizations into the national technology and industrial base of the United States.
6. The United States has an important security relationship with Argentina, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns in Latin America, particularly the threat posed by instability in Venezuela; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in steel production; the reciprocal investment in our respective industrial bases; and the strong economic integration between our countries.
7. The United States has an important security relationship with South Korea, including our shared commitment to eliminating the North Korean nuclear threat; our decades-old military alliance; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in steel production; and our strong economic and strategic partnership.
8. The United States has an important security relationship with Brazil, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns in Latin America; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in steel production; the reciprocal investment in our respective industrial bases; and the strong economic integration between our countries.
9. The United States has an important security relationship with the EU and its constituent member countries, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in national security concerns; the strong economic and strategic partnership between the United States and the EU, and between the United States and EU member countries; and our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in steel production.
10. In light of the foregoing, I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of steel articles from these countries is to continue ongoing discussions and to increase strategic partnerships, including those with respect to reducing global excess capacity in steel production by addressing its root causes. In my judgment, discussions regarding measures to reduce excess steel production and excess steel capacity, measures that will increase domestic capacity utilization, and other satisfactory alternative means will be most productive if the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 on steel articles imports from these countries is removed at this time.
11. However, the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9705 remains an important first step in ensuring the economic viability of our domestic steel industry and removing the threatened impairment of the national security. Without this tariff and the adoption of satisfactory alternative means addressing long-term solutions in ongoing discussions with the countries listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation, the industry will continue to decline, leaving the United States at risk of becoming reliant on foreign producers of steel to meet our national security needs — a situation that is fundamentally inconsistent with the safety and security of the American people. As a result, unless I determine by further proclamation that the United States has reached a satisfactory alternative means to remove the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of steel articles from a particular country listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation, the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 shall be effective May 1, 2018, for the countries listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation. In the event that a satisfactory alternative means is reached such that I decide to exclude on a long-term basis a particular country from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, I will also consider whether it is necessary and appropriate in light of our national security interests to make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 as it applies to other countries. Because the current tariff exemptions are temporary, however, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to maintain the current tariff level at this time.
12. In the meantime, to prevent transshipment, excess production, or other actions that would lead to increased exports of steel articles to the United States, the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall advise me on the appropriate means to ensure that imports from countries exempt from the tariff imposed in Proclamation 9705 do not undermine the national security objectives of such tariff. If necessary and appropriate, I will consider directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security to implement a quota as soon as practicable, and will take into account all steel articles imports since January 1, 2018, in setting the amount of such quota.
13. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.
14. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) Imports of all steel articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 8 of this proclamation, from the countries listed in this clause shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 until 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018. Further, clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 is amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting the following two sentences: “Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all steel articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows: (a) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the European Union, and (b) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018, from all countries. This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported steel articles, shall apply to imports of steel articles from each country as specified in the preceding sentence.”.
(2) Paragraph (a) of U.S. note 16, added to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS by the Annex to Proclamation 9705, is amended by replacing “Canada and of Mexico” with “Canada, of Mexico, of Australia, of Argentina, of South Korea, of Brazil, and of the member countries of the European Union”.
(3) The “Article description” for heading 9903.80.01 of the HTSUS is amended by replacing “Canada or of Mexico” with “Canada, of Mexico, of Australia, of Argentina, of South Korea, of Brazil, or of the member countries of the European Union”.
(4) The exemption afforded to steel articles from Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the EU shall apply only to steel articles of such countries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, through the close of April 30, 2018, at which time Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the EU shall be deleted from paragraph (a) of U.S. note 16 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS and from the article description of heading 9903.80.01 of the HTSUS.
(5) Any steel article that is admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, may only be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading. Any steel article that was admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, will likewise be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under applicable HTSUS subheadings imposed by Proclamation 9705, as amended by this proclamation.
(6) Clause 3 of Proclamation 9705 is amended by inserting a new third sentence reading as follows: “Such relief may be provided to directly affected parties on a party-by-party basis taking into account the regional availability of particular articles, the ability to transport articles within the United States, and any other factors as the Secretary deems appropriate.”.
(7) Clause 3 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 6 of this proclamation, is further amended by inserting a new fifth sentence as follows: “For merchandise entered on or after the date the directly affected party submitted a request for exclusion, such relief shall be retroactive to the date the request for exclusion was posted for public comment.”.
(8) The reference to “7304.10” in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, is amended to read “7304.11”.
(9) The Secretary, in consultation with CBP and other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation. The Secretary shall publish any such modification to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.
(10) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States
Issued on: March 22, 2018
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
1. On January 19, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum articles on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).
2. In Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretary’s finding that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704 (aluminum articles), by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico.
3. In proclaiming this tariff, I recognized that our Nation has important security relationships with some countries whose exports of aluminum articles to the United States weaken our internal economy and thereby threaten to impair the national security. I also recognized our shared concern about global excess capacity, a circumstance that is contributing to the threatened impairment of the national security. I further determined that any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on aluminum articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries as the national security interests of the United States require.
4. The United States is continuing discussions with Canada and Mexico, as well as the following countries, on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from those countries: the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), the Argentine Republic (Argentina), the Republic of Korea (South Korea), the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), and the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries. Each of these countries has an important security relationship with the United States and I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports from aluminum articles from these countries is to continue these discussions and to exempt aluminum articles imports from these countries from the tariff, at least at this time. Any country not listed in this proclamation with which we have a security relationship remains welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports of aluminum articles from that country.
5. The United States has an important security relationship with Australia, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns, particularly through our security, defense, and intelligence partnership; the strong economic and strategic partnership between our countries; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in aluminum production; and the integration of Australian persons and organizations into the national technology and industrial base of the United States.
6. The United States has an important security relationship with Argentina, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns in Latin America, particularly the threat posed by instability in Venezuela; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in aluminum production; the reciprocal investment in our respective industrial bases; and the strong economic integration between our countries.
7. The United States has an important security relationship with South Korea, including our shared commitment to eliminating the North Korean nuclear threat; our decades-old military alliance; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in aluminum production; and our strong economic and strategic partnership.
8. The United States has an important security relationship with Brazil, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in addressing national security concerns in Latin America; our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in aluminum production; the reciprocal investment in our respective industrial bases; and the strong economic integration between our countries.
9. The United States has an important security relationship with the EU and its constituent member countries, including our shared commitment to supporting each other in national security concerns; the strong economic and strategic partnership between the United States and the EU, and between the United States and EU member countries; and our shared commitment to addressing global excess capacity in aluminum production.
10. In light of the foregoing, I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from these countries is to continue ongoing discussions and to increase strategic partnerships, including those with respect to reducing global excess capacity in aluminum production by addressing its root causes. In my judgment, discussions regarding measures to reduce excess aluminum production and excess aluminum capacity, measures that will increase domestic capacity utilization, and other satisfactory alternative means will be most productive if the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704 on aluminum articles imports from these countries is removed at this time.
11. However, the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9704 remains an important first step in ensuring the economic viability of our domestic aluminum industry and removing the threatened impairment of the national security. Without this tariff and the adoption of satisfactory alternative means addressing long-term solutions in ongoing discussions with the countries listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation, the industry will continue to decline, leaving the United States at risk of becoming reliant on foreign producers of aluminum to meet our national security needs — a situation that is fundamentally inconsistent with the safety and security of the American people. As a result, unless I determine by further proclamation that the United States has reached a satisfactory alternative means to remove the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from a particular country listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation, the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 shall be effective May 1, 2018, for the countries listed as excepted in clause 1 of this proclamation. In the event that a satisfactory alternative means is reached such that I decide to exclude on a long-term basis a particular country from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, I will also consider whether it is necessary and appropriate in light of our national security interests to make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 as it applies to other countries. Because the current tariff exemptions are temporary, however, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to maintain the current tariff level at this time.
12. In the meantime, to prevent transshipment, excess production, or other actions that would lead to increased exports of aluminum articles to the United States, the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall advise me on the appropriate means to ensure that imports from countries exempt from the tariff imposed in Proclamation 9704 do not undermine the national security objectives of such tariff. If necessary and appropriate, I will consider directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security to implement a quota as soon as practicable, and will take into account all aluminum articles imports since January 1, 2018, in setting the amount of such quota.
13. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.
14. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) Imports of all aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704, from the countries listed in this clause shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 until 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018. Further, clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 is amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting the following two sentences: “Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all aluminum articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows: (a) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the European Union, and (b) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018, from all countries. This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported aluminum articles, shall apply to imports of aluminum articles from each country as specified in the preceding sentence.”.
(2) Paragraph (a) of U.S. note 19, added to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS by the Annex to Proclamation 9704, is amended by replacing “Canada and of Mexico” with “Canada, of Mexico, of Australia, of Argentina, of South Korea, of Brazil, and of the member countries of the European Union”.
(3) The “Article description” for heading 9903.85.01 of the HTSUS is amended by replacing “Canada or of Mexico” with “Canada, of Mexico, of Australia, of Argentina, of South Korea, of Brazil, or of the member countries of the European Union”.
(4) The exemption afforded to aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the EU shall apply only to aluminum articles of such countries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, through the close of April 30, 2018, at which time Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Brazil, and the member countries of the EU shall be deleted from paragraph (a) of U.S. note 19 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS and from the article description of heading 9903.85.01 of the HTSUS.
(5) Any aluminum article that is admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, may only be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading. Any aluminum article that was admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, will likewise be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under applicable HTSUS subheadings imposed by Proclamation 9704, as amended by this proclamation.
(6) Clause 3 of Proclamation 9704 is amended by inserting a new third sentence reading as follows: “Such relief may be provided to directly affected parties on a party-by-party basis taking into account the regional availability of particular articles, the ability to transport articles within the United States, and any other factors as the Secretary deems appropriate.”.
(7) Clause 3 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 6 of this proclamation, is further amended by inserting a new fifth sentence as follows: “For merchandise entered on or after the date the directly affected party submitted a request for exclusion, such relief shall be retroactive to the date the request for exclusion was posted for public comment.”.
(8) The Secretary, in consultation with CBP and other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation. The Secretary shall publish any such modification to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.
(9) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
Thursday, Mar. 22nd 2018[, with Jon Rappoport hosting the fourth hour]: Facebook Self Destructs! - In light of the ongoing Cambridge Analytica controversy, Zuckerberg says he's open to regulation! With Trump in the White House, the CEO now calls for political advertisement transparency. Joining today's show is YouTube host Tim Harmsen to share his fight against the tactical censorship of grassroots-driven, gun rights efforts. Also, liberty activist Kit Cope discusses the left's war on the 2nd Amendment. Furthermore, investigative journalist Laura Loomer provides her political insight.
WATCH: White House holds news briefing on omnibus spending bill
Streamed live on Mar 22, 2018 by PBS NewsHour
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, Legislative Director Marc Short and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney hold a news briefing to discuss the omnibus spending bill.
Annabella Gurwitch is an actor, comedian, author and activist with a long list of writing and screen credits. She is a "Jewish Atheist," promoting humanism and humanity without gods.
This is Jordan Peterson is NOT a Christian [the third in this series]. As said in the intro, this video is not primarily a criticism of Peterson’s views, but rather a criticism of *some* Christians that assert that he’s on their side.
Produce helps your health and hurts your wallet, but some strategies may change that.
The American dinner plate is deficient in nutritious produce, and part of the problem is cost. Because diets low in fruits and vegetables have serious consequences, health advocates have tried to incentivizes Americans to choose apples over donuts for years but with little success.
In the US, a nation with high rates of diseases such as obesity and diabetes , a variety of strategies - from a junk food tax to a produce prescription program - are now being tested. But there are a number of factors that still stand in the way of Americans having healthier, more affordable produce and dietary options.
The mainstream news is left in the dust by Infowars again, as all their lead stories were reported by Infowars months if not years ago. Zuckerberg leadership in question, the left admits they're brainwashing people about guns, McMaster is out as National Security Advisor, Syrian rebels leaving behind chemical weapons and Trump's tax cuts have no only benefitted the economy, but now record numbers of taxes have been collected by state and local governments. We also air the video of Owen Shroyer confronting the Austin City Council about ANTIFA.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Trump scrambling legal team in sign of Mueller showdown
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/22/18
Trump’s lead lawyer in the Russia probe, John Dowd, quits just days after his unusual call to “end” the Mueller probe. Former White House Counsel for President Clinton tells Ari Melber “Donald Trump can do whatever he wants on Twitter, but he can’t escape the facts.”
Whistleblower: Trump firm warned in 2016 foreign work may break U.S. law
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/22/18
Christopher Wiley, the whistleblower behind the hidden video sting of Cambridge Analytica says he can prove the Trump campaign digital firm and Steve Bannon “disregarded” warnings about U.S. laws in 2016 and why “they were completely willing” to do things that were “unlawful.”
Blumenthal: Trump tapping Bolton 'points to danger signals'
The Beat with Ari Melber 3/22/18
Trump announces National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has agreed to resign and will be replaced by Fox News analyst and “hard-liner” John Bolton. Senator Richard Blumenthal tells Ari Melber the move “points to danger signals” with a decision lacking “any clear direction” on policy from the President.
Patrick Byrne is the founder and CEO of popular deal site Overstock.com. He also has a doctorate in philosophy and a survivalist ranch where he could ride out a hypothetical zombie invasion. And he has always had ambitions bigger than retail. For years, Byrne used his position to rail against corruption on Wall Street. Then, he discovered bitcoin, and with it, a new way to dismantle what he sees as dismantle what he sees as dangerous institutions.
In 2015, Overstock.com became the first company to accept the cryptocurrency as payment. Byrne still runs the retail site, but he's poured his time and profits into financing blockchain-based start-ups, including a alternative stock exchange. And he's attracted a following of crypto fans who share his vision for a future fueled by blockchain.
VICE News spent time with Byrne at a party in Miami, at Overstock headquarters in Utah, and at his secretive ski chalet to find out why he's betting big on the technology behind bitcoin.
Meet The Comedy Duo Who Got Sued For Pranking The News
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by VICE News
When they infiltrated three morning news programs by passing themselves off as a hilariously un-athletic strongman duo, Brooklyn comedians Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett were not the first people to prank TV News.
Left-leaning activists The Yes Men famously infiltrated BBC, and right-wing provocateur James O'Keefe unsuccessfully attempted to plant a false story in the Washington Post. But Prueher and Pickett, who run the Found Footage Festival, have no overt political agenda and are happy to simply interrupt news programming with the absurd or profane.
Out of embarrassment or pragmatism, media companies generally avoid legal retaliation after getting pranked. Yet when Prueher and Pickett pranked Gray Television, the company sued, kicking off a battle over free speech, comedy, and how easy it can be get past TV bookers.
The Battle Raging In Nigeria Over Control Of Oil | VICE on HBO, Full Episode
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by VICE News
Nigeria may sit atop one of the largest oil reserves in the world, but the majority of the Nigerian people have seen little benefit from the multibillion-dollar industry. The government and global energy companies have been exploiting the resource for years, bringing poverty, pollution, and violence to the Niger Delta. And now the local militias fighting for oil control have made conditions even worse.
Caught in the conflict are Nigerian citizens involved in the illegal oil market simply for survival. Oil theft is rampant, and the booming black market has transnational oil and gas consultants concerned about the effects on global oil markets. The government isn't too happy about it either.
“All the oil that is sold around here, the government calls illegally refined products,” local oil businessman Don Wizaro told VICE News. And when the Nigerian military raids illegal oil operations, they slash containers, releasing oil into waterways, contaminating what the main source of fishing, agriculture, and drinking water.
As the government continues its assault on illegal refineries and barges carrying stolen oil, local militias are retaliating. And one of the most notorious militias is the Niger Delta Avengers. They attack pipelines and infrastructure, significantly affecting both the environment and the economy.
VICE correspondent Gianna Toboni heads to the heart of Nigeria's oil production to witness firsthand the fight over the control of oil in the Niger Delta.
Kenyans Want To Know What Role Cambridge Analytica Played In Their 2017 Presidential Election (HBO)
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by VICE News
Footage released earlier this week from the British Channel 4 investigation is raising questions about the extent of Cambridge Analytica's role in the election after the consultancy’s executives were caught on tape taking credit for President Kenyatta’s winning campaign.
Surveys before the election in August 2017 had already indicated it was a problem for a majority of Kenyans during the presidential campaign. And on social media, voters saw plenty of attack ads against opposition candidate Raila Odinga.
VICE News spoke to members of the National Super Alliance [NASA] and Jubilee parties about the allegations that surfaced this week.
"I think there is every reason for Kenyans to be outraged," said Norman Magaya, the CEO of the NASA party. "We have been treated to a charade in the form of an election,"
"[The Jubilee Party] have planted seeds of discord that will take generations to heal the way in which we conduct our politics."
Members of President Kenyatta's Jubilee party responded to these allegations saying that these allegations are a "non-starter" and that it would be "impossible" to win an election through data mining.
"All I can say is that anybody who think that that works, let them try it out in the year 2022 and then lose again," said Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju to VICE News.
Cambridge Analytica responded to our request for details regarding their role in the spread of fake news in the Kenyan election: "Cambridge Analytica absolutely rejects allegations made in media reports that it conducted a negative media campaign in the recent Kenyan election or that it was in any way responsible for aggravating ethnic tensions relating to that election."
Bolton 'wants to go to war first, diplomacy second'
All In with Chris Hayes 3/22/18
President Trump's new pick for National Security Adviser, John Bolton, "wants to go to war first, diplomacy second," says former White House Ethics Lawyer under George W. Bush, Richard Painter.
Trump chaos takes out McMaster, alarms with appointment of Bolton
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/22/18
Mark Landler, White House correspondent for the New York Times, talks with Rachel Maddow about Donald Trump firing his second national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, and replacing him with extreme hawk John Bolton.
McFaul on Trump pick Bolton: What he believes in is very scary
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/22/18
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, talks with Rachel Maddow about his concerns about Donald Trump's choice of John Bolton as H.R. McMaster's replacement as national security adviser.
Schiff: Bolton likely to exaggerate Trump's dangerous impulses
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/22/18
Rep. Adam Schiff, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, offers his reaction to the news that Donald Trump intends to make John Bolton his new national security adviser.
As legal team withers, Trump adds cable news legal pundits
The Rachel Maddow Show 3/22/18
As Donald Trump loses his lead Russia lawyer and adds more TV lawyers to his legal team, Rachel Maddow wonders if Trump is preparing a legal defense or a cable news PR campaign.
Lawrence on Bolton and the madness in the White House
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 3/22/18
Chaos in the White House continues as more staff shakeups were announced today. H.R. McMaster is out as National Security Advisor, to be replaced by John Bolton—as is John Dowd, Trump's lead criminal defense attorney in the Russia probe.
W.H. expert on Trump admin: 'The far-right wing has won'
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 3/22/18
So-called adult in the room H.R. McMaster will be replaced as National Security Advisor by John Bolton. Trump's top criminal defense lawyer is out too. NBC News reports Trump may also fire John Kelly. Josh Earnest, Chris Whipple & Ron Klain join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Amb. Wendy Sherman: John Bolton won't be an 'honest broker'
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 3/22/18
Ambassador Wendy Sherman joins Lawrence O'Donnell from Singapore to explain why she believes John Bolton won't be an "honest broker" when presenting information to the president in his new role as National Security Advisor and why that is dangerous for the country.
Trump 'would like to' talk to Mueller, as top lawyer out
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 3/22/18
Trump says he wants to talk to Mueller as his top Russia lawyer leaves his legal team. A new report says Trump associate Roger Stone had direct contact with a Russian agent during the 2016 presidential campaign. Mieke Eoyang & David Corn join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Trump's Lead Lawyer on Russia Investigation Suddenly Resigns
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/23/18
Amid growing disagreements on how to handle the Russia investigation, John Dowd resigned from Team Trump today. NBC News reports the change clears a path for Trump to speak directly with Robert Mueller, something Dowd opposed. NBC News reporter Julia Ainsley and Former U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg discuss.
Robert Costa: 'Everyone who works for Trump is on edge tonight'
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 3/23/18
Breaking news today - President Trump's National Security Adviser and lead personal lawyer on the Russia probe are both out, as chaos continues to dominate the Trump administration. The Washington Post's Robert Costa, NBC News’ Vivian Salama and Politico's Michael Crowley report on the latest shake-ups.
As President Trump continues his White House shake-up, some are raising alarms over the controversial comments of incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton. Brian speaks with former CIA and Pentagon Chief of Staff Jeremy Bash and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jack Jacobs about the foreign policy implications.
Mark Zuckerberg does damage control as the fallout from Facebook's data-sharing scandal continues, and Ronny Chieng weighs in on whether the company betrayed its users' trust.
Parkland Students Discuss Gun Reform, March For Our Lives | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Five students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School discuss the aftermath of their tragedy, offer possible solutions, and look ahead to the March For Our Lives.
Baltimore Teens Speak Out About Underreported Gun Violence - The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper
Published on Mar 22, 2018 by Comedy Central
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh offers transportation to the March For Our Lives, and Kobi Libii meets with students protesting the underreported gun violence in their school.
Seth takes a closer look at Trump's mounting legal woes, including his lead personal attorney quitting, multiple women suing him and Robert Mueller preparing a list of questions to ask him.
Trump announces tariffs on $60bn in Chinese imports The US plans to impose tariffs on up to $60bn (£42.5bn) in Chinese imports and limit the country's investment in the US in retaliation for years of alleged intellectual property theft. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43494001
Cambridge Analytica: MPs recall suspended chief Alexander Nix The suspended chief of Cambridge Analytica has been asked to appear before MPs again amid claims about the company's use of Facebook user data. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee said evidence Alexander Nix gave to its fake news inquiry last month contained "inconsistencies". http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43501815
'Systemic mismanagement': Wall Street analyst rips Facebook apart, saying personnel changes could be on the way Facebook's spate of recent issues indicates it's exhibiting signs of "systemic mismanagement," according to Brian Wieser, a senior analyst at Pivotal Research. Analysts' concerns thus far have been mostly limited to rising costs for Facebook and a slowing of digital advertising growth. But now Wieser is looking at Facebook in a new light, cautioning investors that there may be "operational problems" at the company. Facebook's stock dropped 9.5% over Monday and Tuesday, wiping out about $50 billion off the company's market capitalization, though it was trading up slightly on Wednesday. http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-stock-price-tanks-wall-street-analysts-rips-operational-problems-2018-3
Emmanuel Macron Becomes France’s Answer to Strongman Populism PARIS - The plush red velvet seats of France’s National Assembly are filled with lawmakers who owe just about everything to President Emmanuel Macron. Three-quarters of the 577 members are brand new, swept into power in the wake of his election last year. More than 60 percent are in his camp. Nearly one-third have never held public office, and 38 were under the age of 31 when they entered office. They are perfect foot soldiers for a president with an expansive notion of power and the revolutionary aim of wrenching France’s society and economy into the 21st century. With the assembly firmly in his control, Mr. Macron has had almost unchecked authority to carry out his agenda, even as critics fret that he is building a fawning cult of personality. On Thursday, tens of thousands of railway workers, teachers and air traffic controllers went on strike across France to protest salary freezes for civil servants and Mr. Macron’s pledge to cut 120,000 public-sector jobs and introduce merit-based pay and use more private contractors. But the anger on the streets has found little expression in the legislature, where Mr. Macron has been given free rein to ram through major legislation. [...] https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/22/world/europe/emmanuel-macron-france-national-assembly.html
We read the whole report Republicans just released on the House Intel Committee's Russia investigation — here are the main points Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday released a report detailing their findings in the panel's Russia investigation. The report makes several incomplete assertions that seek to distance President Donald Trump and his 2016 campaign from allegations of collusion with Moscow. Republicans also made numerous suggestions to shore up the US's response to Russia's aggression, including ramping up cyber defenses and empowering state and local officials to secure critical election infrastructure. They also suggested Congress repeal the Logan Act, a centuries-old law that some have speculated may be used to prosecute members of the Trump campaign. http://www.businessinsider.com/republican-house-intelligence-report-distances-trump-russia-2018-3?r=UK&IR=T
False stories claim NASA ‘confessed’ to spreading lithium Some websites are falsely claiming that NASA has “confessed” to “dosing Americans” with lithium and other chemicals. On its website , NASA explains that it does use the materials for wind experiments launched on sounding rockets to the upper atmosphere. The space agency says “the small amounts of vapor tracers that are released in space are not harmful to people or life on the ground.” It notes that the metals used — barium, lithium and aluminum compounds — are also used in fireworks. NASA says a typical July Fourth fireworks display releases far more of the material, much closer to the ground. NASA compares its tests to releasing a harmless dye into a river or stream to study the currents. This is part of The Associated Press’ ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform. Find all AP Fact Checks here: https://www.apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck https://www.apnews.com/f2f70fe4d9cd4039b14ea0596dc885a5/False-stories-claim-NASA-'confessed'-to-spreading-lithium also at https://phys.org/news/2018-03-false-stories-nasa-lithium.html
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
