On October 25, 2025, the White House published the Presidential Message on the 2025 World Series reminiscing how the World Series is held each fall and is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in the US. He notes that baseball requires discipline, precision, and teamwork while uniting generations through shared moments. Soldiers played baseball on Civil War fields, it provided hope during the Great Depression, and families rallied to baseball after 9/11. Baseball reflects US values of hard work, tenacity, and the will to win. In 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays are competing for the Commissioner's Trophy. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump send best wishes to players, coaches, and fans hoping for them all a fun and safe series.
Malaysia has committed to provide significant preferential market access for U.S. industrial goods exports, including chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment, metals, and passenger vehicles, and for U.S. agricultural exports including dairy, horticultural products, poultry, processed products, beverages, pork, rice, and fuel ethanol.
The United States has committed to maintain at 19 percent the reciprocal tariffs first set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, (discussed in my July 23, 2025 ANP Article) on originating goods of Malaysia, and has identified products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, (discussed in my September 6, 2025 ANP Article) to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.
Malaysia has committed to address non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade in priority industrial areas. Malaysia has committed to accepting U.S. manufactured vehicles built to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards; streamlining import licenses for U.S. alloy steel and pipe products and steel-containing goods; streamlining halal requirements for products including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; and addressing U.S. concerns with conformity assessment procedures.
Malaysia has committed to address and prevent non-tariff barriers to U.S. food and agricultural products in the Malaysian market, including by accepting currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities; streamlining halal and facility registration requirements to facilitate imports of U.S. food and agricultural products; and implementation of regionalization of the United States for animal diseases.
Malaysia has committed to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws, including by taking measures to address illegal logging, fisheries subsidies, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and illegal wildlife trade.
Malaysia has committed to increasing enforcement against notorious markets for counterfeiting and piracy.
To protect internationally recognized labor rights, Malaysia has made commitments on preventing forced labor and effectively identifying and addressing labor law violations in sectors with a high-risk of forced labor and child labor.
The United States and Malaysia have finalized commitments by Malaysia to address barriers impacting digital trade, services, and investment. Malaysia has committed to refrain from imposing digital services taxes that discriminate against U.S. companies or requiring U.S. social media platforms and cloud service providers to pay into Malaysia’s domestic fund; ensure the transfer of data across trusted borders, with appropriate protections, for the conduct of business; support a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization ; and remove broadcasting terrestrial airtime restrictions on U.S. programming.
The United States and Malaysia have finalized commitments to address intellectual property protection and enforcement, customs and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises.
The United States and Malaysia have committed to strengthening economic and national security cooperation and to enhancing supply chain resilience and innovation, addressing duty evasion, and cooperating on investment security and export controls.
Malaysia has committed to refrain from banning, or imposing quotas on, exports to the United States of critical minerals or rare earth elements. Malaysia has committed to the expedient development of its critical minerals and rare earths sectors in partnership with U.S. companies, including granting extended operating licenses to create certainty for businesses to increase production capacity. Malaysia has committed to ensure no restrictions are imposed on the sale of rare earth magnets to U.S. companies.
In addition, the United States and Malaysia take note of recent and forthcoming commercial deals between U.S. and Malaysian companies, including:
Procurement of 30 aircraft plus a purchase option for 30 additional aircraft.
Purchase of semiconductors, aerospace components, and data center equipment with an estimated value of USD150 billion.
Purchase of up to 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Liquified Natural Gas estimated at up to USD3.4 billion per year.
Purchase of coal and telecommunication products and services valued at USD204.10 million.
Capital fund investments in the United States of USD70 billion.
The US Department of Treasury is in discussions with the Bank Negara of Malaysia to finalize a currency policy.
On October 26, 2025, the White House released the statement Agreement Between the United States of America and Malaysia on Reciprocal Trade details the provisions of the signed agreement in which shared values are emphasized, friendship and cooperation are recognized, reciprocity is identified, and commercial relationships are strengthened. The agreement is set out in Sections:
Section 1: Tariffs and Quotas which are set out in Schedule 1 Annex I and Schedule 2 Annex I. Quotas in imports of goods originating in the US will not be imposed unless agreed upon by both parties.
Section 2: Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters covering Import Licensing and Technical Regulations, Standards, and Conformity Assessment; Agriculture; Geographical Indications; Cheese and Meat Terms; Intellectual Property; Services; Good Regulatory Practices; Labor; Environment, Customs and Trade Facilitation; and Border Measures and Taxes.
Section 3: Digital Trade and Technology addresses Digital Services Taxes; Facilitation of Digital Trade; Digital Trade Agreements; Market Entry Conditions; and Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions.
Section 4: Rules of Origin intends for the benefits of the agreement to accrue to Cambodia and its people. Cambodia may promulgate measures to implement and administer rules to provide intended tariff treatment to US goods IAW this agreement.
Section 5: Economic and National Security to include: Complementary Actions; Export, Controls, Sanctions, Investment Security, and Related Matters; and Other Measures not otherwise addressed.
Section 6: Commercial Considerations and Opportunities to include Investment; Commercial Considerations; and Purchases.
Section 7: Implementation, Enforcement, and Final Provisions covering: Annexes and Footnotes; Amendments; Enforcement; Termination; and Entry Into Force.
On October 26, 2025, the White House released a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Malaysia Concerning Cooperation to Diversify Global Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Promote Investments acknowledging a common interest in the exploration, development, processing, and end use of critical materials. The purpose of this document is to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals supply chain development and expansion; promote trade; and encourage investment beyond supporting raw materials acquisition. The two countries will cooperate in sharing information, knowledge, and technical expertise on international best practices. Implementation and information sharing will occur during in-person and virtual meetings on a regular basis. The MOU is subject to availability of funds, is not legally binding, and is expected to commence upon signing (which was October 26, 2025).
The accompanying Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Secures Peace and Prosperity in Malaysia explains that Peace between Thailand and Cambodia and Prosperity for Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam through trade deals were accomplished in a single day. Our relationship with Malaysia was enhanced, new opportunities were unlocked with Cambodia, and our relationship with Thailand was strengthened with the signing of the trade deals.
On October 26, 2025, the White House released the statement Agreement Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Cambodia on Reciprocal Trade details the provisions of the signed agreement in which shared values are emphasized, friendship and cooperation are recognized, reciprocity is identified, commercial relationships are strengthened, and acknowledges Cambodia's status of a "least developed country (LDC)" currently. The agreement is set out in Sections:
Section 1: Tariffs and Quotas which are set out in Schedule 1 Annex I and Schedule 2 Annex I. Quotas in imports of goods originating in the US will not be imposed unless agreed upon by both parties.
Section 2: Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters covering Import Licensing and Technical Regulations, Standards, and Conformity Assessment; Agriculture; Geographical Indications; Cheese and Meat Terms; Intellectual Property; Services; Good Regulatory Practices; Labor; Environment, Customs and Trade Facilitation; and Border Measures and Taxes.
Section 3: Digital Trade and Technology addresses Digital Services Taxes; Facilitation of Digital Trade; Digital Trade Agreements; Market Entry Conditions; and Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions.
Section 4: Rules of Origin intends for the benefits of the agreement to accrue to Cambodia and its people. Cambodia may promulgate measures to implement and administer rules to provide intended tariff treatment to US goods IAW this agreement.
Section 5: Economic and National Security to include: Complementary Actions; Export, Controls, Sanctions, Investment Security, and Related Matters; and Other Measures not otherwise addressed.
Section 6: Commercial Considerations and Opportunities to include Investment; Commercial Considerations; and Purchases.
Section 7: Implementation, Enforcement, and Final Provisions covering: Annexes and Footnotes; Amendments; Enforcement; Termination; and Entry Into Force.
Cambodia commits to eliminate tariffs on 100 percent of U.S. industrial goods and U.S. food and agricultural products exported to Cambodia and has already implemented this commitment.
The United States commits to maintain at 19 percent the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, (discussed in my July 23, 2025 ANP Article) as amended, on originating goods of Cambodia, and identifies products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, (discussed in my September 6, 2025 ANP Article) to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.
The United States and Cambodia commit to address Cambodia’s non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade in priority areas, including addressing import licensing; streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals; recognizing U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary measures and other measures for food and agricultural products; and increasing enforcement against notorious markets for counterfeiting and piracy
The United States and Cambodia commit to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in the Cambodian market, including with regard to U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.
Cambodia commits to protecting internationally recognized labor rights. Cambodia will adopt and implement a prohibition on the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and strengthen enforcement of its labor laws.
Cambodia commits to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws, including by taking measures to address illegal logging, fisheries subsidies, illegal fishing, and illegal wildlife trade.
The Agreement includes commitments on digital trade, services, investment, intellectual property, customs and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises.
The United States and Cambodia commit to strengthening economic and national security cooperation and to enhancing supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address duty evasion and cooperating on investment security and export controls.
In addition, the United States and Cambodia take note of the forthcoming commercial deal between U.S. and Cambodian companies:
Air Cambodia commits to working jointly with Boeing in support of Cambodia’s aviation ecosystem development and Air Cambodia’s growth.
It is foreseen that adjustments will be identified, revised, and formalized over the coming weeks as each party reviews and implements the framework.
Thailand will eliminate tariff barriers on approximately 99 percent of goods, covering a full range of U.S. industrial and food and agricultural products.
The United States will maintain at 19 percent the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, (discussed in my July 23, 2025 ANP Article) on originating goods of Thailand, and will identify products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, (discussed in my September 6, 2025 ANP Article) to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.
The United States and Thailand will work together to address Thailand’s non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade. Thailand commits to address barriers to U.S. exports, including by: accepting U.S. manufactured vehicles manufactured to comply with U.S. federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards; accepting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals as sufficient to meet Thailand’s requirements; issuing import permits for U.S. ethanol for fuel; amending its customs laws to remove the customs reward system related to customs breaches and penalties; and adopting and implementing good regulatory practices.
Thailand will address and prevent barriers to U.S. food and agricultural products in the Thai market, including expediting access for U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)-certified meat and poultry products. Thailand will additionally address trade irritants and ensure requirements imposed on U.S. horticultural products, including for distiller dried grains with solubles, are science- and risk-based. Thailand commits to accept currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.
The United States and Thailand will finalize commitments related to protecting internationally recognized labor rights, including by working to amend its law to ensure that workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are fully protected; and strengthen enforcement of its labor laws, including by addressing violations in sectors with a high-risk for forced labor and child labor. Thailand commits to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws, including by: taking measures to combat trade in illegally harvested forest products; encouraging a more resource efficient economy; accepting and fully implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and illegal wildlife trade.
The United States and Thailand will finalize commitments on intellectual property, including on geographical indications. Thailand commits to resolve long-standing intellectual property issues, including regarding enforcement against trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy, rogue collective management organizations, circumvention of technological protection measures, and the patent backlog.
The United States and Thailand will finalize commitments by Thailand to address barriers impacting digital trade, services, and investment. Thailand commits to refrain from imposing digital services taxes or measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or digital products; to ensure the free transfer of data across trusted borders for the conduct of business; to support a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO; to refrain from imposing screen quotas for film; to ease foreign ownership restrictions for U.S. investment in Thailand’s telecommunications sector; and to remove in-country processing requirements for all domestic retail electronic payment transactions for debit cards issued in Thailand.
The United States and Thailand will finalize commitments to address distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises.
The United States and Thailand will strengthen economic and national security cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address unfair trade practices of third parties, and cooperate on export controls, investment security, and combatting duty evasion.
In addition, the United States and Thailand take note of the forthcoming commercial deals between U.S. and Thai companies in the agriculture, energy, and aviation sectors, including:
Purchases of agriculture products, including feed corn, soybean meal, and dried distiller grains with solubles with an estimated value of $2.6 billion per year; Purchases of energy products, including liquefied natural gas, crude oil, and ethane, with an estimated value of $5.4 billion per year; and
Procurement of 80 U.S. aircraft, totaling $18.8 billion.
The agreement will be finalized once all negotiations on revisions are approved by both parties.
On October 26, 2025, the White House published the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand Concerning Cooperation to Diversify Global Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Promote Investments acknowledging a common interest in the exploration, development, processing, and end use of critical materials. The purpose of this document is to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals supply chain development and expansion; promote trade; and encourage investment beyond supporting raw materials acquisition. The two countries will cooperate in sharing information, knowledge, and technical expertise on international best practices. Implementation and information sharing will occur during in-person and virtual meetings on a regular basis. The agreement went into force on October 26, 2025 when both parties signed the MOU.
We reaffirm the unwavering commitment to peace and security between our two countries — as declared in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28, 2025 — and reiterate our firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international boundary and of international law, for the promotion of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region on the basis of mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of our respective nations.
We reaffirm our firm commitment to upholding and implementing the agreements reached by both sides at the General Border Committee meetings.
We signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will comprise personnel from ASEAN Member States with the objective of ensuring the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire. We call on ASEAN Member States to provide the appropriate support to ensure the AOT can successfully meet its objectives.
Furthermore, we committed to de-escalating tensions and restoring confidence and mutually beneficial relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand. To achieve and reinforce these objectives, we agree to the following steps to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, and restoration of peace, security, and stability in the border areas:
Implement military de-escalation under the observation and verification of the AOT, to include the removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment from the border and returning them back to their respective normal military installations. In this context, both sides will designate their respective teams to discuss — with a view to finalizing — a practical and step-by-step action plan which will be under the observation of the Interim Observer Team, and subsequently the AOT once it is established pursuant to the TOR.
Refrain from disseminating or promoting false information, accusations, allegations, and harmful rhetoric, whether through official government channels or unofficial platforms, in order to de-escalate tensions, mitigate negative public sentiment, and foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.
Agree to the full and immediate implementation of confidence-building measures to restore and maintain confidence, mutual trust, and peace along the border; to resolve differences peacefully, in the spirit of good neighborliness, friendship, and solidarity; and to work towards the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Coordinate and implement humanitarian de-mining in the border areas, as agreed by the General Border Committee — without prejudice to the survey and demarcation of land boundary between both countries — to protect civilian lives and contribute to socio-economic development.
Reaffirm our commitment to the settlement of border dispute and border demarcation through peaceful means and international law, refraining from the threat or use of force or any acts of provocation, and recognize the Regional Border Committee, General Border Committee, and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) as the bilateral mechanisms to work through border-related issues through peaceful means, in accordance with their respective mandates, in coordination with local governors, to peacefully manage the situation on the ground, including the issues of alleged encroachment by either side in accordance with the outcome of the discussion under the JBC, and the cessation of all activities which expand the scope of the disputes and further escalate tensions.
Upon effective implementation of above-mentioned measures, both sides will recognize the cessation of active hostilities. Further, as a demonstration of Thailand’s desire to promote mutual confidence and trust, Thailand undertakes to promptly release the prisoners of war.
We agree to enhance cooperation, information sharing, and strategic communications efforts, and strengthen border controls to prevent and suppress transnational crimes that impact both our citizens and the wider international community.
We acknowledge the need to chart a course for a bright future not bound by conflicts of the past. Both Governments reaffirm the commitment to peacefully resolve disputes in full respect for international laws and existing treaties and agreements. The conditions have been created for our nations to look forward and embark on building neighborly relations in keeping with the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter on peaceful conflict resolution, paving the way for a new chapter of peace and cooperation between our two nations.
We express our confidence that this meeting, in the presence of and supported by President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, is a strong foundation for mutual respect and the advancement of peace in the region. We note with deep appreciation President Donald J. Trump’s significant contributions to advancing the restoration of productive bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand.
Vietnam will provide preferential market access for substantially all U.S. industrial and agricultural exports to Viet Nam.
The United States will maintain at 20 percent the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, (discussed in my July 23, 2025 ANP Article) as amended, on originating goods of Viet Nam, and will also identify products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners,(discussed in my September 6, 2025 ANP Article) to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.
The United States and Viet Nam will work constructively in an effort to address both countries’ interests in non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade in priority areas.
Viet Nam has agreed to address many such barriers including, for example, by accepting vehicles built to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards; addressing import licenses for U.S. medical devices; streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. pharmaceutical products; fully implementing Viet Nam’s obligations under certain international intellectual property treaties to which it is a Party; and addressing U.S. concerns with conformity assessment procedures.
The United States and Viet Nam have committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in the Vietnamese market, including with regard to U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.
The United States and Viet Nam will finalize commitments on digital trade, and services and investment
The United States and Viet Nam will engage to address intellectual property, labor, environment, customs and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and any distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises.
The United States and Viet Nam are committed to strengthening cooperation towards our shared goals to enhance supply chain resilience, including addressing duty evasion and cooperating on export controls.
In addition, the United States and Viet Nam take note of recent commercial deals between U.S. and Vietnamese companies in the areas of agriculture, aerospace, and energy.
Vietnam Airlines has agreed to purchase 50 aircraft from Boeing which is worth over $8 billion.
Vietnamese companies have signed twenty memorandums of understanding with U.S. companies to purchase U.S. agricultural commodities, with a total estimated value of over $2.9 billion.
This statement is just the beginning of the process with a goal of a new Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade Agreement between our two countries.
On October 24, 2025, President Trump signed the proclamation Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Mineral Security explains that copper is essential to US National Security designated by EO 14220 of February 25, 2025 (discussed in my June 1, 2025 ANP Article) as it is used in the US energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. On May 13, 2024, the EPA published the "Copper Rule" (89 FR 41648) which imposes new emissions-control requirements on primary copper smelters. The Rule sets a uniform compliance timeline (89 FR 41657). The result of the 2024 Rule left only 2 primary copper smelting operators in business. This proclamation exempts 'certain stationary sources' from the Rule for 2 years. This proclamation is based upon the fact that the technology to implement the Rule does not exist in a commercially viable form.
On October 24, 2025, the White House Office of the First Lady published the statement First Lady Melania Trump Announces Halloween at the White House 2025 announcing the South Lawn of the White House will be open to trick or treaters of all ages from 4 pm to 8:30 pm. Military, law enforcement, foster and adopted, and Administration officials with children are specifically invited.
On October 24, 2025, the White House published the article Airlines, Pilots Demand Action as Democrat Shutdown Pushes Air Travel to the Edge discusses upcoming issues outcomes for air travel due to the Federal government shutdown. The Airline Industries are showing concern for the outcomes of a continued Federal government shutdown especially how this shutdown will affect air cargo. In addition, major unions are calling upon Democrats to reopen the Federal Government (only 6 Democrats are needed to reach the minimum 60 votes to do so):
It is now day 27 of the Schumer Shutdown and the last vote to end the shutdown was held on October 22, 2025:
Oct 22 yea = 54 nay = 46 - the entire Senate put themselves on record with this vote Oct 20 yea = 50 nay = 44 Oct 16 yea = 51 nay = 45 Oct 15 yea = 51 nay = 44 Oct 14 yea = 49 nay = 45 Oct 09 yea = 54 nay = 45 Oct 08 yea = 54 nay = 45 Oct 06 yea = 52 nay = 42 Oct 03 yea = 54 nay = 44 Oct 01 yea = 55 nay = 45 - the entire Senate put themselves on record with this vote Sep 30 yea = 55 nay = 45 - the entire Senate put themselves on record with this vote Sep 19 yea = 44 nay = 48
Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act (S3012) on October 15, 2025. The purpose of the bill is:
To appropriate funds for pay and allowances of excepted Federal employees for periods of work performed during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
The bill is co-sponsored by:
Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC] 10/15/2025 Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] 10/15/2025 Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID] 10/15/2025 Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR] 10/15/2025 Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID] 10/15/2025 Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] 10/15/2025 Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN] 10/15/2025 Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] 10/20/2025 Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] 10/20/2025 Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] 10/20/2025 Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA] 10/20/2025 Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] 10/21/2025 Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK] 10/22/2025
The bill was read in the Senate on October 15, 2025. It was read again in the Senate on October 16, 2025.
SECTION 1. Short title.
This Act may be cited as the “Shutdown Fairness Act”.
SEC. 2. Appropriations.
(a) Definitions.—In this section—
(1) the term “agency” means each authority of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States;
(2) the term “excepted employee”—
(A) means an employee of an agency who the head of that agency determines is an excepted employee or an employee performing emergency work, as those terms are defined by the Office of Personnel Management; and
(B) includes—
(i) a contractor who—
(I) provides support to an employee described in subparagraph (A); and
(II) is required to perform work during a lapse in appropriations, as determined by the head of the agency with respect to which the contractor provides support; and
(ii) a member of the Armed Forces on active duty; and
(3) the term “excepted work” means work performed by an excepted employee during a period during which interim or full-year appropriations for the applicable fiscal year are not in effect for the applicable agency.
(b) Appropriations.—For fiscal year 2026, and any fiscal year thereafter, for any period during which interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for that fiscal year are not in effect for an agency, there are appropriated to the head of the agency, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as are necessary to provide standard rates of pay, allowances, pay differentials, benefits, and other payments otherwise payable on a regular basis to excepted employees of the agency with respect to any period of excepted work performed by the excepted employees.
(c) Termination.—Appropriations and funds made available and authority granted under subsection (b) shall be available to the head of an agency until whichever of the following first occurs:
(1) The enactment into law of appropriations for the agency until the end of the applicable fiscal year (including a continuing appropriation) that provide amounts for the purposes for which amounts are made available under subsection (b).
(2) The enactment into law of appropriations for the agency until the end of the applicable fiscal year (including a continuing appropriation) without any appropriation for such purposes.
(d) Interim continuing appropriations.—Appropriations made available under subsection (b) may not be obligated by the head of an agency during any period during which continuing appropriations for the purposes for which amounts are made available under subsection (b) are in effect for the agency.
(e) Charging to full-year appropriations.—Obligations or expenditures made by the head of an agency pursuant to subsection (b) shall be charged to the applicable appropriation for the agency whenever a regular appropriation bill or a measure making continuing appropriations until the end of the applicable fiscal year for the agency becomes law.
(f) Retroactive effective date.—This Act shall take effect as if enacted on September 30, 2025.
On October 21, 2025 a motion to proceed to consideration of the measure was made followed by a cloture motion on the motion to proceed. The first full Senate vote on this Act was held October 23, 2025 and failed with yeas = 54 and nays = 45.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 S3024 on October 21, 2025. Co-sponsor Republican Senator James Lankford joined the October 22, 2025. The bill was read twice then referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Bill is simple:
SEC. 2. Uninterrupted benefits under supplemental nutrition assistance program.
(a) In general.—In fiscal year 2026, for any period during which interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for that fiscal year have not been enacted for the Department of Agriculture, there are appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as are necessary to provide uninterrupted benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
(b) Retroactive benefits.—The appropriations under subsection (a) shall include any amounts necessary for payment of any missed benefits described in that subsection during the period beginning on September 30, 2025, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Termination.—Appropriations shall be made available pursuant to subsection (a) until the date of enactment into law of appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2026 (including a continuing appropriation).
In Summary:
S3012 pays government workers who are continuing to do their jobs even though they are currently receiving no pay (like the military and air traffic controllers).
S3024 pays for "supplemental nutrition assistance" to non-working people.
It will be interesting to see how Democrats vote on these two bills. So far they have voted against Federal government workers.
Today's Bill of Rights Amendment is Amendment # 7 civil procedure, jury trial according to rules of common law
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
7th Amendment wordsearch puzzle (click to enlarge):
6th Amendment wordsearch puzzle solution (click to enlarge):
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
