Treasury Implements President’s Termination of Syria Sanctions - U.S. Department of Treasury
Provides a New Opportunity for Syria and Accountability for Bashar al Assad and His Supporters
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action to implement President Trump’s historic Executive Order (E.O.) of June 30, 2025, “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,” removing U.S. sanctions on Syria in support of the Syrian people and their new government as they rebuild their country and have the opportunity to become a stable and prosperous nation at peace with itself and its neighbors. Today’s E.O. revokes the Executive orders that previously placed comprehensive sanctions on Syria. The E.O. also ensures continued accountability for the Bashar al-Assad regime, expanding the national emergency declared in E.O. 13894 to allow for the continuation of sanctions against Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and other destabilizing regional actors.
Concurrent with the E.O.’s issuance, OFAC removed 518 individuals and entities from the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List) sanctioned under the Syria sanctions program, lifting sanctions on individuals and entities critical to Syria’s development, the operation of its government, and the rebuilding of the country’s social fabric. OFAC also designated 139 individuals and entities affiliated with the previous regime under E.O. 13894, as further amended, as well as other Iran and Counter Terrorism authorities, ensuring continued accountability for the former al-Assad regime and its abuses.
The circumstances that gave rise to OFAC’s Syria sanctions program, related to the brutal former regime of Bashar al-Assad, have been transformed by developments over the past six months, including the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Today’s E.O. and actions by the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and Department of Commerce advance the U.S. government effort to remove the full architecture of sanctions imposed on Syria.
“In line with President Trump’s promise to deliver sanctions relief for Syria, today’s actions will help provide the country the opportunity to reestablish ties to global commerce and build international confidence,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As we continue to monitor progress on the ground, we remain focused on preventing Assad, his cronies, terrorists, and other illicit actors from attempting to destabilize Syria and the region.”
Sanctions will remain on Bashar al-Assad and his associates, human rights abusers, captagon traffickers, persons linked to Syria’s past proliferation activities, ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates, and Iran and its proxies. For additional information, please see OFAC’s Promoting Accountability for Assad and Regional Stabilization Sanctions Page.
For more information on OFAC’s implementation of the Executive order issued today, please see Frequently Asked Questions 1220-1223.
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TSA Expects over 18.5 Million People to Travel by Air over Busy Fourth of July Holiday - Transportation Security Administration
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is staffed and ready to screen over 18.5 million travelers at the nation’s airport security checkpoints during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. This year’s projection includes Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7, with the highest passenger volume – approximately 2.9 million – expected on Sunday, July 6. TSA screened nearly 3.1 million travelers on Sunday, June 22, the busiest single day in the agency’s history.
“TSA continues to work closely with our industry partners and ensure our airport security checkpoints are fully staffed and prepared to handle the heavy rush of traffic,” said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. “We are deploying technologies and procedures to improve security and enhance the passenger experience, including for families. We ask travelers to pack their patience, especially during peak travel days, as we work to provide maximum hospitality to our customers.”
For families with vacation plans, TSA has practices in place to expedite screening and make traveling with children less stressful.
Children 12 and under may accompany a TSA PreCheck®-enrolled parent or guardian in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.
• Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
• Strollers, baby carriers, and car and booster seats are allowed through the checkpoint but must be screened by X-ray.
• Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.
• Text us at 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or @AskTSA for quick answers to questions about going through the TSA checkpoint.
Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions who require additional assistance may contact TSA Cares by calling (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours in advance of their flight.
Additionally, passengers should bring their REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of IDs to the checkpoint. Since implementing REAL ID on May 7, nearly 94% of passengers are presenting a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport. Travelers can find a full list of acceptable IDs on TSA’s website.
As a reminder, travelers need to “Prepare, Pack, Declare” when flying with firearms. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. TSA encourages all travelers to pack smart by starting with an empty bag and reviewing the list of prohibited items before heading to the airport.
For more information on preparing for airport security screening, visit TSA.gov.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review
• Silicon Metal From Australia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Norway, and Thailand: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Algeria, Egypt, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review and Join Annual Inquiry Service List
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Oleoresin Paprika From India; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Utility Scale Wind Towers From Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Oil Country Tubular Goods From India, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube From China, Mexico, South Korea, and Turkey; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Steel Propane Cylinders From China and Thailand
• Ferrovanadium From China and South Africa; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Barium Carbonate From China; Institution of a Five-Year Review
• Certain Tow-Behind Lawn Groomers and Parts Thereof From China; Institution of a Five-Year Review
• Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod From Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Moldova, and Trinidad and Tobago; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Active Anode Material From the People's Republic of China: Amended Preliminary Determination of Countervailing Duty Investigation
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Final Determination of Countervailing Duty Investigation; Notice of Amended Final Determination; Notice of Amended Countervailing Duty Order, In Part
• Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Third Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Circular Welded Carbon Steel Pipes and Tubes From Thailand: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024________________________________________________________________________________
Vanillin from China Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC - USITC
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of vanillin from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.
Chair Amy Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order and antidumping duty order on imports of these products from China.
The Commission’s public report of Vanillin from China (Inv. Nos 701-TA-728 and 731-TA-1697 (Final), USITC Publication 5646, July 2025) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by August 14, 2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.
Status of proceedings, links to relevant documents, and more information about these investigations can be found at the Commission’s Investigations Database System (IDS).
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New Visa Restriction Policy to Deter and Dismantle Flow of Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs into United States - Department of State
The fentanyl crisis in the United States is unprecedented, with overdoses remaining the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. More than 40 percent of Americans reportedly know someone who has died from an opioid overdose, and in 2024 the United States averaged over 220 overdose deaths daily. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that will apply to family members and close personal and business associates of individuals sanctioned under Executive Order 14059 Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade (E.O. 14059).
Today’s action expands upon existing tools, including sanctions pursuant to E.O. 14059 and visa ineligibilities pursuant to section 212(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for controlled substance traffickers. Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but it will serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities.
The U.S. Department of State will use all necessary tools to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs from entering the United States and harming U.S. citizens.
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USDA Announces the Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade - USDA.gov
(Washington, D.C., June 30, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced risk-based port re-openings for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico beginning as early as July 7, 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following extensive collaboration between USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) experts and their counterparts in Mexico to increase New World Screwworm (NWS) surveillance, detection, and eradication efforts, are set to begin a phased reopening of the southern ports starting with Douglas, Arizona.
Progress has been made in several critical areas since the ports were closed on May 11th, including: resolution of challenges with conducting flights in Mexico that has allowed our team to consistently conduct sterile NWS fly dispersal 7 days each week and dispersal of more than 100 million flies each week. We also sent five teams of APHIS staff to visit/observe and gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s NWS response and allow us the opportunity to share our feedback. We have not seen a notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of NWS over the past eight weeks.
“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk based upon the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico, and if it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.
Port Reopening Timeline *After each reopening USDA will evaluate to ensure no adverse effects arise*
Douglas, AZ – July 7
Columbus, NM – July 14
Santa Teresa, NM – July 21
Del Rio, TX – August 18
Laredo, TX – September 15
USDA is working with Mexico’s National Department of Health, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) on outreach, education, and training efforts to raise awareness and put producers on high alert about NWS, along with utilizing their well-functioning central laboratory for diagnosing cases. While Mexico has made great progress on animal movement controls and surveillance, additional progress will help ensure the remaining U.S. ports reopen. Enhanced animal movement controls to stem illegal animal movements from the south, along with robust surveillance and NWS risk mitigations beyond check points will be critical in pushing back NWS. APHIS technical teams continue to engage with SENASICA to improve the overall NWS posture in Mexico and implement the rigorous steps needed to keep this pest away from our border.
Mexico will also begin renovation of its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa this week, with renovation expected to be completed by July 2026. Renovation of this facility will allow for production of between 60-100 million sterile NWS flies each week. This is a critical step towards reaching the goal of producing the estimated 400-500 million flies each week needed to re-establish the NWS barrier at the Darien Gap.
To ensure that we safely proceed with allowing for movement of animals across the border, only cattle and bison, born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua, or that are treated according to cattle and bison NWS protocol when entering these states will be eligible for import. See USDA APHIS | Importing Live Cattle and Bison from Mexico to the United States for more information on cattle and bison import requirements. In addition, reopening the Del Rio (August 18) and Colombia Bridge (September 15) ports will be contingent on Coahuila and Nuevo Leon adopting the same NWS protocols for cattle and bison as those now required of Sonora and Chihuahua for cattle or bison entering those states.
Equines may import from anywhere in Mexico. They require a 7-day quarantine at the port of entry and must import in accordance with the equine NWS protocol and other requirements detailed on USDA APHIS | Import Horses from Mexico webpage. Approved equine facilities are available at the Santa Teresa, NM port and will be available for entry of horses when that port is reopened.
In May 2025, USDA suspended imports of live cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico into the United States due to the continued and rapid northward spread of NWS. During the weeks of June 2 and June 16, teams of APHIS experts conducted robust onsite assessments of Mexico’s NWS response efforts to fully reassess the risk of NWS incursions to the United States posed by importation of Mexican cattle across our southern border.