Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team has read this week.
Boeing Tax Break: WA State Legislators have introduced a bill which would cancel an aerospace tax break for Boeing, but would also help the manufacturer avoid European tariffs. It would also protect WA agriculture from EU tariffs. More at Seattle Times.
Pardon Spree: This week President Trump has pardoned several convicted felons including former Illinois Governor Bob Blagojevich and others. More at Washington Post.
Roger Stone Trial: Roger Stone will face a sentencing hearing for impeding the 2016 investigation into Russian election interference. More at Washington Post.
Germany Attacks: 9 victims were killed on Wednesday night in a shooting at two German shisha bars. Chancellor Angela Merkel said there are indications that the attack was racially-motivated. 5 of the victims were Turkish citizens, and the Government of Turkey is pushing the German government to investigate quickly. More at BBC.
Intelligence Community: President Trump has appointed Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to be Acting Director of National Intelligence, the position which oversees all US intelligence. Notably, Acting Director Grenell is believed to be the first openly-LGBT member of Trump’s cabinet. Critics have argued that he does not have intelligence or significant high-level management experience. However, he has previously served in several government roles including at the US Mission to the UN. He is limited to serve for 210 days in an Acting capacity. More at NPR.
Diamond Princess: Two elderly passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship have died after contracting coronavirus. Passengers are slowly being allowed to disembark the cruise ship after being cleared following a two week quarantine in Japan. Several dozen passengers have tested positive, however. Communications from people on the ship describe a chaotic experience onboard. More at USA Today.