Tag Archives: proposed

Congress Approves Funding Bill for U.S. Science Agencies, Defeating Trump’s Proposed Cuts

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The Senate has decisively rejected the Trump administration’s proposal to significantly slash funding for federal scientific agencies. On Thursday, the Senate voted 82-15 to allocate billions more to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) than what was requested by the president.

This bipartisan minibus budget will fund various agencies focused on science and the environment until September 30. The bill had passed the House last week with an overwhelming vote of 397-28.

Following the Trump administration’s budget suggestions would have resulted in catastrophic cuts: a 57% reduction for the NSF, a 47% cut for NASA’s scientific research division, and a 27% decrease for NOAA, which manages the National Weather Service, as stated by Sen. Patty Murray from Washington. As highlighted in Congressional testimony last summer.

The bill is set to be presented to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Despite an overall reduction in spending, the strong bipartisan support underscores a consensus to either maintain the status quo or implement only modest cuts.

Additionally, the legislation includes significant funding boosts for several scientific programs that the Trump administration eyed for elimination, notably NOAA’s satellite program. It also allocates resources to strengthen the workforce of the National Weather Service, which has seen cuts through layoffs and other measures.

This bipartisan effort was spearheaded by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Murray.

In her remarks on the Senate floor, Collins expressed her strong support for the NSF, which provides nearly a quarter of federal funding for essential scientific research, according to their official site.

“I am delighted that we could restore the funding originally proposed for cuts and also address indirect research funding, a priority for me,” Collins stated.

Indirect research costs cover vital expenses such as equipment, operations, maintenance, accounting, and personnel. Earlier this year, the Trump administration sought to redefine the baseline for these costs, but the current budget prevents such changes.

In an overview of the bill, Murray emphasized a boost of $1.67 billion for NOAA and an additional $5.63 billion for NASA compared to Trump’s requests.

“We have stood firm against Trump’s proposed cuts to scientific research, reducing the NSF’s budget by 57%, halving NASA’s science budget, and devastating NOAA and crucial climate research resources,” she remarked in a Senate floor address on Monday. She stated during her speech.

Murray also stressed, “This legislation reinforces Congress’ authority over significant spending decisions.”

When asked about the president’s potential signature, the White House directed NBC News to a previous statement from the Office of Management and Budget. This statement indicated administration support, highlighting that the bill would contribute to overall spending cuts and assist the nation’s journey toward “energy dominance.”

“If the bill is presented to the president in its current form, senior advisers will likely recommend he sign it into law,” read the statement.

Congress will soon review additional minibus bills covering labor, healthcare, national security, and other critical issues. Lawmakers must finalize spending by January 30, the deadline established following a 43-day government shutdown.

In her remarks on Thursday, Collins reiterated her focus on getting the bill signed into law by the deadline to prevent an “unnecessary and extremely damaging government shutdown.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Elon Musk’s Proposed New Political Party Could Target Key Parliamentary Seats

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A new political party that Elon Musk claims he can focus on a select few attainable House and Senate seats while financially supporting crucial votes on pivotal issues amid the slim margins in Congress.

On Friday, the highly-paid CEOs of Tesla and SpaceX reflected on their strategy in a post on X, the social media platform he owns.

“One strategy is to concentrate intensely on just two or three Senate seats and eight to ten congressional districts,” Musk tweeted. As the wealthiest individual following Trump’s second presidential term that began in January, he is navigating severe federal budget cuts. “Considering the razor-thin legislative margins, it is enough to serve as a critical vote against contentious laws, ensuring they truly reflect the will of the people.”



Musk did not mention which specific seat he might be focusing on.

In another post on Friday, Musk conducted a poll coinciding with the US celebration of its 249th Independence Day asking whether his X followers would support his idea of forming a so-called American party to challenge both Republicans and Democrats. As of Saturday morning, over 65% of approximately 1.25 million respondents indicated they were in favor.

“Independence Day is the perfect occasion to ask if you wish to break away from a two-party system (some refer to it as Uniparty)!” Musk also noted in a message accompanying the poll, which he promoted multiple times on Friday.

Musk’s post on Friday follows his investment of $277 million supporting Trump’s campaign for the 2024 presidential election. In return, the Republican president appointed Musk to lead the so-called “government efficiency” initiative, known as Doge.

However, Doge’s actions could potentially lead to a loss of $135 billion in damages, according to a report by Public Services Partnership, a nonpartisan organization focused on researching the federal workforce.

Musk left Doge at the end of May and has recently expressed anger over Trump’s support for a budget proposal that would increase US debt by $330 million. He threatened to withdraw financial backing from any congressional members who endorsed Trump’s spending plan.

The House voted 218-214 in favor of the spending bill, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. In the Senate, Vice President JD Vance broke the 50-50 tie to support a bill endorsed by Trump on Friday, shortly after Musk published a related poll regarding the American party.

The contentious vote on Trump’s spending bill illustrates how closely contested outcomes will be in Congress.

Trump has cautioned Musk, who became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, that opposing his agenda could be personally costly. The president, known for his aggressive immigration policies, has openly discussed the possibility of deporting Musk from the United States and terminating government contracts.

“Without subsidies, Elon would likely have to shut down and return to South Africa,” Trump stated. He posted on his own social media platform.

The president also addressed reporters in Florida, saying, “We may have to put Doge on Elon. Doge is a monster that needs to go back and confront Elon. That’s not too harsh.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Former National Weather Service Director Speaks Out Against Proposed Cuts

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Five former directors of the National Weather Service have expressed serious concerns that further staffing reductions within the agency could result in unnecessary fatalities during extreme weather events such as tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes.

“Our greatest fear is that with the weather offices being severely understaffed, lives that could have been saved will sadly be lost. This is a shared nightmare among those at the forefront of forecasting and the communities who depend on their expertise,” they stated. An open letter was published on Friday.

The former director, who served from 1988 to 2022, noted that staffing levels at the Weather Service decreased by over 10% during critical forecasting periods due to budget cuts from the Trump administration and staffing reductions from agency consolidations.

They also voiced concerns regarding the budget proposal from the Trump administration for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting an outlined Letter to Congress that recommended a $1.52 billion reduction for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the Meteorological Service.

“The NWS workforce is facing intolerable challenges to maintain current service standards,” they remarked. “Some forecast offices are inadequately staffed and may have to resort to limited part-time services.”

Curious about how NWS staffing cuts could lead meteorologists to miss tornado detections? Tune in to Harry Jackson’s report on NBC News Now, airing today at 5pm EST.

Their objections, along with NOAA’s stance on funding cuts at the Weather Bureau, underline the political pressures agencies face as governments aim to downsize. Meteorologists have indicated that reduced staffing has resulted in less effective forecasting.

The letter shared with journalists by a spokesperson and circulated on social media was co-signed by directors from the Elephant Bureau, including Louis Uckellini, Jack Hayes, and Brig Gen. DL Johnson of the US Air Force, alongside Brig. Gen. John J. Kelly Jr. and Colonel Joe from the US Air Force.

Louis Uccelini at a press briefing in Maryland in 2016.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

They remarked: “Having served as a director of the National Weather Service, I understand firsthand the requirements for delivering accurate forecasts. I stand united against further staffing and resource cuts in the NWS and am deeply worried about NOAA’s long-term health.”

In a statement, the weather service indicated it would refrain from discussing internal personnel matters but acknowledged the ongoing staffing challenges.

“We remain committed to providing weather information, forecasts, and warnings in line with our public safety mission,” the statement read. “The National Weather Service is adjusting some services by implementing temporary staffing changes at local forecast offices nationwide to better meet the needs of our citizens, partners, and stakeholders.”

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Recent forecasts for Nebraska amid inclement weather have heightened concerns regarding staffing cuts and prompted calls for Congressional Republicans to take action.

On April 17, as thunderstorms loomed over Iowa and Nebraska, the Valley, Nebraska forecast office near Omaha attempted to launch a special weather balloon at 3 PM to evaluate storm risks, but staffing reductions halted the planned 7 PM launch.

The Valley office was among more than 10 locations where weather services announced the cancellation of balloon launches due to insufficient staffing.

An internal meteorologist noted that a timely balloon launch at 7 PM could have significantly aided in identifying tornado risks sooner. The storm, which posed a threat to the data from the 3 PM balloon, ultimately spawned six tornadoes across eastern Nebraska.

Following the storm, Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) took action to address the situation. During a press conference on April 25, documented by Wowt—a local NBC station in Omaha—he revealed that staffing in the Valley office had decreased from 13 forecasters to just eight.

After bringing this issue to light, Flood reported receiving a call from the White House acknowledging that changes were indeed necessary. Shortly thereafter, the Weather Bureau dispatched two forecasters for temporary assignments to the Valley office.

“We have implemented policy adjustments throughout the country. These temporary assignments can now be utilized by forecasters to address staffing shortages at various weather stations,” Flood mentioned, adding that these measures would become permanent, allowing the Weather Bureau to hire additional staff.

He expressed intentions to propose legislation classifying forecasters as public safety officials, a designation likely to exempt them from federal procurement and staffing cut policies.

“They are undeniably public safety personnel, and it is imperative we act on this in Congress,” Flood declared.

Rick Spinrad, former NOAA administrator for President Joe Biden, pointed out that the Weather Service should not be viewed as a target for budget cuts.

“Weather services cost every American just a cent per day,” Spinrad stated.

The staffing reductions have implications extending beyond just weather balloon launches. Last month, the Weather Services office in Sacramento, California, informed local media partners of its decision to cut overnight staffing and cease responding to public inquiries.

On Friday, one former manager expressed concern that further cuts might exacerbate stress levels in overnight staffing.

“The worst-case scenario is if a severe storm develops after midnight,” he cautioned, adding that decisions made overnight by the Weather Bureau and local emergency teams could be critical for issuing tornado warnings. “There are now significant gaps in the entire weather service, which is a troubling reality.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA’s Proposed 2026 Budget Cuts $6 Billion, Mainly Impacting Science Programs

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On Friday, the White House unveiled a budget proposal outlining significant reforms at NASA as part of its initiative to secure $163 billion in federal funding.

The suggested reductions include a nearly 25% cut, translating to over $6 billion, from NASA’s budget. The most substantial decreases target the agency’s Space Science, Earth Science, and Mission Support divisions.

The blueprint also advocates for a space launch system rocket and Orion spacecraft aimed at returning astronauts to the moon, but proposes to terminate the program after just two more missions.

The SLS Megarocket and Orion Spacecraft were fundamental components of NASA’s Artemis Moon initiative, named after the Greek goddess associated with the moon. This mission aimed to create a base camp on the lunar surface and facilitate regular missions.

Critics have pointed out that the SLS rocket exceeds the scale and capabilities of the historic Saturn V booster used in the Apollo missions, resulting in significant delays and budget overruns.

President Donald Trump’s budget draft seeks to terminate the Artemis II test flight, expected to launch in early 2026, as well as the Artemis III mission, planned for mid-2027.

A document outlining the budget requests indicates a shift in NASA’s funding priorities aimed at “returning to the moon and placing the first human on Mars.”

The proposal envisions a hub for space stations in lunar orbit, along with the cancellation of the lunar gateway project, which was intended to play a crucial role in upcoming deep-space missions.

Other significant changes include a $2.265 billion reduction in NASA’s Space Science budget, a $1.161 billion cut in Earth Science funding, and a $5 billion decrease for the International Space Station.

Additionally, these budget cuts will shrink the size of the crew aboard the space station and limit scientific research capabilities, while preparing for its decommissioning by 2030, as part of a transition to commercial space stations, dependent on budget requirements.

In an internal email obtained by NBC News, NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, stated that the proposed budget “demonstrates the administration’s backing for our mission and sets the foundation for our next significant accomplishment.”

She encouraged NASA employees to “exercise patience, resilience, and the discipline needed to achieve unprecedented feats,” acknowledging the budgetary constraints as “difficult choices” that would result in some activities being discontinued.

Among other points, Petro highlighted that under the discretionary budget, NASA would dissolve the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft programs, as well as the gateway initiative, and halt funding for the Mars sample return project.

Petro’s communications did not specify which aerospace and defense contractors might gain or lose federal support due to these proposed changes. However, companies such as SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, and the United Launch Alliance (a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin) are positioned as leading launch providers in the absence of the SLS.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Experts Question Kennedy’s Proposed Timeline for Discovering Autism’s Cause

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National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed on Thursday to assemble experts from around the world to investigate the reasons behind the increasing rate of autism in the United States.

“We have initiated an extensive testing and research initiative involving hundreds of scientists globally,” Kennedy declared during a cabinet meeting hosted by President Trump. “By September, we will have identified the causes of the autism epidemic and will be able to eliminate those exposures.”

“This will be a significant press conference,” Trump responded.

However, scientists who have dedicated years to uncovering the cause of autism expressed doubts about Kennedy’s proposed timeline.

They noted the complexities involved in identifying a singular cause in potential contributors like pesticides, air pollution, and maternal diabetes.

Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and expert in environmental toxins, cited the current extensive layoffs and reductions in Kennedy’s research at the Department of Health and Human Services as a reason to question such swift progress.

“It is hard to envision a significant scientific breakthrough by September, especially with the current pause of various other pediatric illness research at hospitals and medical schools due to funding cuts from HHS,” Landrigan remarked.

Kennedy’s office did not provide many specifics about the plan initially. Later that day, Kennedy offered more insights, indicating that the National Institutes of Health would lead the initiative.

He mentioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be central to the effort. I’ll release the data soon, showing an increase in autism diagnoses in one in every 31 children. Many experts believe the rise in autism rates is due to heightened awareness of the spectrum of disorders and expanded diagnostics.

“We are receiving inquiries from scientists nationwide and globally,” Kennedy stated. In an interview with Fox News. “All factors are being considered—from our food system to water, air quality, child-rearing practices, and other changes that may have contributed to this epidemic.”

In an interview, Kennedy also mentioned the intention to compare autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Many scientists dismiss this approach, pointing out that parents who vaccinate their children are more likely to seek diagnoses due to increased interactions with healthcare providers.

Numerous researchers and scientists have long worked to find the cause of autism. They have started to identify factors like pesticide exposure, solvents in the workplace, maternal infections during pregnancy, maternal diabetes, and exposure to chemicals like phthalates and PFA, known for their persistent nature in the environment.

Studies have indicated that environmental exposures may interact with human genes in varying ways, underscoring the complexity of autism. Dr. Hertz-Picciotto added that obtaining funding for clinical studies into autism causes is challenging, but new research could propel the field forward, although it may take years.

Describing all the research to be completed by September as “silly,” Dr. Alice Kuo, chief of pediatric medicine for autism at the University of California, Los Angeles, mentioned her involvement in a longstanding NIH project that investigated children’s health nationwide.

The study, which followed thousands of children and parents to uncover potential autism causes, was costly and prematurely terminated, according to Dr. Kuo.

She emphasized that planning and designing a study would take months, and unraveling the answers would require years of research.

In a social media post, Kennedy thanked the president and the Make America Healthy Commission for their support. The commission was established by executive order in February to assess threats to children from various exposures and propose a strategy to address the findings.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Tax credit proposed to assist homeowners affected by natural climate-related disasters

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On Tuesday, two U.S. senators introduced a bill with the goal of reducing damage to homes and communities caused by floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters by offering federal tax credits.

The bill, proposed by D-Calif. and R-Mont. lawmakers Adam Schiff and Tim Sheehy, aims to provide tax credits to incentivize people to upgrade their homes with improved protections against major disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

The bipartisan legislation, known as the Increased Resilience, Environmental Weathering, and Enhanced Firewall Act, seeks to enhance community resilience in the face of increasing climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe floods, hurricanes, and other disasters across the nation.

Speaking to NBC News, Schiff explained that the proposed law was inspired by the devastating fires in Southern California and aims to address the growing insurance crisis in disaster-prone areas where insurance companies are pulling out of the market.

The bill proposes a federal tax credit that covers 50% of the cost of home resilience upgrades, including measures like underground sealed walls, automatic shutoff valves for water and gas lines, and fireproof roofing materials.

To qualify for the tax credits, states must have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past ten years, ensuring that the bill not only benefits recent disaster victims but also helps all Americans mitigate risks from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Sheehy, who collaborated with Schiff on the legislation, emphasized that the bill aims to lower financial barriers for individuals seeking to protect themselves from extreme weather events and their property.

The tax credits are capped at $25,000 for families earning under $200,000 annually, with a phased-out limit for higher-income households. Families earning less than $300,000 could receive up to $12,500 in credits.

According to Schiff, the tax credits will be fully refundable and adjusted for inflation starting in 2026.

Schiff highlighted the importance of targeting relief to those most in need and aiming to reduce costs in disaster-prone regions by incentivizing resilient building practices through tax credits.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Skype Shutdown Brings Back Fond Memories: “The Day I Proposed”

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microsoft announced Sunset Skype on the last day of February. By the time Death Knell paid, the video chat software that once revolutionized communications has become a ghost of its former self. Experts yelled half-baked tributes for the platform Microsoft has spent years neglecting, but few were surprised.


“The fact that Skype has been integrated into other Microsoft platforms, and that it has been redesigned to resemble other Microsoft Solutions, or included in user bundled commercial products, also clearly shows that Microsoft has long decided to discontinue the service despite user losses.” University of London.


But for long-awaited users of Skype, and those who have stopped it, yet still thought it was nostalgia, the coming end of Skype, which will be closed on May 5th, is a moment worthy of approval. Skype was a reminder of a bygone era and a source of inspiration for many. When there were few affordable means of making international appeals, it promoted relations across the ocean.

One nostalgic Guardian leader composed the song based on the familiar Skype ring. Michael Frischkop, professor at the University of Albert School of Music and director of the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology, created a Skype theme song and a short symphony in 2020. “It was originally for film scores (although it was never used that way),” Frishkopf wrote in an email.

“Skype has always been a tool to connect from isolation and it surprised me that many people probably associate it with being far from their loved ones,” Frishkopf said. “That Skype ringtone, I don't know who made it, but it has a kind of oddity. It can go either way, major or minor, either way. Likewise, it may sound happy or sad. It can represent sadness that longs for someone and the joy that connects with them. [Skype] It can cause a sense of loss for people because it is permanently declining.”

Skyping (orchestra)

Michael Frishkopf

Sorry, the browser does not support audio, but download it here to $https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2025/03/05/skyping_(orchestral)_-_ composed_by_michael_frishkopf.mp3


Inspired by Frishkopf's email, the Guardian asked readers to share their Skype memories. What they explained in touch with the tribute was technology that allowed parents to connect with their children, and startup founders to communicate across the ocean and the time zone, allowing two proposals.




Melanie Hegger. Photo: Melany Heger

A mother at home who has found a new career

I used Skype extensively as a way to contact clients when I had an intermediate career shift. It was 2019 and I started working again. I spent 10 years as a full-time mom. Before I started working online, I felt it was impossible to work and stay home for my kids. I can say that Skype has opened up a world of possibilities for me.

– Melanie Heger of Manila, Philippines

A couple that I proposed to date on Skype




Holly and her husband's wedding band Photo: Holly

I proposed to my Swedish husband and to my Swedish husband using sticky notes. We got married on 5-5-15. Skype will terminate the service on the same day. It's so sad, I especially liked it because it was from my husband's hometown Sweden. Skype played a major role in our lives to maintain our connections while we were dating.

– Holly, Iowa

Proposed phone bill for young teens faces opposition from government ministers, sparking safety concerns

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After facing opposition from education secretaries Peter Kyle and Bridget Phillipson, the bill seeking to ban addictive smartphone algorithms targeting young teenagers was weakened.

The Safer Phone Bill, introduced by Labour MP Josh McAllister, is set to be discussed in the Commons on Friday. Despite receiving support from various MPs and child protection charities, the government has opted to further investigate the issue rather than implement immediate changes.

Government sources indicate that the new proposal will be accepted, as the original bill put forward by McAllister did not receive ministerial support.

The government believes more time is needed to assess the impact of mobile phones on teenagers and to evaluate emerging technologies that can control the content produced by phone companies.

Peter Kyle opposes the major bill, which would have been the second online safety law some advocates were hoping for.

Although not fundamentally against government intervention on this issue, a source close to Kyle mentioned that the work is still in its early stages.

The original proposal included requirements for social media companies to exclude young teens from their algorithms and limit addictive content for those under 16. However, these measures were removed from the final bill.

Another measure to ban mobile phones in schools was also dropped after objections from Bridget Phillipson, who believes schools should self-regulate. There are uncertainties regarding potential penalties for violations.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has been vocal about addressing the issue of addictive smartphones, publicly supporting McAllister’s bill.

The revised Private Membership Bill instructs Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty to investigate the health impacts of smartphone use.


McAllister hopes that the bill will prompt the government to address addictive smartphone use among children more seriously, rather than just focusing on harmful or illegal content.

If the Minister commits to adopting the new measures as anticipated, McAllister will not push for a vote on the bill.

The government has pledged to “publish a research plan on the impact of social media use on children” and seek advice from the UK’s chief medical officer on parents’ management of their children’s smartphone and social media usage.

Polls indicate strong public support for measures restricting young people’s use of social media, with a majority favoring a ban on social media for those under 16.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Citizens in Georgia rally against proposed construction of major monkey breeding facility in their community.

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Residents are expressing concerns about the facility itself and the potential for monkeys to escape, which has occurred in the past. Similar incidents have been reported at other facilities in the United States, including one operated by Oregon Health & Science University. In Portland, there have been no reports of harm to nearby residents,

“We’re facing a jungle – the noise, the smell, the risk of disease,” stated Penny Reynolds, who resides across the street from the land designated for the Bainbridge facility.

Safer Human Medicine has reassured residents that they take all necessary precautions to ensure that all waste remains on-site and is sent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, and that most of the noise is contained on-site with no detectable odors.

Greg Westergaard, the CEO of monkey breeder Alpha Genesis, mentioned that establishing a monkey facility entails significant effort.

“It would involve extensive training and infrastructure,” he explained. “There will be unpleasant odors and wastewater from cleaning.”

Residents of Bainbridge point to the backgrounds of several executives at Safer Human Medicine, two of whom previously held leadership roles at companies that were under investigation, as a reason to be skeptical of their efforts.

CEO of Safer Human Medicines, Jim Harkness, is the chief operating officer of Envigo. He recently pleaded guilty. Thousands of dogs were abandoned, leading to a $35 million fine. Former Chief Operating Officer Kurt Derfler has left Charles River Laboratories. The Department of Justice issued a subpoena The probe was part of an inquiry into the potential smuggling of wild monkeys from Cambodia, and Charles River Laboratories stated at the time that any concerns about its involvement were “unwarranted.”

Neither Mr. Harkness nor Mr. Derfler faced individual charges related to those incidents.

Safer Human Medicine declined an interview request. “Envigo was functioning under unprecedented circumstances brought on by the pandemic,” they said in an email. They also stated that “we have been committed to operating responsibly and ethically in this field for decades and will continue to do so.”

Long-tailed macaques, also known as crab-eating macaques, are climbing the pillar in Indonesia in 2023.Chaidir Mahyudin/AFP via Getty Images file

Safer Human Medicine has stated that they do not use wild-caught macaques. Herpes BThe macaques will be sourced from Asia, but the specific location has not been disclosed.

Community activism in Bainbridge has made an impact. What was initially promoted as a “significant investment” is now overseen by Rick McCaskill, executive director of the Bainbridge and Decatur County Development Authority. Approximately $400 million and 260 jobs Things took a turn quickly. Following pushback from the community, Bainbridge leaders decided in February to Withdraw support for the Safer Human Medicine Project.

“The division and fear within the community seemed to outweigh the benefits of the project,” McCaskill remarked.

Monkeys used for research are housed at seven national primate research centers, each with its own breeding colonies, as well as other facilities across the country. While the national primate research centers mostly utilize rhesus macaques, pharmaceutical companies tend to prefer long-tailed macaques, which Safer Human Medicine intends to use.

Animal testing for drug development was formerly mandatory in the United States, but President Joe Biden will lift the ban in 2022. FDA Modernization Act 2.0 Signed into LawAllow non-animal options where possible. Several members of Congress voted this year to The bill was submitted. We advocate for a shift away from animal testing.

“There are various alternatives available today, such as AI, computer models, and organs on chips,” stated Jim Newman, spokesperson for the American Association for Medical Progress, a group that supports animal testing when necessary, “but current options can only reduce the number of animals to a certain extent.”

An artist’s rendering of a monkey enclosure proposed for Bainbridge, Georgia.Safer Human Medicines

Currently, researchers still rely on monkeys for certain tests, and some animal researchers cite a U.S. Shortage of long-tailed macaques — Imports reportedly dropped by over 20% in 2020 due to China halting exports, leading to a surge in prices of long-tailed macaques.

Safer Human Medicine believes that their proposed facility can address the monkey shortage, intending to start with 500 to 1,000 monkeys and then expand. They stated that the facility would be funded by industry and private donors in the US, without specifying them.

The extent of opposition from local residents to the facility remains unclear. Some local politicians who opposed the facility lost recent elections, but it is uncertain if their defeat was linked to their stance.

Nevertheless, Faircloth asserted that her group has no intention of backing down.

“If we don’t stand up for our rights, they will walk all over us,” she declared. “And we can’t allow that to happen.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Impact of the EU’s Proposed AI Regulation Law on Consumers | Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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The European Parliament has approved the EU’s proposed AI law, marking a significant step in regulating the technology. The next step is formal approval by EU member states’ ministers.

The law will be in effect for three years, addressing consumer concerns about AI technology.

Guillaume Cournesson, a partner at law firm Linklaters, emphasized the importance of users being able to trust vetted and safe AI tools they have access to, similar to trust in secure banking apps.

The bill’s impact extends beyond the EU as it sets a standard for global AI regulation, similar to the GDPR’s influence on data management.

The bill’s definition of AI includes machine-based systems with varying autonomy levels, such as ChatGPT tools, and emphasizes post-deployment adaptability.

Certain risky AI systems are prohibited, including those manipulating individuals or using biometric data for discriminatory purposes. Law enforcement exceptions allow for facial recognition use in certain situations.

High-risk AI systems in critical sectors will be closely monitored, ensuring accuracy, human oversight, and explanation for decisions affecting EU citizens.

Generative AI systems are subject to copyright laws and must comply with reporting requirements for incidents and adversarial testing.

Deepfakes must be disclosed as human-generated or manipulated, with appropriate labeling for public understanding.

AI and tech companies have varied reactions to the bill, with concerns about limits on computing power and potential impacts on innovation and competition.

Penalties under the law range from fines for false information provision to hefty fines for breaching transparency obligations or developing prohibited AI tools.

The law’s enforcement timeline and establishment of a European AI Office will ensure compliance and regulation of AI technologies.

Source: www.theguardian.com