Thursday, May 23, 2019

Statement from the Press Secretary


Office of the Press Secretary

Statement from the Press Secretary 

 

Today, at the request and recommendation of the Attorney General of the United States, President Donald J. Trump directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation into surveillance activities during the 2016 Presidential election. The Attorney General has also been delegated full and complete authority to declassify information pertaining to this investigation, in accordance with the long-established standards for handling classified information. Today’s action will help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last Presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions.


Memorandum on Agency Cooperation with Attorney General's Review of Intelligence Activities Relating to the 2016 Presidential Campaigns

Office of the Press Secretary
May 23, 2019
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
            THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
            THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
            THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
            THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
            THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
            THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
            THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
          
SUBJECT:    Agency Cooperation with Attorney General's Review of Intelligence Activities Relating to the 2016 Presidential Campaigns


By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:

    Section 1.  Agency Cooperation.
   The Attorney General is currently conducting a review of intelligence activities relating to the campaigns in the 2016 Presidential election and certain related matters.  The heads of elements of the intelligence community, as defined in 50 U.S.C. 3003(4), and the heads of each department or agency that includes an element of the intelligence community shall promptly provide such assistance and information as the Attorney General may request in connection with that review.

   
 Sec. 2.  Declassification and Downgrading.   With respect to any matter classified under Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009 (Classified National Security Information), the Attorney General may, by applying the standard set forth in either section 3.1(a) or section 3.1(d) of Executive Order 13526, declassify, downgrade, or direct the declassification or downgrading of information or intelligence that relates to the Attorney General's review referred to in section 1 of this memorandum.  Before exercising this authority, the Attorney General should, to the extent he deems it practicable, consult with the head of the originating intelligence community element or department.  This authority is not delegable and applies notwithstanding any other authorization or limitation set forth in Executive Order 13526.  

    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.
   (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

        (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

        (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  The authority in this memorandum shall terminate upon a vacancy in the office of Attorney General, unless expressly extended by the President.

    (d)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (e)  The Attorney General is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.



                        DONALD J. TRUMP
 

1600 Daily The White House • May 23, 2019 Why Americans Lost Faith in Washington


1600 Daily
The White House • May 23, 2019

Why Americans lost faith in Washington  


It’s little wonder why 77 percent of Americans across the political spectrum disapprove of Congress’ job performance, according to the latest survey from Gallup.

On January 3, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) took over as Speaker of the House for the second time in her career. In the four and a half months since, Americans have gotten another close look at what career politicians do best: anything but solve real problems.

For more than two years, Congressional Democrats excused inaction by attacking President Donald J. Trump every day for a crime he did not commit. The Mueller Report—a 400-page document that cost American taxpayers at least $35 million—recommended no charges against the President. That should have ended the matter.
 
🎬 Press Secretary Sarah Sanders: “At some point . . . it’s time to move on.” 

Instead, Democrats have a new obstruction strategy: weaponize the subpoena powers of Congress to fish for political ammunition to use against the Trump Administration.

It’s a cynical ploy and a dangerous precedent, but cynical ploys make for good TV drama. So while President Trump asks Congressional Democrats to set politics aside and work with him on infrastructure, immigration, stronger trade deals, and more, Democrat leaders know they can keep the media focused on political theater, not policy.

Washington loves the distraction tactic because it works in the short-term. The mainstream media always plays along, and it denies any accomplishments or progress that could risk making an opponent look good. The price tag—broken trust—comes later.

Here is the real cost of Washington’s never-ending obstruction drama:
  • Today, 4 percent of Americans say they have a great deal of trust in Congress.
     
  • In 2016, Americans’ confidence in mass media hit its lowest level in history.
     
  • Between 1958 and 2015, public trust in Washington plunged from 73 to 18 percent.
     
Congress now has a decision: perpetuate the cycle of broken promises, or put aside the stunts and work with President Trump on areas of bipartisan agreement. What Democrats choose to do next will shape Americans’ faith in Washington for a generation.

Watch: Democrat leaders face a choice, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders says

First Lady visits wounded warriors at Walter Reed 


Yesterday, First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to spend time with wounded American service members.

She had the honor of presenting the Purple Heart to a wounded warrior recently injured in combat. The service member’s family was on hand to witness the moment. “I want to thank the service members I met today,” Mrs. Trump said. “As each of them recovers, we are reminded of the cost of our country’s security.”

Americans are grateful for that sacrifice, she added. “The President and I will always stand with our men and women in uniform.”

In photos: First Lady Melania Trump visits Walter Reed Medical Center

President Trump stands up for America’s farmers


Today, President Trump took more action to defend our Nation’s farming community. In the face of China’s years-long trade war on America, the President has authorized the Department of Agriculture to provide up to $16 billion to support America’s farmers.

We’re taking swift action to remedy all of the injustice that’s been done over the years,” the President said today, and “will help keep our cherished farms thriving.”

See how President Trump is fighting harder for farmers than any president before.

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour
President Trump delivers remarks on supporting farmers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House | May 23, 2019

Six Nominations and One Withdrawal Sent to the Senate

Office of the Press Secretary
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

     Stephen R. Bough, of Missouri, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring December 10, 2021, vice Roger L. Hunt, term expired.

     Brian Callanan, of New Jersey, to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury, vice Brent James McIntosh.

     Brent James McIntosh, of Michigan, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury, vice David Malpass, resigned.

     Erin Elizabeth McKee, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Solomon Islands and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Vanuatu.

     Elizabeth J. Shapiro, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Lee F. Satterfield, term expired.

     LaJuana S. Wilcher, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, vice Chester John Culver.

WITHDRAWAL SENT TO THE SENATE:

     Scott A. Mugno, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor, vice David Morris Michaels, which was sent to the Senate on January 16, 2019.


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PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT OUR SOCIAL SAFETY NET AND PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR NON-CITIZENS

Office of the Press Secretary

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT OUR SOCIAL SAFETY NET AND PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR NON-CITIZENS

 

“To protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient.” – President Donald J. Trump


PROMOTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY: President Donald J. Trump is enforcing existing restrictions on welfare use by non-citizens in order to promote self-sufficiency.  

  • President Trump signed a memorandum to ensure agencies fully enforce restrictions in place under current law on the use of income-based welfare programs by non-citizens.
    • Under current law, individuals sponsoring a non-citizen must take on financial responsibility for any income-based welfare benefits they receive. 
  • The President is directing agencies to issue guidance to ensure income-based welfare payments are recovered from the sponsor.
    • Agencies will ensure sponsors are advised of their financial obligations under the law.
    • Cases where the sponsor fails to pay the lawfully required reimbursements will be referred for collection procedures in accordance with the law.
  • The national policy signed into law by President Clinton in 1996 made clear that aliens should “not depend on public resources to meet their needs.”
  • President Clinton signed legislation to require that the sponsor of a non-citizen be requested to reimburse any income-based welfare benefits the non-citizen receives.
    • This legislation, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, was supported by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).
  • President Clinton also signed legislation requiring the sponsor’s financial resources to be considered when determining whether a non-citizen is eligible for income-based welfare. 
    • This legislation, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, was supported by top Congressional Democrats.
ABUSE OF THE WELFARE SYSTEM: Rampant welfare abuse by non-citizens is straining the social safety net and jeopardizing benefits needed by the most vulnerable American citizens.
  • Vast numbers of non-citizens and their families take advantage of our welfare programs.
    • 78 percent of households headed by a non-citizen with no more than a high school education use at least one welfare program.
    • 58 percent of all households headed by a non-citizen use at least one welfare program.
    • 50 percent of all non-citizen headed households include at least one person who receives health insurance through Medicaid.
  • Welfare payments to sponsored aliens put further stress on our Nation’s safety net programs.   
MERIT-BASED IMMIGRATION: This is the latest step by the Trump Administration to ensure that those coming to our country are self-sufficient and do not strain our public resources.  
  • Under our current immigration system, two-thirds of immigrants entering the United States do so based on family ties rather than on skill or merit.
  • This follows the President’s proposed housing rule that would require verification of the immigration status of anyone who seeks to access housing benefits.
  • A merit-based immigration system would further ensure that immigrants make positive contributions to the United States.
  • Americans widely agree with the President, with around 73 percent of Americans supporting requirements that immigrants be able to support themselves financially.  
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Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens

Office of the Press Secretary
May 23, 2019

 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
            THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
            THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
            THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
            THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
            THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
            THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
            THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
            THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
            THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION
            THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
            THE COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY
            THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND
              BUDGET
            THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR DOMESTIC
             POLICY

SUBJECT:    Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens


    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

    Section 1.  Purpose.
   A key priority of my Administration is restoring the rule of law by ensuring that existing immigration laws are enforced.  The immigration laws currently require that, when an alien receives certain forms of means-tested public benefits, the government or non-government entity providing the public benefit must request reimbursement from the alien's financial sponsor.  These laws also require that, when an alien applies for certain means-tested public benefits, the financial resources of the alien's sponsor must be counted as part of the alien's financial resources in determining both eligibility for the benefits and the amount of benefits that may be awarded.  Financial sponsors who pledge to financially support the sponsored alien in the event the alien applies for or receives public benefits will be expected to fulfill their commitment under law.

Several major means-tested public benefits programs -- including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) -- require updated procedures and guidance to ensure that the requirements of existing law are enforced.  The purpose of this memorandum is to direct relevant agencies to update or issue procedures, guidance, and regulations, as needed, to ensure that ineligible non-citizens do not receive means-tested public benefits, in better compliance with the law.

  
  Sec. 2 Background. Since December 19, 1997, the Congress has required an alien's sponsor to sign an affidavit of support under section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) pledging financial support for the sponsored alien in the event the sponsored alien applies for or receives means-tested public benefits.

Section 213A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a) also requires that upon notification that a sponsored alien has received any means tested public benefit, the appropriate government or non government entity that provided such benefit shall request reimbursement from the sponsor in an amount equal to the unreimbursed cost of such benefit.

Section 421 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1631) states that when an alien with an affidavit of support under section 213A of the INA applies for any benefit under a Federal means-tested public benefits program, the income and resources of the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse are deemed to be income and resources of the alien for purposes of determining both the alien's eligibility for the benefits and the amount of public benefits that may be awarded to the alien.

These deeming and reimbursement requirements are subject to several important statutory exceptions for aliens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty (8 U.S.C. 1631(f)) or who would be unable to obtain food and shelter without the public benefits (8 U.S.C. 1631(e)), for children and pregnant women who are lawfully residing in the United States and receiving medical assistance from a State under the Children's  Health Insurance Program or Medicaid (42 U.S.C. 1396b(v)(4)), and for aliens receiving SNAP benefits who are members of the sponsor's household or are under 18 years old (7 U.S.C. 2014(i)(2)(E)).

Currently, agencies are not adequately enforcing these requirements.  Some agencies have insufficient procedures and guidance for implementing these reimbursement and deeming requirements of the immigration laws.  For example, the Department of Health and Human Services has not adequately issued guidance on either sponsor reimbursement or sponsor deeming for the Medicaid program.  Even in cases in which some guidance exists -- such as for the Supplemental Security Income, TANF, and SNAP programs -- increased oversight and updates to current data collection efforts will ensure more effective compliance.

Ensuring compliance with the rule of law requires renewed efforts to enforce these requirements and the issuance of appropriate guidance so agency practices and enforcement can be aligned with Federal law.

 Sec. 3 Issuance of Guidance and Procedures; Implementation 
 (a)  No later than 90 days after the date of this memorandum, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services shall take all appropriate steps to enforce section 213A of the INA.  Such enforcement efforts shall include:

        (i)   establishing or updating, as appropriate, procedures and guidance on the reimbursement obligations of sponsors; and

        (ii)  providing such procedures and guidance to all entities involved in enforcement effort actions, including the Federal and State officials responsible for administering any means-tested public benefit programs under the respective purview of each Secretary.

    (b)  The guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section should include, as appropriate and consistent with law:

        (i)    procedures for recovering reimbursement from an alien's financial sponsor for means-tested public benefit payments made to an alien;

        (ii)   procedures for notification to the sponsor of amounts owed in reimbursement and any procedures related to appeal, payment plans, non-response, and non-reimbursement;

        (iii)  procedures for notifying the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security of sponsor's non payment and procedures for requesting that the Attorney General bring a civil action against the sponsor;

        (iv)   procedures for data sharing with Federal agencies, as appropriate and consistent with law;

        (v)    procedures for how the income and resources of the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse will be deemed attributable to the alien in determining eligibility for the means-tested public benefit and the amount of benefits that may be awarded; and

        (vi)   procedures for determining whether any exceptions to the deeming or reimbursement requirements apply to the alien.

    (c)  No later than 180 days after the date of this memorandum, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services shall each submit a report to the President, through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, detailing:

        (i)    all actions taken to establish or update the procedures and guidance described in section 3(a) of this memorandum;

        (ii)   the methods used to track deeming and reimbursement actions and the results; and

        (iii)  all actions taken to share information with other Federal agencies pursuant to section 5 of this memorandum.

    Sec. 4.  Notification of Sponsor Reimbursement Reponsibilities. (a)  By the end of fiscal year 2019, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services shall provide the appropriate and respective Federal and State officials described in section 3(a)(ii) of this memorandum with the procedures and guidance described in section 3 of this memorandum for notifying sponsors of reimbursement obligations for means-tested public benefits, as required by law.

    (b)  The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, shall advise the following parties about how the reimbursement and deeming requirements will be enforced:

        (i)    all current sponsors and those seeking to become sponsors who have signed or plan to sign an affidavit of support;

        (ii)   others who, under applicable provisions of law, may become liable for reimbursing the cost of public benefits paid to a sponsored alien; and

        (iii)  all current sponsored aliens and those seeking to become sponsored aliens.

   Sec. 5.  Collection, Record-Keeping, and Non-Reimbursement. 
  (a)  No later than 180 days after the date of this memorandum, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security shall coordinate with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to:

        (i)   establish and maintain records regarding each financial sponsor's reimbursement obligations and status, as appropriate and consistent with law; and

        (ii)  establish information-sharing procedures to ensure that records regarding each sponsor's reimbursement obligations and reimbursement status are made available to the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security for consideration for the administration and enforcement of all applicable immigration laws and regulations, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

    (b)  No later than 180 days after the date of this memorandum, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall issue guidance on the eligibility of a sponsor who is delinquent on the sponsor's reimbursement obligation to continue to serve as a sponsor or to sponsor additional aliens.

    (c)  To the extent appropriate and consistent with law, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security shall coordinate with the Secretary of the Treasury to establish information-sharing procedures with the Treasury Offset Program (31 CFR 285.5) to ensure collection is ordered by letters of reimbursement.

    (d)  The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall refer all cases in which financial sponsors fail to satisfy their statutory reimbursement obligations to the Attorney General for enforcement of such statutory reimbursement obligation (8 U.S.C. 1183a(b)(2), (e)).

   Sec. 6.  Protecting the American Taxpayer and Preventing Abuse of the Immigration System. (a)  The Secretaries of the Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education shall each submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, within 30 days of the date of this memorandum, that includes:

        (i)    their review of their respective guidance and regulations governing the issuance of Federal public benefits to non-citizens;

        (ii)   steps they have taken to comply with the eligibility requirements set forth in 8 U.S.C. 1611(a);

        (iii)  an explanation of whether the Federal public benefits that they administer are means-tested public benefits within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. 1183a and whether additional Federal public benefits they administer, if any, should be regarded as means-tested public benefits; and

        (iv)   their review of any additional regulations or guidance that should be updated to align with applicable statutes.

    (b)  The report described in subsection (a) of this section should include, where applicable, coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security.

    Sec. 7.  Definitions.
 For purposes of this memorandum, the following definitions shall apply:

    (a)  The term "sponsor" shall have the meaning set forth in section 213A(f) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a(f)), including any joint sponsor authorized by section 213A(f)(5)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1183a(f)(5)(A)) or member of household under section 213A(f)(5)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1183a(f)(5)(B)).

    (b)  The term "sponsored alien" means an individual who was required under section 212(a)(4)(C) or 212(a)(4)(D) of the INA to have a sponsor execute an enforceable affidavit of support and whose sponsor's obligations under section 213A of the INA have entered into effect.

    (c)  The term "means-tested public benefit" shall have the meaning set forth in 8 CFR 213a.1.

    (d)  The term "Federal public benefit" shall have the meaning set forth in 8 U.S.C. 1611(c).  

    Sec. 8.  General Provisions.
  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

        (i)    the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof;

        (ii)   the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals; or

        (iii)  existing rights or obligations under international agreements.

    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.



                        DONALD J. TRUMP
 

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT AMERICA’S FARMERS


Office of the Press Secretary

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT AMERICA’S FARMERS 

“On every front, we are fighting for our great farmers, our ranchers, our growers.” – President Donald J. Trump    


DEFENDING AMERICAN FARMERS: President Donald J. Trump is defending American farmers from unjustified trade retaliation.  

  • President Trump has authorized the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide up to $16 billion in trade mitigation programs to support our farmers.
    • This funding is in line with the estimated impact of China’s unjustified trade retaliation.
  • $14.5 billion will go to direct payments to producers through the Market Facilitation Program. 
    • These payments will be made available in three allocations, as needed.
  • The first payments will be made in July, and additional payments will follow in November 2019 and January 2020 if warranted.  
  • $1.4 billion will go to the Food Purchase and Distribution Program to purchase surplus commodities affected by trade retaliation.
    • These products will then be distributed to schools, food banks, and other groups.
  • $100 million will go to developing new export markets for American producers through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program.
  • These programs will help support American farmers and give President Trump additional time to work toward a long-term trade deal that works for our country. 
    • Reaching a fair, long-term trade deal with China will be a win for American agriculture.
EXPANDING AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS: President Trump is negotiating fair, free, and reciprocal trade deals that remove barriers and open up markets for American farmers.
  • President Trump negotiated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), getting a better deal for American farmers and ranchers.
    • USMCA eliminates Canada’s discriminatory programs that allow low-priced dairy products to undersell American dairy producers.  
    • USMCA includes expanded market access for dairy products, eggs, and poultry. 
  • The President reached a deal with the European Union to increase American soybean exports.
  • President Trump has successfully negotiated to remove barriers on American agricultural products, including recently opening Japan’s market to all American beef. 
    • Restrictions have also been lifted on American pork exports to Argentina, beef to Brazil, Idaho chipping potatoes to Japan, poultry to South Korea, and more. 
PRODUCING RESULTS FOR FARMERS: President Trump and his Administration are working every day to deliver for American farmers. 
  • The President signed the farm bill last year, which extends farm support programs, improves crop insurance, promotes agricultural exports, maintains disaster programs, and more.
  • President Trump is rolling back red tape that harmed American farmers, such as the previous administration’s burdensome Waters of the United States rule.
  • The President’s tax cuts and reforms helped save family farmers from the unfair estate tax.
  • President Trump provided a boost to America’s corn-growing communities by directing his Administration to allow the sale of E15 gasoline year round. 
  • The Trump Administration is promoting connectivity in rural America to help communities and agricultural producers to continue to grow and innovate.
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