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Biden Administration

Pentagon Seeks to Feed Troops ‘Experimental’ Lab-Grown Meat to Reduce CO2 Footprint

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The Pentagon has partnered with a company to explore feeding America’s soldiers lab-grown meat in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint at Defense Department outposts. BioMADE, a public-private company with over $500 million in funding from the Defense Department, announced earlier this month that it is seeking proposals for “innovations in food production that reduce the CO2 footprint of food production at … DoD operational environments,” according to an online announcement.

Among these innovations is the development of “novel cell culture methods suitable for the production of cultivated meat/protein,” or lab-grown meat. This type of meat is grown in a laboratory from animal cells using various chemicals and processes. While lab-grown meat remains in its experimental stages, it has become a focal point in discussions about the efficacy and ethics of producing meat without animal slaughter.

BioMADE—which received a $450 million infusion of taxpayer funds earlier this year—asserts that lab-grown food products will help the Pentagon achieve a reduced carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s mandate to address climate change and other cultural issues, which critics often label as “woke.”

“Innovations in food production that reduce the CO2 footprint of food production at and/or transport to DoD operational environments are solicited,” the company stated in an informational document and accompanying press release. The proposals could include the production of nutrient-dense military rations via fermentation processes, utilizing one carbon molecule (C1) feedstocks for food production, and novel cell culture methods for cultivated meat/protein.

Additionally, BioMADE is inviting proposals for processes that convert greenhouse gases and projects that develop bioproducts to mitigate environmental impacts both regionally and globally. These include bioproducts to prevent or slow coastal erosion.

Critics argue that U.S. troops should not be test subjects for lab-grown meat products, which are still experimental. Jack Hubbard, executive director at the Center for the Environment and Welfare, a consumer group that analyzes emerging markets such as bioengineered meat, voiced strong opposition.

“Taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the lab-grown meat sector,” Hubbard said. “Our troops deserve better than to be served lab-grown meat, produced in bioreactors with immortalized cells and chemicals. Unfortunately, this effort is being driven by an agenda that is political and anti-farmer. Our soldiers should never be used as guinea pigs.”

As part of its push to fund “alt-protein projects,” the Pentagon and its partners have made up to $2 million available for such initiatives, according to the publication Alt-Meat.

Supporters of these efforts argue that U.S. national security depends on addressing global change and embracing new technologies like lab-grown meat. Matt Spence, a former Defense Department official, wrote in a 2021 Slate piece that “one of the most immediate, politically feasible, and high-impact ways to do this [address climate change] is for the U.S. government to invest in and accelerate alternative ways to produce meat.”

However, recent studies, including one from the University of California, Davis, suggest that lab-grown meat may have a worse carbon footprint than retail beef. Derrick Risner, a member of UC Davis’s Department of Food Science and Technology, highlighted that “if companies are having to purify growth media to pharmaceutical levels, it uses more resources, which then increases global warming potential. If this product continues to be produced using the ‘pharma’ approach, it’s going to be worse for the environment and more expensive than conventional beef production.”

The Defense Department and BioMADE did not respond to requests for comment from the Washington Free Beacon.

As the debate continues, the Pentagon’s initiative to incorporate lab-grown meat into military diets remains a contentious topic, balancing the promise of technological advancement with concerns over practicality, ethics, and environmental impact.

Biden Administration

President Trump Offers Condolences to Rachel Morin’s Family; While Biden Remains Silent

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In a heartfelt gesture, former President Donald Trump reached out to the family of Rachel Morin, the Maryland jogger tragically murdered in August 2023. President Trump personally called Rachel’s mother, Patty Morin, to offer his deepest condolences, a move that has been met with appreciation and gratitude from the grieving family.

Rachel Morin was killed while running on the Ma & Pa trail in Harford County, a crime that shook the local community. The suspect was arrested recently in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following extensive efforts by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.

Patty Morin, Rachel’s mother, expressed her heartfelt thanks for the President’s call, stating, “I am deeply touched by President Trump’s kindness and concern. He was genuine and truly wanted to know how our family was cop ing. He asked about Rachel and showed honest compassion for her untimely death. His words brought comfort to me during this very difficult time.”

Randolph Rice, the family’s attorney, also acknowledged the significance of the President’s gesture. “We are thankful for President Trump’s call. Acts like this show the depth of his care for Americans. His concern for Rachel’s family and his willingness to reach out personally was consoling to the family and means a great deal to us all.”

The family’s gratitude extends to law enforcement and the community, whose unwavering support has been crucial in their pursuit of justice for Rachel. The family’s attorney, Mr. Rice, also took the opportunity to highlight broader issues related to the tragedy, particularly the importance of border security. “The need to take immediate action at the border and shut down the unrelenting flow of illegal immigrants is common sense policy because it protects Americans from future crimes. If we can prevent even one murder by an illegal immigrant, then it is well worth it. We must regroup and implement measures at the Southern border that prioritize the safety and well-being of all Americans, despite their political party affiliation.”

In stark contrast, President Joe Biden has not reached out to Rachel Morin’s family. The absence of any communication from the current administration has been noted by some as a lack of empathy and concern during a time of profound grief for the Morin family.

The Morin family continues to mourn the loss of Rachel but remains hopeful that justice will be served. They are deeply grateful for the support they have received from their community and the nation’s leaders. President Trump’s call has provided a measure of comfort during this difficult time, underscoring the importance of compassion and support for those affected by such tragedies.

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U.S. and Israeli Officials Set to Meet over Iran’s Alarming Nuclear Program, Intelligence Suggests

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U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies are set to convene at the White House this Thursday amidst heightened concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, following a recent discovery that could potentially alter assessments of the country’s nuclear ambitions.

According to an Axios report on Tuesday, intelligence agencies uncovered troubling information regarding a computer modeling program acquired by Iran. The program’s intended use remains ambiguous, sparking debates among officials about whether it signifies benign research or signals a more aggressive push towards nuclear weapons development.

“If true, this would upend that assessment and suggest Iran has a shorter runway to a bomb than previously reported,” remarked Richard Goldberg, senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a nonpartisan national security think tank based in Washington, D.C.

Goldberg, who previously served as director for Countering Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction at the White House National Security Council, criticized the Biden administration’s approach to Iran, contrasting it with the “maximum pressure” policies of former President Trump. He expressed concerns that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have progressed significantly under current policies.

The recent move by Iran to feed uranium into advanced centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment facility has further escalated tensions. While Iran maintains its uranium enrichment up to 60%, just below weapons-grade levels, the installation of more advanced centrifuges capable of faster enrichment poses a heightened risk.

“The administration pegged that to be around 18 months while the Israelis said a year or less. But if weaponization work is already going on, if the computer modeling is already being perfected, that timeline may be far shorter,” Goldberg cautioned.

Iran’s actions, including plans to expand its enrichment capabilities at multiple nuclear sites, have drawn international scrutiny and renewed calls for diplomatic intervention to ensure nuclear non-proliferation objectives are upheld.

A spokesperson from the State Department reiterated U.S. concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing the need for transparency and compliance with international safeguards.

The upcoming meeting at the White House underscores the gravity of the situation, as U.S. and Israeli officials strategize on diplomatic responses and potential ramifications for regional stability.

As the U.S. and its allies navigate complex diplomatic waters, the urgency to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions is paramount. The revelations of advanced nuclear activities highlight a critical juncture, demanding decisive actions to safeguard global security and stability.

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Biden Administration

Biden Administration Announces Executive Action to Grant Amnesty to over 500,000 Illegal Immigrants

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The Biden administration unveiled a sweeping executive order on Tuesday that will provide legal protections to tens of thousands of illegal immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The move, touted by the White House as an effort to “keep families together,” is set to prevent the deportation of these individuals and grant them work permits if they have lived in the country for at least a decade.

The executive order, which could impact nearly 500,000 people, is part of the administration’s “parole in place” program. This initiative allows eligible immigrants three years to apply for permanent citizenship. The new measure is expected to benefit an estimated 1.1 million illegal immigrants married to U.S. citizens.

“President Biden believes that securing the border is essential,” the White House stated. “He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country.”

President Biden is slated to celebrate this executive action at a White House event marking the 12-year anniversary of former President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This program protects children who entered the U.S. illegally from deportation. The new order will also extend eligibility for Obamacare to DACA recipients.

In addition, the Biden administration is developing a plan to streamline the process for undocumented students and other illegal immigrants to receive temporary work visas.

While DACA has survived numerous legal challenges, the fate of Biden’s new executive action remains uncertain, particularly given the current composition of the Supreme Court.

Politically, the new relief program could intensify scrutiny of Biden’s handling of immigration, which has been a contentious issue. A recent CBS poll conducted from June 5-7 revealed that over 60 percent of Americans, including a majority of Hispanics, support mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Similarly, a Gallup poll in April identified immigration as the most important issue for the American electorate for the third consecutive month, marking it as the most polarizing topic recorded by Gallup over the past 25 years.

In an effort to address public concerns, Biden recently signed an executive order to significantly restrict the number of illegal immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. This move came after months of stating he lacked the authority to do so without congressional approval. However, the order received criticism from Republicans for being insufficient and from progressive Democrats for allegedly neglecting vulnerable migrants.

Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s expected opponent in the 2024 presidential election, has been vocal about his administration’s strict immigration policies and has pledged to oversee mass deportations if re-elected.

As the Biden administration continues to navigate the complex landscape of immigration policy, this latest executive action represents a significant shift aimed at protecting the families of U.S. citizens while also addressing broader concerns about the nation’s immigration system. The coming months will reveal the full impact and reception of these new measures on both the legal front and in the court of public opinion.

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