Category Archives: Business

CBP Uncovers Record $1 Billion

By Staff Report

Investigations target illicit imports and protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition 

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that it has uncovered more than $1 billion in additional duties owed under the Enforce and Protect Act, which authorizes CBP to investigate and stop duty evasion schemes like illegal transshipment, misclassification, and undervaluation. This milestone is a first in the program’s 10-year history and is 300% above the program’s annual average.

“CBP’s EAPA program supports the America First Trade Policy, which focuses on protecting American businesses and workers,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “By enforcing antidumping and countervailing duty laws, we are creating a level playing field for domestic industries.” 

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OK Innovation Campus Finalist

By David Arnett

Governor Kevin Stitt announced Tuesday afternoon Oklahoma’s selection as one of five finalists being considered by the U.S. Department of Energy to host a first-of-its-kind Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. These campuses will become the hubs for the future of nuclear research and development, adding to Oklahoma’s energy abundance agenda and opening the door for research into the potential uses of nuclear technology, including biotech and aerospace applications.

“Oklahoma has always been America’s energy innovation leader, from the oil boom of the early 1900s to the shale revolution in mid-2000s,” said Gov. Stitt. “Today marks a new frontier – the chance to add nuclear to our energy abundance agenda. This opportunity is an all hands on deck moment, and I look forward to working with communities across our state to make this campus a reality. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership and considering Oklahoma and for the companies, research institutions, and leaders across our state who have already pulled a seat up to the table to be a part of this project.”

Graphic: Nanthakumar Victor Emmanuel’s Blog
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US Treasury Sanctions Hormuz Extortion

By David Arnett

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking further action against the Iranian regime’s desperate efforts to monetize the Strait of Hormuz and prop up the nation’s failing economy. OFAC is designating two firms integral to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-backed extortion scheme that forces commercial vessels to purchase mandatory maritime “insurance” to transit the Strait.  Although this coverage purports to protect vessels from risks such as seizures, these risks are overwhelmingly created by Iran itself. 

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Rural Small Business Opportunities

By David Arnett

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and the State of Georgia finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) agreement, which provides an opportunity for participating state-inspected meat processors to ship their products across state lines. Under the agreement, Georgia may inspect meat products produced in participating establishments for shipment throughout the United States.

“By entering into this agreement, Georgia’s family-owned meat processors will now have the ability to access the same domestic marketplace as everyone else,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Our ranchers have had to deal with a consolidated processing industry that has 4 companies, including 2 foreign owned, dominating 85% of the market and today’s action takes a step toward leveling the playing field. In the Trump Administration we will always put our American farmers and ranchers first by working with our state partners to deliver results. I’m grateful to have an amazing partner in Commissioner Harper who has helped make this a reality.”

Secretary Rollins Expands Rural Small Business Opportunities with New Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program for Meat Processors
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Sen. Lankford Can Make Savings Grow 

By Jessica Garvin

Opinion: Every day, Oklahomans make careful decisions about how to save. A financial adviser in Edmond sits across from a wheat farmer outside Enid and maps out a retirement plan. A CPA in Marlow helps a small business owner like me look for a smart way to set aside extra income after covering payroll, expenses, and taxes.  

More often than not, mutual funds are part the answer: they’re accessible, diversified, and don’t require the time or capital to pick individual stocks. What most of these savers don’t know is that the tax code is quietly working against them. 

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