North America: Government, Public Sector

As the Federal Maritime Commission's adjudicatory workload has quadrupled since 2020, its Office of Administrative Law Judges operates with minimal permanent staff and no dedicated law clerks. With demurrage and detention litigation surging and new enforcement matters on the horizon, the question emerges whether current judicial resources can sustain fair and efficient resolution of increasingly complex shipping disputes.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 024 has been issued, together with accompanying guidance on "Insourcing and the Public Interest Test", both of which introduce a new framework requiring central government bodies to systematically...

A recently enacted provision, 10 U.S.C. Section 2808a, authorizes defense agencies to use other transaction agreements (OTAs) for military construction (MILCON) and repair projects...

President Trump's Executive Order 14415 mandates stricter controls on defense contractors acquiring critical materials from foreign adversaries, requiring comprehensive supply chain mapping and mitigation plans. The order curtails waiver authority and directs the Pentagon to develop new regulatory frameworks for tracking components from raw materials to finished products. How will these enhanced requirements reshape defense contracting and supply chain management for companies at all tiers?

The Federal Communications Commission has initiated unprecedented enforcement actions targeting false U.S. production claims and fraudulent test reports in equipment authorization processes. A drone manufacturer faces potential revocation of its authorizations after allegedly misrepresenting its products as domestically manufactured, while a Chinese test lab may lose FCC recognition for submitting duplicated test data across dozens of unrelated products.

Massachusetts is advancing groundbreaking legislation to regulate robotic devices, establishing a framework that prohibits weaponization while permitting defined government and research applications. The Responsible Robotics Act addresses a critical regulatory gap as commercially available robots become increasingly capable and widely deployed in communities. With strong House support and industry backing, the bill could become one of the nation's first comprehensive state laws governing the responsible use

A federal court has vacated FinCEN's Residential Real Estate Rule, suspending new reporting requirements for certain property transactions involving LLCs and trusts. While this decision provides immediate relief from compliance burdens, the government's appeal and ongoing regulatory focus on transparency mean the issue remains unresolved, requiring investors and business owners to stay prepared for potential future changes.

Bermuda's risk-based financial regulatory framework inevitably creates disagreements between regulated entities and the Bermuda Monetary Authority over compliance interpretations. This analysis explores why such conflicts arise in proportionate regulatory systems and presents a structured five-step approach for resolving regulatory disputes without resorting to costly litigation while maintaining professional relationships.

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has introduced new enforceable AML and Sanctions Rules that consolidate key obligations from 245 pages of guidance into streamlined regulations. These rules, effective September 2026, introduce expanded requirements for compliance programmes, independent audits, and governance frameworks that CIMA-regulated financial service providers must implement.

Our Appleby Bermuda office is pleased to launch our six‑part insight series examining the Bermuda Monetary Authority’s 2026 Business Plan through the lens of our expert legal teams. Each article unpacks how the BMA’s priorities are shaping regulatory expectations and sector‑specific developments across Bermuda’s financial landscape.

Washington faces unprecedented challenges as the Senate grapples with the loss of influential Senator Lindsey Graham, ongoing leadership vacancies, and stalled appropriations negotiations. With Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizing partisan budgeting approaches and Republicans struggling to advance spending bills, the path forward for FY27 funding remains uncertain. House leadership's announcement of a clean continuing resolution and advancement of a narrow $95 billion budget resolution add furth

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent outlined the Trump administration's approach to economic statecraft in a recent speech, emphasizing the strategic use of American economic power to advance national security objectives. His remarks signal continued focus on sanctions enforcement, financial system integrity, and combating illicit finance networks while promoting reciprocity in international economic relationships.