MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) has reintroduced two measures in the 119^th Congress (2025-2027) calling for moratoria on the mining of our world’s deep seabed unless and until its potentially destructive consequences are fully understood and an appropriate international protective regulatory regime is established.

“Our deep oceans and seabed are the last unexplored regions of our world, yet what we do know of them is that they are among our most intricate and fragile,” said Congressman Case.

“Over half of all known coral species are found in the deep sea, and as many as 10 million marine species may inhabit the deep sea, a massive and interrelated biodiversity seen nearly nowhere else on the planet.”

Joining Case as co-sponsors of the measures are Members of Congress Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), the ranking member (senior Democrat) of the House Natural Resources Committee, Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

“Mining in pristine, fragile ecosystems like the seabed could open a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences, ranging from decimating fish and marine mammal populations to destroying ecosystems and inhibiting carbon sequestration,” said Congressman Huffman.

“Extracting industries should not have carte blanche access to what are some of the last untouched places on our planet. I’m glad to join Rep. Case in these bills to prevent the exploitation of seabeds before the proper research and regulations can be established.”

“Deep sea mining poses significant risks. It has the potential to disrupt delicate ocean chemistry, harm deep sea life, and increase ocean acidification,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “I’m grateful to partner with Congressman Case on this moratorium to protect the ocean ecosystem from exploitation.”

“Deep sea mining can devastate our marine habitats and the species that live there, as well as negatively impact our climate,” said Congresswoman Norton.  “I’m proud to join Congressman Case in supporting legislation to pause our deep-sea mining activity pending further study and ensure we do not sign off on any harmful deep sea mining activities abroad.”

Case continued: “Some of these species have had surprising benefits to humanity, including enzymes from one microbe found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents being used to develop COVID-19 tests. In addition, the deep ocean is one of our planet’s largest and most important stores of carbon and could play a critical role in the fight against climate change.”

Among the deep-seabed mining areas most sought after by the industry for immediate unregulated mining is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an abyssal plain as wide as the continental United States punctuated by seamounts which extends to just hundreds of miles southeast of Hawai‘i Island. Yet little if anything material is known about the marine ecosystem of this area or its connection to Hawaii’s own unique marine and related ecosystem.

“The marine life and natural processes not only of this zone but of our world’s oceans, and their relationships to our international ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, weather and other macro-environmental interdependencies, are in all likelihood imperiled by the imminent commencement of large-scale unregulated commercial seabed mining operations,” said Case. “Seabed mining could take a number of destructive forms, including methods which would shear off seamounts on the ocean floor, the functional equivalent of strip mining.”

Case said the American Seabed Protection Act will place a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities in American waters or by American companies on the high seas. It also tasks the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Academies of Science with conducting a comprehensive assessment of how mining activities could affect ocean species, carbon sequestration processes and communities that rely on the ocean.

The International Seabed Protection Act will require the United States to oppose international and other national seabed mining efforts until the President certifies that the International Seabed Authority has adopted a suitable regulatory framework which will guarantee protection for these unique ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

The introduction of the measures comes as the International Seabed Authority considers regulations that could open the international seabed for mining.  While both companies and countries are lining up to secure mining permits, many are concerned about the impact on marine ecosystems, habitats and communities.

“The more we learn about the deep ocean, the more we understand its essential connections to the health of the entire ocean and to the climate,” said Addie Haughey, Earthjustice Legislative Director for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans.

“Some mining industry interests would unleash unproven technology in sensitive and still unknown deep ocean ecosystems that belong to all of us. This gamble with the ocean, with a dubious rate of return economically, is not worth it. We support this legislation and appreciate Rep. Case’s vital leadership on this important effort.”

The bills are also endorsed by the Benioff Ocean Science Lab, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Earthworks, Marine Conservation Institute, Blue Climate Initiative – Tetiaroa Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Case summarized: “Paired together, these bills will establish the United States as an international leader in protecting our precious oceans through a responsible process to address the potentially devastating effects of

Attachments:

·         Text for the American Seabed Protection Act is here.

·         Text for the International Seabed Protection Act is here.

·         Text of Case remarks on the measures is here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement in response to the Administration’s radical executive order dismantling the Department of Education.

“The Administration’s executive action gutting the Department of Education is a non-starter. It’s an attack on our kids, our teachers and on the future of our state.

“As the daughter of a teacher, the wife of an educator, a mother – and as someone who benefitted from the public education system in this country – I refuse to stand by and watch as this Administration takes life-changing opportunities away from our kids.

“While the President and Education Secretary Linda McMahon seem to think they can unilaterally shut down the Department of Education, the reality is they can’t shutter a government agency without Congressional action and support.

“I’m standing with Minnesota’s students, parents and teachers to oppose this radical executive action and protect our public schools at all costs.”

Rep. Craig has long fought to protect public education in Minnesota and across the country. This Congress, she co-sponsored the Department of Education Protection Act, which would prohibit Congressional funds from being used to fire agency workers or drastically alter the Education Department. She also led a joint resolution opposing cuts to the Department of Education and condemning any Congressional or Executive action that attempts to dismantle the Department.

In a show of support for Minnesota’s educators and in opposition to the Administration’s proposed cuts to education funding, Rep. Craig invited Education Minnesota President Denise Specht as her guest to this year’s State of the Union. Specht is the second teacher Rep. Craig has invited to accompany her to the State of the Union address during her time in Congress. In 2023, she brought Heather Mathews, a special education teacher from Apple Valley. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) recently introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act to bolster crop and livestock insurance protections for new, beginning and veteran farmers and producers.

The bill would align the definition of “beginning farmer” to match most other beginning-farmer programs, extending crop and livestock insurance protections to 10 years. This increase from the current definition of five to 10 years would apply to all federal crop insurance programs, including livestock policies.

“New, beginning and veteran farmers rely on farm safety net programs like crop insurance to get their feet underneath them and build successful operations,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work Rep. Feenstra and I are doing to support new and beginning farmers and implement commonsense policies that will help generations of family farmers not only survive but thrive.”

“To keep our farmland in the hands of Iowa farmers and away from China and our foreign adversaries, we need to cut operating costs for our young and beginning farmers so that they can grow, compete, and succeed – instead of calling it quits because of financial barriers,” Rep. Feenstra said. “That’s why I introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act to lower the cost of crop insurance for the next generation of Iowa farmers during their first ten years in operation – the most vulnerable of any business. This relief will help our young producers plant their roots in our rural communities, promote farm profitability, and strengthen Iowa’s status as the breadbasket to the world.”

As the top Democrat on the House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Craig has been a champion for new and beginning farmers in Minnesota and across the country. Rep. Craig recently introduced the bipartisan Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act alongside Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) to improve agricultural producers’ access to credit. This legislation would modernize current limits on the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Ownership and Operating loans, enacted through the 2018 Farm Bill.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement ahead of the Senate vote on the continuing resolution to fund the government.  

“Senate Democrats have a responsibility to stand up against their Republican colleagues and block this harmful and radical funding proposal that betrays our commitments to our communities. Instead of a short-term extension that would give Members a chance to continue to work on a bipartisan budget, the Republicans proposed a partisan six-month temporary funding bill that essentially shuts down those negotiations.  

“The Republicans’ partisan continuing resolution cuts funding for our veterans and seniors and fails to fund community projects we already negotiated – including efforts to make health care affordable, modernize critical infrastructure and keep our communities safe. 

“I will work with anyone to cut wasteful government spending and lower costs for everyday Minnesotans. And I also will stand up to anyone who tries to take money from the middle class – so they can line the pockets of billionaires and the special interests. 

“This week, I voted against this bill in order to defend Minnesotans against reckless funding cuts that would jeopardize their access to the critical services, community projects and public safety initiatives they rely on. I seriously hope my colleagues in the Senate will do the same.  

“We’ve got to reject this dangerous proposal and instead fight for a short-term funding bill so that we can finish our job and pass a real budget.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Craig voted against the continuing resolution when it was brought to the House floor. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) joined 159 members of Congress in expressing serious concerns over the Administration’s proposal to fire the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Board of Governors and merge the Postal Service with the Department of Commerce.  

In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Members highlighted that unilaterally firing Senate-confirmed members of the USPS Board of Governors would undermine the longstanding independence of USPS, and it would violate the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 and the separation of powers spelled out in the United States Constitution.

“Any attempts to privatize the Postal Service would be a betrayal to the more than 640,000 postal employees who work tirelessly every day to ensure mail is delivered to every corner of the country,” the Members wrote. “It would also hurt American consumers and businesses who rely on the Postal Service daily for mail and package delivery.”

The Members continued, “These changes would be especially devastating for rural Americans, where the potential elimination of the Postal Service’s universal service obligation would result in skyrocketing delivery costs for less populated regions of the country, where reliable service is most needed.” 

Rep. Craig has been outspoken about the unacceptable USPS performance in the South Metro and across Minnesota and has led the charge to improve mail service and protect USPS from privatization. Local letter carriers and others have been sounding the alarm for the past year over leadership changes that are impacting morale and culture in Minnesota post offices.

Last month, Rep. Craig introduced the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, which would protect postal workers from violent crimes. In January, she led a bipartisan resolution urging Congress to take all appropriate measures to reject the privatization of USPS.

Last year, following Rep. Craig’s bipartisan call for a statewide investigation, the USPS Office of Inspector General announced an investigation of the entire MN-ND postal district.

And in January 2023, she launched an online USPS survey to gauge the extent of postal issues in the Second District and received more than 3,300 responses from Minnesotans. Rep. Craig delivered those responses directly to Postmaster General DeJoy’s office in Washington DC.

Rep. Craig’s letter is supported by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), American Postal Workers Union (APWU), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS), and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA).

You can read the full text of the letter HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the bipartisan Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act to improve agricultural producers’ access to credit.This legislation would modernize current limits on the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Ownership and Operating loans, enacted through the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act would increase FSA Guaranteed Operating Loans from $2.04 million to $3 million, increase Guaranteed Ownership Loans from $2.04 million to $3.5 million, increase Direct Operating Loans from $400,000 to $750,000 and increase Direct Ownership Loans from $600,000 to $850,000.

FSA’s Operating and Ownership Loans are critical tools to ensure farmers have access to the financing needed to get started, expand their family’s operation or restructure. They can be used to purchase livestock, seed, crop protection tools, and farm equipment, among additional farm operating costs. They can also be used to purchase farmland, as well as to assist with closing costs, construct or improve buildings on the farm or assist soil and water conservation practices.

“Farming is volatile work, and our family farmers are often tasked with navigating uncertain conditions, whether that’s periods of low commodity prices or extreme weather events,” said Rep. Craig. “That’s why I’m working across the aisle with Rep. Finstad to help give Minnesota’s farmers and producers the certainty they need to continue operating through challenging times. This bipartisan bill will bolster generational operations, while ensuring that new and beginning farmers have access to the resources they need to get their businesses up and running.”

“Farmers across southern Minnesota, especially those who are just starting out, rely on dependable financing options to grow and maintain their operations,” said Rep. Finstad. “It is imperative that the limits on FSA loans align with the current challenges farmers and producers face today. I’m proud to reintroduce the PACE Act, which will provide farmers with certainty and make it easier to obtain the loans they need.”

“Farm Credit extends its thanks to Representatives Finstad and Craig for reintroducing the Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act, which would expand the Farm Service Agency’s direct and guaranteed loan limits to match the rising costs of agricultural production. Agricultural producers depend on access to capital to grow and maintain their operations. For young and beginning farmers, in particular, accessible capital may be the difference between launching an operation or not. We look forward to collaborating with both representatives to include this essential legislation in the Farm Bill for the benefit of farmers and ranchers across the nation,” said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert. 

Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is co-leading an effort, with more than 60 of his colleagues in the Congressional Labor Caucus, to urge U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to take strong action in its ongoing investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in the commercial shipbuilding sector. 

“We write in support of swift and decisive action to address unfair and predatory practices by the Chinese government in the shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics sectors that jeopardize the United States’ national security and defense industrial base,” the members wrote in a letter to Greer last night. “China’s discriminatory practices and cheating have forced U.S. shipbuilders, their suppliers, and workers to compete on an uneven playing field and have contributed to the decline of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.” 

In 2024, USTR accepted a petition filed by a coalition of five labor unions and initiated a Section 301 investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China relating to competition in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. In January 2025, USTR concluded that China’s targeting for dominance in the shipbuilding sector is unreasonable, and the agency is currently soliciting comments on its proposals to address China’s actions.

“We strongly urge USTR to actively pursue strong actions in a swift and decisive manner. Action should also be durable to provide shipbuilders, shipyards, suppliers, and workers the confidence to invest in capacity, skills, and the future. … A bold response from the United States to China’s unfair dominance in the shipbuilding sector will send a clear signal: the United States will not stand for discriminatory trade and economic practices, particularly when they harm U.S. workers, businesses, and our national and economic security,” concluded the lawmakers in Monday’s letter.

The union representing union workers at Bath Iron Works applauded Golden’s effort on behalf of American shipbuilders. 

“As a Maine IAM Local S6 ship pipefitter by trade, I know firsthand that America’s shipbuilding workers are the most dedicated, experienced and talented in the world,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The time is now to invest in our shipbuilding workforce and push back against China’s predatory trade practices that have attempted to dominate this critical industry. Alongside champions like Congressman Golden, the IAM Union and our generational workforce stand ready to begin the next great chapter of U.S. shipbuilding.”

Monday’s letter was led by Golden and Labor Caucus Vice-Chairs Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), John Garamendi (CA-08) and Val Hoyle (OR-04); Caucus members Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Joe Courtney (CT-02); and Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Mark Pocan (WI-02).

Golden and the Labor Caucus have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure strong action to support American shipbuilding in the face of unfair competition from China. He co-led an initial letter in April 2024 urging USTR to accept the initial petition urging USTR to investigate China’s shipbuilding practices. In October 2024, he co-led another effort of more than 70 members supporting the investigation and urging USTR to implement strong remedies to protect American workers from China’s unfair practices in the shipbuilding industry.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding confirmed reporting that several high-level administration officials shared details about planned military strikes with a journalist via group chat over a commercial messaging app: 

“This is a clear failure of information security that could have had grave consequences for the United States, our men and women in uniform, and our allies,” Golden said. “We’re lucky the journalist involved acted responsibly, but this incident raises questions about communications practices at the highest levels of the national security apparatus. If a service member acted this carelessly with such sensitive information they would face serious consequences, including the potential loss of security clearance, court martial or discharge. These officials should be held to the same high standard.”

The group chat was first reported by The Atlantic, whose editor-in-chief was added to a group chat that included the Vice President, the Secretaries of Defense and State, the CIA Director, the Director of National Intelligence, and a member of the National Security Council, among others. In the chat, the officials discussed upcoming plans for military strikes against Iran-backed militants in Yemen.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) on Friday reintroduced his bill to designate Bradley’s Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located at the site of Leonard’s Mills along Blackman Stream, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History. 

“Honoring our heritage isn’t just about reminiscing: It’s about using the knowledge passed down over centuries to inspire future generations,” Golden said. “The story told at Leonard’s Mills about Maine’s forest products industry is as valuable as it is engaging. It deserves this national recognition for the role it has played, and will continue to play, in connecting the past, present, and future of forestry and logging in our country.”

MFLM was incorporated in 1960 to celebrate Maine’s forest heritage. Originally envisioned to preserve forest industry artifacts and documents, plans evolved into the creation of a living history site complete with working machinery and a community of volunteer reenactors. Today, MFLM owns more than 450 acres around Blackman Stream in Bradley and frequently hosts school groups, visitors and interactive public programs. 

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills is more than a museum. It’s a living, breathing experience that fully immerses visitors in one of our state’s richest traditions,” said Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors. “Whether it’s inspiring young Mainers with their local heritage or educating people from away on the importance of Maine’s historical forestry and logging industry, everyone who walks these grounds leaves with a greater understanding of what makes our home special. Many thanks to Congressman Golden for working to secure this prestigious status and share Leonard’s Mills with even more people.” 

 Maine’s forest economy employs more than 14,000 Mainers and generates more than $5 billion in sales. Maine’s 17.7 million acres of forest covers 89% of the state — the highest percentage in the country.

Industry leaders praised the bill when Golden introduced it last Congress:

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is so important to Maine’s rich history of forestry and logging,” said Shawn Bugbee, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for Seven Islands Land Company. “Through the preservation and restoration of tools combined with the knowledge the volunteers bring to the Museum, those who visit get an authentic understanding of how forestry and logging was done by our ancestors. One of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed has been watching the steam powered Lombard Log Hauler operate in person — and this move will help more people get that same experience.”

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of people involved in Maine’s rich timber industry,” said Keith Kanoti, forest manager for the University of Maine. “The combination ofworking equipment, infrastructure and the natural beauty of the museum grounds site is unsurpassed and truly deserving of national status.”

“There’s a strong connection between the forest products industry and our modern society, and the Maine Forest and Logging Museum helps us all celebrate it,” said Joe Phaneuf, executive director and publisher of the Northeastern Loggers Association. “The story of the forest products is one worth telling, and this national designation will strengthen that mission.”

“This museum doesn’t just honor Maine’s past: It stands as a national treasure,” said Breanna Wing, director and producer of Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill. “At a time when our landscapes are rapidly developing, the Museum is a haven that keeps important history alive —  teaching future generations about the resilience of our ancestors, whose grit and innovation through harsh winters built for the growth we see today. This national designation will amplify the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world, for both our material and spiritual well-being.” 

Full text of Golden’s legislation can be found here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the bipartisan Protecting Postal Performance Act to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes.

“For years, Postal Service leadership has made explicit choices to lengthen delivery times, abruptly close rural post offices, and ignore inquiries from concerned citizens and lawmakers. Congress must act to hold the agency accountable,” Golden said. “Our bill is a collection of simple, realistic reforms to make future decision making more transparent and ensure the Postal Service no longer neglects rural America. I’m proud to help lead this important mission with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and Maine’s dedicated postal employees.”

The legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).

“Passage of this bill would be a great step forward in protecting the Postal Service and ensuring prompt, reliable, and efficient mail service to the American public,” Scott Adams, Secretary of the American Postal Workers Union of Maine said. “Restricting ‘transportation optimization’ will help prevent built-in delays that would otherwise go into effect.”

The Protect Postal Performance Act is endorsed by the United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA).

“UPMA is grateful for the bipartisan efforts of Rep. Budzinski, Rep. Hageman, Rep. Golden, Rep. Bergman and Rep. Pappas in Congress to protect the workers of the postal service from service cuts that would negatively impact the quality of mail delivery received by the American people. The Protecting Postal Performance Act will help ensure evidence, data, and sound management practices lead the USPS’s strategy going forward and will ensure that any changes to retail and postal facilities in the future are fully vetted. Sound financial management of the Postal Service means a sustainable postal service – and UPMA will be a partner in ensuring that the organization follows the data to be the best service provider to the American people,” Tony Leonardi, National President United Postmasters and Managers of America said. 

Golden has championed holding USPS leadership accountable to Mainers throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy in 2023, USPS reopened its Etna facility that had been closed for more than two years. Last year, USPS also announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. In a February 2025 letter to Postmaster General DeJoy, he demanded answers over the agency’s delay in reopening the West Paris Post Office — which has been closed for nearly four years — despite having signed a new lease last August.

Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

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