Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and expressed appreciation for Qatar’s solidarity in the face of Iran’s malign regional influence, including the December 31 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Washington, DC - We are alarmed that Pastor Wang Yi, leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, was tried in secret and sentenced to nine years in prison in connection to his peaceful advocacy for religious freedom. We call for his immediate and unconditional release.

Washington, DC - Throughout 2019, under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Department of Commerce and thousands of its employees worked together to maintain the safety of American citizens, fuel the continuing economic revival, and produce new data products while preparing for the 2020 Decennial Census.

Washington, DC - Seventeen of the nation’s leading patient advocacy groups are remaining steadfast in their commitment to protecting patients throughout the next phase of legal proceedings involving the health care law known as the Affordable Care Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit struck down the individual mandate without a tax penalty as unconstitutional. It sent the case back to the District Court to determine if the mandate can be “severed” from the rest of the law and to consider whether a ruling should be limited to just the plaintiff states or apply to all states.

Dallas, Texas - Scientific research is the cornerstone for medical care and innovations that have improved health and longer life for many. The American Heart Association, one of the top funders of heart- and stroke-related research worldwide, has compiled an annual list of major advances in heart disease and stroke science since 1996. Here are the biggest scientific victories achieved in 2019, grouped into 10 subject areas, as determined by the Association’s volunteer leadership.

Atlanta, Georgia - The American Cancer Society (ACS) is widening its opportunities for participants in 2020 through the DetermiNation Endurance Series with the addition of events throughout the country. The DetermiNation Endurance Series provides the opportunity to fundraise for ACS while participating in healthy and active lifestyle activities.