text: CAPITOL FENCES RETURN FOR FREEDOM CONVOY: The security measures in Washington D.C. have increased ahead of forecasted trucker protests next week. Security fencing has been reinstalled around the Capitol building to secure President Biden during his State of the Union address. The security measures displayed have not been seen since the January 6, 2021, riot. (AC: DHS and Capitol police are providing a surplus of security buffers ahead of March 1, 2022. Rioters gaining access to restricted areas last year was seen as an embarrassment for law enforcement, and any potential of a recurrence is unacceptable. Strong police measures were necessary to remove trucking protests in Canada. Expect a quick and strong law enforcement response if protests disrupt traffic in D.C. – D.F.)CONGRESS PUNTS ON FUNDING DEADLINE: In a last-minute agreement, Congress extended the government’s funding until mid-March. Democrats continue an internal debate over top-line spending and legislative priorities such as climate change, education, health care, and affordable housing. Sen. Leahy (D-VT) said his party would continue to work on the “biggest increase in nondefense programs” since the previous administration. Bipartisan appropriators are negotiating to balance defense spending with domestic programs on a “tight timeline.” (AC: As tensions rise globally, Congress’s inability to fulfill its basic budgetary duties is likely to hamper international and domestic responses to crises. Democrats in vulnerable districts are attempting to thread the needle between another massive government spending bill and the perception of incompetence. Republicans in vulnerable seats risk being tied to the same blowout spending and losing primary challenges to a revitalized pool of Trump-endorsed or “America First” candidates. – D.M.)DOJ CRYPTO TRACKING TEAM GOES INTERNATIONAL: The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) blockchain and cybercriminal hunting team is adding to its international scope. The purpose of the group is to support efforts to combat ransomware and cryptocurrency-related money laundering. The new team is already credited with seizing billions of dollars worth of blockchain assets, and future efforts will include closer coordination with international teams. International coordination and engagement teams have been determined as necessary to combat ransomware incidents in countries that provide safe havens for criminals. (AC: The federal government is doubling down its effort to reign in cyber vulnerabilities and threats. Ransomware is a persistent threat where payments are made using blockchain technology out of government control. Expect stricter laws on crypto ownership and use as Congress is currently looking into new regulation authorities