Stories by Bob Pepalis on Federal Newswire


Raimondo: Award winners show 'example of our competitiveness in the global marketplace'

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo handed out President’s “E” and “E Star” awards to 19 American businesses and organizations at the 61st awards ceremony at the Herbert C. Hoover Building.


Blinken: U.S. working 'to make sure critical products' get to Americans who need them

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken co-hosted a virtual Supply Chain Ministerial forum with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo July 20 centered around strengthening supply chains.


An: Freeport restaurant served order for violating 'workers' rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act'

A federal court order has been secured by the U.S. Department of Labor to stop a Long Island restaurant’s chef/owner from hiring minors to work at unauthorized hours of the night.


Raimondo: Morgan has 'decades of world-renowned atmospheric and oceanic scientific expertise'

The U.S. Senate approved Michael C. Morgan as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and forecasting.


Hua Chunying: China, Indonesia can be 'pacesetters of South-South cooperation'

Hua Chunying, a spokesperson of the Chinese Communist Party, said the president of Indonesia is traveling to China to meet with President Xi Jinping.


Price: 'The killing of civilians is unacceptable' in missile attack on Iraq

The State Department issued a statement July 20 condemning the attack on the Dohuk province of Iraq which killed and injured civilians in the area.


Parker: OSHA calls on employers 'to ensure that required protections are fully in place' for trenching, excavation

Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched enhanced enforcement initiatives in the wake of the deaths of 22 workers from risks associated with trenching and excavation work in the first half of 2022.


Raimondo: 'Apprenticeships are key to training new workers'

The Departments of Commerce and Labor recently announced the 120-Day Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint at the National Cyber Workforce and Education Summit at the White House.


Price: 'Russia must be held accountable' for British aid worker's death

The State Department said Russia needs to be held accountable for the death of British humanitarian aid worker Paul Urey.


Raimondo: West Virginia project 'will boost tourism and outdoor recreation'

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $4.7 million grant to help fund the construction of the Mylan Park Regional BMX Facility in Morgantown, W.V., from the department’s Economic Development Administration.


Walsh: Biden administration continues 'to support the rights of workers across North America'

Allegations that a Panasonic Automotive Systems plant denied workers collective bargaining rights have successfully been resolved, the United States and Mexico announced July 18.


Blinken: U.S. 'remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine defend themselves'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska July 18, kicking off a series of high-profile appearances she was making in Washington, D.C.


Biden's executive order adds 'tool to deter and disrupt hostage-taking' of Americans in foreign countries

President Joe Biden signed an executive order that aims to improve the process of bringing home wrongfully detained Americans abroad, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a press briefing on July 19.


Raimondo: U.S. exports 'vital for our global economic competitiveness'

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo congratulated the 2022 “E” and “E Star” award winners at the President's E-Awards Ceremony.


Raimondo: GlobalWafers' plans 'critical to rebuilding the domestic semiconductor supply chain'

GlobalWafers' decision to build a semiconductor chip facility in Texas is great news, but it might be dependent on the passage of the Bipartisan Innovation Act, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.


Assistant secretary of commerce, industry and analysis is hoping for 'a sustained, widespread recovery in the travel and tourism industry'

Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Industry and Analysis Grant Harris outlined the Biden administration's policies seeking to promote growth, dynamism and sustainability throughout the travel and tourism industry.


Raimondo: 'America's diversity is our core strength'

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo charged the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship with identifying and developing roadmaps for three transformative achievements.



Graves: Commerce department, faith-based partnerships office 'valuable resources and strong allies'

The Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships was relaunched virtually last week, after President Joseph Biden signed an executive order re-establishing the White House Office in February 2021.


Department of Labor: 'Help federal agencies identify and respond to long COVID’s workplace challenges'

The U.S. Department of Labor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General invited the public to participate in a national online dialogue about COVID-19 in the workplace.


Department of Labor: 'Law prohibits retaliation or intimidation for speaking up'

A Virginia home healthcare provider is under a preliminary injunction to stop obstructing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, retaliating against workers cooperating with the investigation or demanding kickbacks of back wages.