Under Secretary Fernandez to Participate in High-Level Conference in Lithuania
By Federal Newswire | May 4, 2024
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is scheduled to travel to Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 6-7, 2024, to take part in the high-level Building Resilient Economy and Resisting Economic Coercion (REC) conference hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.The conference aims to foster collaboration among like-minded partners to tackle economic coercion. One of the key highlights will be discussions on the collaborative policy responses required to combat the coercive misuse of trade connections,...
Former Mexican judicial officer convicted after hiring drivers for drug transportation
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
In a recent development, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced last month the conviction of Gilberto Almaraz-Muniz, a Mexican national residing in the Brownsville area. Almaraz-Muniz was found guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute narcotics after recruiting others to smuggle cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl into the United States. The jury deliberated for three hours before delivering their verdict following a five-day trial.
Congressional Research Service: most US-bound fentanyl is produced in Mexico, specifically by Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
A recent study conducted by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) revealed that "most U.S.-destined illicit fentanyl appears to be produced clandestinely in Mexico," predominantly due to the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The findings were published on March 22.
Former member of Singapore's parliament: Bank CEOs who committed same crime as ex-Binance CEO 'were not charged, much less sentenced to prison'
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Calvin Cheng, a former nominated member of Singapore's parliament, has expressed his views on the sentencing of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the ex-CEO of Binance. He drew parallels between Zhao's case and those of CEOs from BNP Paribas and UBS, stating that they were fined "for the exact same charge of compliance failures" as CZ. However, he pointed out that these executives "were not charged, much less sentenced to prison." Cheng made this statement in a post dated May 1, following CZ's four-month prison sentence for anti-money laundering compliance failures.
Attorney for ex-Binance CEO: 'No defendant in a remotely similar BSA case has ever been sentenced to incarceration'
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Benjamin Naftalis, a legal representative for former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ), stated that there is no precedent of a defendant in a case related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) that is "remotely similar" being sentenced to prison. This statement was shared by Naftalis in a court filing ahead of CZ's sentencing on April 30.
Chairman Gosar: illegal border crossings are ‘further undermining the autonomy of Indigenous people’
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, stated that the current border policy is negatively impacting tribal lands due to individuals linked to cartels smuggling "illicit substances" across the border. Gosar made this statement on April 10 in a press release from the House Committee on Natural Resources (HNR).
Virginia Sheriff: ‘Kilogram amounts of drugs originating from the Sinaloa Cartel traversed the US' from the Mexico border to the DC area
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Sheriff Mike Chapman of Loudoun County, Virginia, has raised concerns about the movement of illegal drugs from the California-Mexico border to the DC area. During a House hearing on April 16, he stated that these drugs "included enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman, and child in Loudoun County two times over."
Rep. Ferguson introduces legislation to clarify tax codes regarding digital assets
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), alongside Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-NC), introduced new legislation intended to address confusion within the tax code regarding how digital assets rewards can be collected at the point of sale.
Washington court rules state's lawsuit to block Kroger and Albertsons merger can continue
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
A judge from the King County Superior Court in Washington state has denied a request from grocery store conglomerates Kroger and Albertsons to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The trial for this case is set to commence in September.
European Commission designates Apple's iPadOS under the Digital Markets Act
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The European Commission has classified Apple's iPadOS, the operating system for tablets, as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This designation requires that iPadOS adhere to DMA obligations within six months.
ICYMI: New China Panel Chair Eyes Foreign Influence, Wants TikTok Probe
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON DC — The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, now under the leadership of Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), is setting its sights on addressing foreign influence and probing TikTok, as reported by Kate Ackley from Bloomberg Government.Rep. John Moolenaar, described as "more of a workhorse than a show horse" by lobbyists familiar with the panel, is taking a firm stance against China. Despite the change in leadership, the committee's mission remains focused on investigating corporate ties with China and potential national security threats....
ICYMI: NFIB’s Andrea McGee Advocates for 'Right to Repair' for Small Businesses
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations, Andrea McGee, recently penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner highlighting the significance of right-to-repair initiatives for small and independent auto shops. McGee emphasized the impact of technological advancements in the auto industry on small businesses, stating, "For decades, auto manufacturers have acted in good faith after agreeing to a memorandum of understanding with independent repair shops."McGee pointed out the challenges faced by independent repair shops due to the increasing computerization of cars, which...
New Final Rule Would Make DACA Recipients Eligible for ACA Marketplace Health Coverage
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration announced a new federal rule granting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients eligibility for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage and financial assistance for the first time, a change expected to lead to 100,000 DACA recipients enrolling in federal marketplace coverage.In response to this development, Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer, senior policy analyst for Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress, emphasized the significance of the new rule, stating, "The Biden administration’s rule expanding...
CEO of GSE Dynamics Testifies Before U.S. Trade Representative on Supply Chain Resiliency
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Arlington, Va. (May 3, 2024) – CEO and owner of GSE Dynamics, Anne Shybunko-Moore, also an Executive Committee member of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), recently testified before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the importance of supply chain resiliency. In her testimony, Shybunko-Moore emphasized the interconnected nature of the defense and civil supply chains, stating, "Our industrial base includes over 100,000 companies across the commercial and defense markets. Unlike other industries, the commercial aerospace and defense industries are deeply...
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and His Wife Charged with Bribery, Unlawful Foreign Influence, and Money Laundering Schemes
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Houston, TX - An indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Texas has charged U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, with involvement in bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering schemes. The couple, residents of Laredo, Texas, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston.According to court documents, the Cuellars allegedly accepted about $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, an oil and gas company owned by the Government of Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico City. These funds were...
Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at East Valley American Job Center in Mesa, Arizona
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen delivered a speech at the East Valley American Job Center in Mesa, Arizona, highlighting the economic progress made under the Biden Administration. Yellen emphasized the importance of equipping Americans with the necessary skills to secure good jobs and support growth in key industries.Yellen acknowledged the impact of the American Rescue Plan in aiding the economic recovery from the pandemic and emphasized the administration's commitment to supporting workers in the long term. She mentioned the importance of investing in new...
Opioid Manufacturer Endo Health Solutions Inc. Ordered to Pay $1.536B In Criminal Fines and Forfeiture for Distributing Misbranded Opioid Medication
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Endo Health Solutions Inc. (EHSI) faced a significant legal outcome today as they were ordered to pay $1.536 billion in criminal fines and forfeiture for their involvement in distributing misbranded opioid medication. This marks the second-largest set of criminal financial penalties ever imposed on a pharmaceutical company for violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.EHSI pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, acknowledging their deceptive marketing tactics related to the opioid medication Opana ER. The company marketed the...
Biden-Harris Administration Expands Health Coverage Access for DACA Recipients
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Biden-Harris Administration, has finalized a rule aimed at increasing access to health care for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The rule allows DACA recipients to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, or for coverage through a Basic Health Program (BHP). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this change is expected to result in around 100,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients gaining health...
CFTC to Hold a Commission Open Meeting May 10
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam has revealed that the Commission is scheduled to convene an open meeting on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) at the CFTC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.The meeting, set to take place at the CFTC Headquarters Conference Center, located at Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20581, will focus on the consideration of the Proposed Rule regarding Event Contracts.Individuals interested in participating in the meeting have the option to attend in person, listen by...
ITI Testifies Before USTR on Strengthening Supply Chain Resiliency
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
In a testimony before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), ITI’s Director of Trade Policy Kyle Johnson emphasized the importance of utilizing trade policy to enhance U.S. supply chain resiliency efforts. Johnson urged the Biden Administration to prioritize trade policy as a key tool in advancing supply chain resilience.Johnson highlighted the significance of expanding robust, binding commitments on trade and enforcing existing international trade agreements with U.S. trading partners to improve the success of the U.S. government’s supply chain...
