HHS expresses satisfaction with DOJ's proposed rulemaking consistency
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has expressed satisfaction with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the Justice Department (DOJ). The HHS stated, “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased that the NPRM issued by the Justice Department (DOJ) is consistent with our scheduling recommendation."
DOL updates rules to aid distribution of bankrupt companies' retirement assets
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The Department of Labor (DOL) announced today that its Employee Benefits Security Administration will publish interim final rules and an amendment to a prohibited transaction class exemption. These changes aim to better protect workers' retirement savings by facilitating the distribution of assets from bankrupt companies' retirement plans by Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees.
DHS and DOJ announce new process for efficient immigration hearings
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland have announced a new Recent Arrivals (RA) Docket process to expedite the resolution of immigration cases involving certain noncitizen single adults who attempt irregular crossings between ports of entry at the Southwest border. This initiative will enable the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swiftly impose consequences, including removal, on those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. It will also hasten the granting of...
EPA's regional roadshow aids communities in accessing Investing in America funds
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events as part of its Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative. This initiative aims to help communities across the nation access the unprecedented resources provided by the EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities facilitated by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. On May 13, 2024, the roadshow made a stop in Florence, South Carolina, providing local leaders with opportunities to develop or leverage community-based...
US Treasury officials meet with Argentine counterparts, discuss economic recovery
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 16, 2024, Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh held a meeting with Argentina’s Chief of Cabinet Nicolás Posse and Foreign Minister Diana Mondino. The Argentine delegation was also accompanied by Ambassador Gerardo Werthein.
HUD officials tour Portland as part of national "Road to Innovation" initiative
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Last week, Solomon Greene, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton, visited Portland as part of HUD's national "Road to Innovation” Tour. This tour is a precursor to the 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase scheduled next month in Washington, DC. Before arriving in Portland, PDAS Greene had visited Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle.
Defense Department reports progress in combating military sexual assault
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On his first day as Secretary of Defense, the incumbent prioritized countering sexual assault and harassment in the military, declaring these issues as unacceptable within the U.S. military. The Secretary emphasized the need for cohesion, trust, dignity, and security for every member of the force.
USDA announces key appointments to advisory board informing science research priorities
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 10 members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The appointees include seven new members and three re-appointments, representing a diverse mix of university, non-profit, and industry representatives.
DOE announces $71 million investment in solar manufacturing, development
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $71 million investment to advance American solar manufacturing and development, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funds, which include $16 million from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be directed towards research, development, and demonstration projects aimed at expanding the network of domestic manufacturers across the U.S. solar energy supply chain.
Department of Labor expands migrant worker rights website
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today announced a significant expansion of MigrantWorker.gov and its Spanish version, TrabajadorMigrante.gov. These websites provide useful information to help protect the rights of all American workers, regardless of their immigration status.
CDT opposes Kids Off Social Media Act citing potential privacy concerns
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 16, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined forces with New America’s Open Tech Institute to express their opposition to the Kids Off Social Media Act (S. 4213). This legislation was introduced by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
San Francisco man faces charges for alleged murder linked to drug trafficking
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
A San Francisco man, Filimone Tavake, appeared in the District of Hawaii today to face charges related to his alleged involvement in a murder connected with drug trafficking. According to court documents, Tavake is accused of killing a Hawaii resident at the victim's home on March 27, 2021, as part of a drug distribution conspiracy. He was arrested five days prior in California.
Justice Department initiates process to reschedule marijuana
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The U.S. Justice Department has announced that the Attorney General has submitted a notice of proposed rulemaking to the Federal Register, initiating a formal process to consider reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Harvard leadership criticized for inadequate response to antisemitism
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) has released an investigative update highlighting significant shortcomings in Harvard University's response to antisemitic incidents on its campus. The investigation reveals that despite receiving substantial recommendations from Harvard’s Antisemitism Advisory Group (AAG), the university leadership failed to publicize or implement these suggestions.
Dominican national sentenced for role in international cocaine trafficking conspiracy
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
A Dominican Republic national was sentenced yesterday to a prison term of 15 years and four months for his involvement in an international conspiracy aimed at distributing 385 kilograms of cocaine for illegal importation into the United States.
Deputy Secretary Campbell meets with Italian Ambassador Zappia to discuss G7 priorities
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 16, 2024, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell held a meeting with Italian Ambassador Mariangela Zappia. The meeting was later detailed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Blinken expresses solidarity with Slovakia following assassination attempt on PM
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently had a conversation with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in the wake of an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The information was confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Secretary of Defense discusses assassination attempt with Slovak Minister of Defense
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has reported on a recent conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Slovak Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak. The discussion took place on May 16, 2024, during which Secretary Austin expressed his deep concern over the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Seven Sinaloa Cartel members sentenced for drug trafficking conspiracy
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Seven members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel have been sentenced to prison for their role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The defendants had previously pleaded guilty to these charges.
BLM announces ban on new coal leasing until 2038
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced updates to Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for millions of acres of BLM-managed land in Wyoming and Montana, effectively putting a halt to all new coal leasing until 2038.
