Sort By
Results
Supreme Court ruling impacts FCC regulations on digital discrimination and internet policies
WASHINGTON—Following the Loper Bright v. Raimondo decision, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a leading think tank for science and technology policy, released a statement from Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy.
Supreme Court ruling on homelessness case sparks controversy
On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a city ordinance prohibiting unhoused individuals from using blankets, pillows, or cardboard boxes for protection while sleeping within city limits does not violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
U.S. and Dominican Republic advance bilateral aviation cooperation
Today, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Minister of Tourism David Collado from the Dominican Republic met at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., to advance progress on bilateral aviation cooperation. The delegations, representing the departments of Commerce, State, and Transportation and the Dominican Ministry of Tourism and Institute of Civil Aviation, signed a Memorandum of Consultations, marking the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral Air Transport Agreement (also known as an “Open Skies”...
Supreme Court limits use of federal law in January 6 prosecutions
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that a federal law criminalizing the corrupt obstruction of congressional inquiries and investigations cannot be used to prosecute participants in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This decision may also lead to some related charges being dropped against former President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court's Chevron overruling impacts antitrust enforcement
Following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overruled its prior holding in Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a leading think tank for science and technology policy, released a statement from Joseph V. Coniglio, Director of Antitrust and Innovation.
Commerce Department responds to Nuziard v. MBDA court ruling
Since its founding in 1969 by President Nixon, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been dedicated to promoting the growth of minority business enterprises through public and private sector programs, policy, and research. This mission is based on the understanding that achieving the full potential of the U.S. economy requires enabling every American entrepreneur to start and grow their businesses regardless of background.
Supreme Court overturns Chevron doctrine affecting agency power
On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, which has required courts to defer to a federal agency’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous laws. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued a statement.
Treasury releases final regulations for reporting digital asset transactions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released final regulations on reporting requirements for brokers of digital assets, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These regulations align digital asset reporting requirements with those long established for traditional financial services.
EPA orders Accel Charter Schools Network to address hazardous materials at three Ohio locations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Accel Schools Ohio LLC to address lead paint and asbestos concerns at three of its schools in Ohio: Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy, and STEAM Academy of Warren. Under the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act authority, the order requires Accel to take specific actions to mitigate potential health hazards.
Biden-Harris Administration announces Central Atlantic offshore wind lease sale
WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris administration has announced an offshore wind energy lease sale in the Central Atlantic, as part of its efforts to bolster a clean energy economy. The Department of the Interior revealed that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will auction areas on August 14, 2024, which could generate up to 6.3 gigawatts of renewable energy, potentially powering up to 2.2 million homes.
FTC finalizes order with Avast over web browsing data misuse
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized an order banning software provider Avast from selling, disclosing, or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes. This action settles charges that the company and its subsidiaries sold such information despite promising that its products would protect consumers from online tracking. Avast is also required to pay $16.5 million, which is expected to be used to provide redress to consumers.
Subcommittee discusses bills impacting NOAA regulations
Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss four bills related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposed legislation addresses issues ranging from speed regulations for vessels to updates in fisheries data collection. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) provided a statement on the matter:
President Biden announces pardons for LGBTQ service members
Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced pardons for former service members convicted of crimes related to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Following the announcement, Cait Smith, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued a statement.
Supreme Court halts EPA's 'good neighbor' plan amid ongoing litigation
On June 27, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that halts the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) "good neighbor" plan. This plan requires Western and Midwestern states to curb emissions from factories and power plants that drift into downwind states. Five justices put the program on hold while litigation continues.
Biden-Harris Administration announces over $7 Million for clean domestic manufacturing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of over $7.3 million from the Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants program to support 37 small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the United States. The funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
DOE announces $2.7 billion investment in domestic nuclear fuel supply chain
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $2.7 billion investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to boost the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The DOE issued a request for proposals (RFP) to purchase low-enriched uranium (LEU) from domestic sources, aiming to enhance uranium enrichment capacity in the United States and reduce reliance on Russian imports.
State Department releases annual progress report on advancing global LGBTQI+ human rights
Today, the Department of State released the third public report on the U.S. government’s implementation of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons (LGBTQI+) Around the World. The report highlights efforts to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally in 2023.
Supreme Court dismisses case on emergency abortion care
The U.S. Supreme Court has dismissed the case of Idaho v. United States without making a decision on emergency abortion care, leaving the matter to be decided by lower courts. The ruling allows emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to continue in Idaho for now.
FTC announces final updates to Eyeglass Rule promoting competition
Concluding a comprehensive multi-year review, the Federal Trade Commission today announced final updates to its Ophthalmic Practice Rules, known as the Eyeglass Rule, aimed at promoting competition and consumer choice.
United States welcomes South Korea as new Minerals Security Partnership chair
The United States congratulates the Republic of Korea (ROK) on assuming the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) after receiving unanimous support from all MSP partners. The ROK will hold the chair of the MSP for one year starting on July 1. The ROK has demonstrated leadership on critical minerals supply chain issues and has been an engaged and active member of the MSP. The ROK government and its private sector are leading efforts to expand and diversify the supply of critical minerals and the battery supply chain. As the founding chair of the MSP, the United...
Uyghur Human Rights Project announces new steps in handling misconduct allegations
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) has released additional information regarding its handling of misconduct allegations and outlined steps to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace. The organization reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct or harassment and its commitment to high ethical standards, emphasizing a welcoming environment for women and all activists in the movement for Uyghur human rights.
USDA advises on Fourth of July grilling safety measures
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 – On July Fourth, the aroma of barbecue will fill the air as festivities bring together family and friends to celebrate with quintessential American cooking pastimes: grilling and smoking. Food is a significant staple when it comes to celebrating Independence Day, aside from the fireworks. Whether sizzling burgers on the grill or slow-cooking ribs in the smoker, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service is urging everyone to take food safety precautions during food preparations.
Report highlights inequities in 2017 tax bill's pass-through deduction
Washington, D.C. — The 2017 tax cuts, signed into law by then-President Donald Trump and enacted without Democratic support, introduced significant reductions in personal, corporate, and estate taxes that predominantly benefited the wealthy. A notable change in the law allowed owners of pass-through businesses—partnerships, sole proprietorships, and S corporations—to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income when calculating their taxes.
ITIF calls on appeals court to uphold ruling against Internet Archive
In response to the oral arguments in the appeal of Hachette v. Internet Archive, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent think tank for science and technology policy, released a statement from Vice President Daniel Castro.
Department of Labor recovers $195K for home care workers denied full wages
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $195,960 in back wages and damages for 22 home care workers employed by JG Adult Family Home LLC in Auburn, Washington. The recovery follows an investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division, which found that the employer did not pay caregivers overtime rates for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Instead, employees were paid a daily rate regardless of hours worked. Additionally, some employees were denied the required federal minimum wage.