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Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® CEO Gary Shapiro has urged Congress to uphold consumer choice in vehicle technologies during his testimony before the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce.Shapiro emphasized the importance of consumer freedom in choosing vehicle technologies and voiced his opposition to the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. He argued that mandating analog AM radio in all new vehicles would hinder innovation in the automotive sector and put American automakers at a global disadvantage."The...

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized energy-efficiency standards for residential water heaters, aimed at saving American households approximately $7.6 billion annually on energy and water bills. These standards have received strong industry and stakeholder support and are set to have a significant impact on energy waste reduction and carbon pollution.According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, the new standards will benefit American consumers by saving energy and money. She stated, "Almost every U.S. household has a water heater, and for too...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment of more than $78 million to support 19 clean energy projects across rural and remote communities in the United States. The funding, provided by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to drive down energy costs, enhance energy security, and promote local economic development while building climate-resilient communities.U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the impact of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, stating, “President Biden’s...

Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed opposition to Colorado tech bill SB 158, citing concerns about its impact on children's online safety and privacy. The bill, which requires social media platforms to conduct age verification, has drawn criticism from the CCIA for potentially endangering children online and infringing on First Amendment rights.In a statement, CCIA State Policy Director Khara Boender stated, "We share the goal of better protecting children online, but legislation like this raises First Amendment and privacy...

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have solidified their collaboration on consumer protection matters through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In response to the FCC's recent decision to restore net neutrality, the agencies aim to work closely together in safeguarding consumers.FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "The FTC is squarely focused on protecting Americans from illegal business tactics... We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the...

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has put forth a proposal to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Reacting to this announcement, Akua Amaning, director for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress, expressed her views on the matter."The DEA’s proposed rescheduling of marijuana is significant but doesn’t go far enough, as full descheduling is urgently needed. Rescheduling to a Schedule III drug will do little to mitigate the harms of marijuana criminalization. For the past 20 years, the United...

CHICAGO (April 30, 2024) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially commenced the cleanup operations at the Velsicol Burn Pit Superfund site located in St. Louis, Michigan. The funding for this crucial environmental initiative comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.Debra Shore, the Region 5 Administrator, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Biden-Harris Administration, stating, "Thanks to the resources provided by the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA can clean up these...

The National Park Service is seeking electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before April 20, 2024, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments should be submitted electronically by May 15, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has announced the completion of reprocessing 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) forms affected by known issues with IRS data, allowing institutions to now package financial aid offers. Additionally, applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) can now access and submit the online form immediately.U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, “It’s time for schools to package and send aid offers, and for all new and returning...

Rich Nolan, the President and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA), has expressed disagreement with the recent ruling by the Biden administration’s Public Lands Rule for the Bureau of Land Management. This rule aims to put conservation on an equal footing with other uses for public lands. Nolan voiced his dissent in a press release issued on April 22.

State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a significant agreement regarding the cleanup of radioactive and chemical waste at the Hanford Site. The proposed amendments to cleanup agreements will be open for a 60-day public comment period starting on May 30."We have alignment on a plan that lays out a realistic and achievable path forward for Hanford’s tank waste...

Today, U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba and Ivoirian Minister for Foreign Affairs Léon Kacou Adom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire on countering foreign state information manipulation."Foreign state information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda, is a transnational security threat that can create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in government," emphasized in the agreement."This MOU...

Global tech trade ITI has unveiled a new policy guide aimed at shaping the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector in the United States. The document, titled "Building an AI-Powered Government: A Blueprint for U.S. Federal, State, and Local Policymakers," provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to navigate the integration of AI technologies into government operations.According to ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman, the guide serves as a tool to educate lawmakers on leveraging commercial solutions to enhance government services while upholding...

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Energy have announced new guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act programs aimed at boosting manufacturing and clean energy investments in coal communities. The Biden-Harris Administration revealed plans for a $6 billion tax credit allocation round to support clean energy supply chains and advanced energy projects, with a significant portion earmarked for historic energy communities impacted by coal-related closures.Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo emphasized the importance of driving investments in...

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant investment of $105 million in funding to support over 100 community-based organizations dedicated to enhancing maternal and infant health. The announcement was made in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of HRSA's Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of maternal health, stating, “Maternal health is a fundamental human right and every mother deserves access to quality care and support. Having a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth shouldn’t depend...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently commended the efforts of citizen scientists involved in monitoring the water quality of the Merrimack River. EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash praised the collaborative work, stating, "Without good science, how can we protect human health and the environment?"Senator Ed Markey emphasized the importance of citizen science in water quality monitoring, stating, "We can't manage what we don't measure, and we can't treat what we don't know." Markey expressed gratitude to all volunteers for their role in ensuring a...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been awarded an annual procurement scorecard rating of “A+” by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. This prestigious recognition reflects HUD's exceptional performance in reaching small business and socio-economic prime contracting and subcontracting goals.HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering small businesses." She further...

FinCEN, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, will be hosting a webinar on beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. The webinar aims to provide valuable insights into compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act. The Corporate Transparency Act mandates that numerous companies operating in the United States disclose information to FinCEN regarding their ultimate beneficial owners or controllers. In light of this requirement, a FinCEN representative will lead the virtual information session to guide participants on...

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 29, 2024) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, expressed its support for legislation introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (AL) and Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08) to repeal the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The legislation aims to relieve small businesses from burdensome reporting requirements related to beneficial ownership information.Jeff Brabant, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations, highlighted the significance of repealing the CTA, stating,...

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the winners of the 34th National Science Bowl®, a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Students from Lexington High School in Massachusetts and BASIS Independent Bellevue in Washington emerged victorious in this prestigious competition.U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm congratulated the winning teams, stating, "Congratulations to the wonderfully brilliant minds from BASIS Independent Bellevue and Lexington High School for winning the 2024...

Los Angeles Times reported on April 29, 2024, that Caitriona Fitzgerald, the deputy director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, expressed her views on the need for a robust privacy law to combat intrusions by Big Tech companies. Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of ensuring that any preemptive legislation is more stringent than current state laws, pointing out that the existing laws may not be sufficient.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new guidelines and reports aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure and weapons of mass destruction from threats related to artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives come in response to President Biden's Executive Order focusing on the responsible development and use of AI.Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of addressing AI-related threats, stating, "AI can present transformative solutions for U.S. critical infrastructure, and it also carries the risk...

The 20th annual State Department Model United Nations (UN) conference is set to convene on April 29 at the Department of State, featuring a keynote address from Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen. Over the past two decades, this event has welcomed more than 500 students annually from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, providing them with a platform to engage in representing UN member states and discussing crucial global issues.Reflecting on the significance of the Model UN conference, the organizers emphasized, "We believe the young...

The U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled a series of new initiatives in response to President Biden's Executive Order on AI, marking significant progress in AI development and regulation. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the department's commitment to transparency and stakeholder feedback in this endeavor.Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced four draft publications aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems. Laurie E....

Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets Josh Frost presented the Quarterly Refunding Statement on April 29, 2024, outlining the U.S. Department of the Treasury's plans for upcoming Treasury securities offerings. Frost announced, "The U.S. Department of the Treasury is offering $125 billion of Treasury securities to refund approximately $107.8 billion of privately-held Treasury notes maturing on May 15, 2024." The issuance aims to raise new cash from private investors amounting to approximately $17.2 billion.The upcoming securities offerings include a 3-year note of $58...