News published on Federal Newswire in December 2021

News from December 2021


Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: Thailand

Thailand’s principal vulnerability to international terrorism continues to be as a transit and facilitation hub given the high volume of travelers through Bangkok and available market of illegal goods, although that vulnerability was reduced in 2020 because of COVID-related travel restrictions and border closures.


Augusta man convicted of multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud a mortgage lender

An Augusta man has been convicted of fraud by a federal jury who found he committed fraud when he borrowed nearly $3 million to refinance an Augusta apartment complex, and then filed for bankruptcy protection when facing foreclosure.


The Bureau of International Organization Affairs Announces the Renewal of the Charter for the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services

The Department of State has renewed the charter of the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services (IPODS) for an additional two years, expiring November 5, 2023.


Joint Statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, on the November 21 Political Agreement in Sudan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom are encouraged by the political agreement in Sudan, signed on 21 November 2021, and the reinstatement of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister.


Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization

Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization Identifying Firms Connected to the PRC Surveillance Technology Sector and Deterring PRC Misuse of Biotechnology and Military Modernization


Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: Uzbekistan

The Government of Uzbekistan remained concerned about the potential spillover of terrorism from Afghanistan and its Central Asian neighbors, the return of ISIS fighters from Iraq and Syria, and terrorist radicalization of Uzbekistanis abroad.


U.S. Citizens Released in Haiti

We welcome the news that the remaining 12 individuals, including 11 U.S.


Heavy travel volumes expected to continue at New England airports through December holidays

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 658,000 people at New England airports during the 10-day Thanksgiving holiday.


U.S. Secret Service Celebrates 50 Years of Women Special Agents

Secret Service recognizes the 50th anniversary of the appointment of the first female special agents to its ranks and has released a commemorative video in honor of the occasion.


Statement of Chairman Leahy on the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

The Senate will soon have the opportunity to vote on passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).


4 Houston-area men charged in $35M COVID-19 relief fraud scheme

A federal grand jury in Houston has returned a superseding indictment against four additional individuals for fraudulently obtaining and laundering millions of dollars in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.


Statement of Chairman Leahy on the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

The Senate will soon have the opportunity to vote on passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).


Statement of Chairman Leahy on the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

The Senate will soon have the opportunity to vote on passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).


ESF Members, NSA and CISA Publish the Fourth Installment of  5G Cybersecurity Guidance

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published the fourth installment on securing integrity of 5G cloud infrastructures, Ensure Integrity of Cloud Infrastructure.


DeLauro Floor Remarks on Protecting Our Democracy Act

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her leadership, alongside Chairman Schiff, on this very important legislation.


CBP Reminds Public Ponche Ingredients are Prohibited from Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are reminding the public that ponche ingredients, guavas, hawthorn apples, and sugarcane are prohibited from entering the United States.



Statement of Chairman Leahy on the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

The Senate will soon have the opportunity to vote on passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).


Justice Department Announces Series of Cases to Combat Addiction Treatment Kickback Schemes in Southern California

Over the past 10 months, the Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against 10 defendants for kickback schemes at substance abuse treatment facilities in Orange County, California.


Pallone Opening Remarks at Second Legislative Hearing Focused on Holding Big Tech Accountable

Following last week’s hearing examining possible reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, today’s panel will discuss consumer protection-focused legislation that aims to hold these companies accountable by enhancing transparency and promoting online safety.