News from August 2023
After Grayscale's win against SEC, Bernstein says spot bitcoin ETFs can finally take off
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
On Aug. 29, a federal court issued a ruling that increases the likelihood that the SEC will grant approval for various applications for bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Experts weigh in on China's economic slowdown
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published a commentary providing insights from four Chinese business and economics specialists on the state of China's economy and what it means for the United States and the world moving forward.
Admiral Levine: 'Our TPP program provides new research on innovative practices or specific populations and settings'
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
On Aug. 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the allocation of roughly $23 million through the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) to enhance the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program, according to a press release. Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health, emphasized the program's goal of improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health while prioritizing equity.
Secretary Mayorkas: 'President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is going to keep Americans and their communities safer and more resilient'
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
On Aug. 28, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced the allocation of nearly $3 billion in climate resilience, according to a press release. The funding will enhance the resilience of communities across the nation to climate change and extreme weather events.
Congressional delegation led by Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources Bruce Westerman visits Maui to assess Lahaina fire damages
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources Bruce Westerman led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) on a trip throughout the Indo-Pacific region to learn about issues facing various island nations and U.S. territories. On Aug. 28, Westerman, accompanied by fellow committee members and the Hawaii congressional delegation, conducted a survey of the fire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii on the island of Maui.
EPA Official: 'EPA will continue to pursue criminal charges against companies like Gorilla Performance, which broke the law brazenly'
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 31, 2023
Two Idaho-based companies specializing in diesel parts and their owner have admitted guilt in relation to selling and installing unauthorized defeat devices and have consented to a payment of $1 million. Furthermore, these companies have committed to instituting compliance programs and refraining from manufacturing, selling, or installing any device that undermines a vehicle's emissions controls.
Pentagon restricts federal aid to colleges with foreign outposts like Confucius Institutes
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
Under pressure from congressional Republicans, the Pentagon has restricted federal aid to colleges with Confucius Institute outposts, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
Secretary Mayorkas: 'The Biden-Harris Administration is working across all levels of government to ensure communities have resources to protect the public and our nation’s critical infrastructure'
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are releasing resources to assist communities across 22 states, where approximately 130 million Americans are under heat alerts, in managing the intensifying impact of extreme heat due to the climate crisis, according to an Aug. 24 press release. Heat-related deaths remain a top weather-related cause in the U.S., and critical infrastructure is also threatened.
CNN reports migrants are being helped across the border by ISIS-affiliated smuggler
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
CNN reported on Aug. 30 that a smuggler affiliated with ISIS helped several migrants cross the US-Mexico border earlier in the year, prompting Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and others to question the Biden Administration's approach to the ongoing border crisis.
University of Houston BTI Institute announces second annual Conference to Combat Human Trafficking
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
The Borders, Trade, and Immigration (BTI) Institute, a national consortium led by the University of Houston, Tex., announced that its second annual Conference to Combat Human Trafficking will be held Dec. 12-13 at the University of Houston Student Center. The meeting will address new technologies aimed at limiting human and drug trafficking, and focus on areas in need of future study, a University of Houston/BTI press release said.
Agencies propose guidance to enhance resolution planning at large banks
By Federal Newswire | Aug 30, 2023
News Release: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Federal Reserve Board today invited public comment on proposed guidance to help certain large bank holding companies further develop their Dodd-Frank Act Title I resolution plans.
Yellen: “The Inflation Reduction Act is spurring historic investments in clean energy”
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released proposed rules and FAQs related to the Inflation Reduction Act's implementation across America, which focuses on clean energy job incentives and prevailing wage requirements.
Raimondo: “This EDA investment in North Baldwin Utilities will help expand the region’s manufacturing sector”
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
On Aug. 29, 2023, the EDA awarded a multi-million million grant to North Baldwin Utilities in Bay Minette, Alabama.
Binance Labs announces investment in Pendle Finance
By Federal Newswire reports | Aug 30, 2023
Binance Labs, the venture capital arm of the largest crypto exchange in the world, has announced an investment in Pendle Finance, a tokenized yield protocol. Yi He, the head of Binance Labs, and Yibo Ling, the chief business officer of Binance Labs, have said that Binance Labs invests prudently in projects that support Binance's vision of the future of decentralized finance.
Agencies request comment on proposed rule to require large banks to maintain long-term debt to improve financial stability and resolution
By Federal Newswire | Aug 30, 2023
News Release: Federal bank regulatory agencies today requested comment on a proposal that would require large banks with total assets of $100 billion or more to maintain a layer of long-term debt, which would improve financial stability by increasing the resolvability and resiliency of such institutions.
Yellen: 'The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on investing in our economic strength'
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen gave a statement on a press call with Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the government’s support for American workers.
Bushnell: "Knowing that, the state of Missouri still seeks to execute him. That is not justice."
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
Marcellus Williams, a Missouri death row inmate, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey, claiming his planned execution violates due process, as DNA evidence suggests his innocence. The suit alleges illegal dissolution of a board meant to review his case.
Raimondo: “Marine debris is a significant and increasing threat to coastal, ocean and Great Lakes economic activity”
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
On August 28, 2023, the Department of Commerce announced $28 million in funding to support large-scale marine debris removal projects and proven interception technologies in coastal regions across the U.S.
Gee: "Today's announcement is a watershed moment to make lifesaving medications more affordable for millions of Americans on Medicare."
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
CMS has revealed the first 10 drugs targeted for Medicare price negotiations, marking a historic step in efforts to lower prescription drug costs.
Mike Gallagher: "Millions of Americans have become financial backers of the CCP without knowing it."
By Federal Newswire Report | Aug 30, 2023
Mike Gallagher, Wisconsin Representative and Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), recently addressed the issue of Americans unknowingly funding activities of the CCP without their consent or awareness. Gallagher highlighted the necessity for increased efforts to prevent such occurrences.
