News published on Federal Newswire in September 2023

News from September 2023


FTC and Department of Labor join forces to protect workers from unfair practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have joined forces to protect workers from unfair practices, according to a new agreement signed by both agencies. The partnership aims to promote competitive labor markets and put an end to deceptive and unlawful acts and practices that harm workers.


Federal Railroad Administration announces record investment in rail projects across the country

Federal Railroad Administration Announces Unprecedented Investment in Rail Projects Across the Country


Pastor from Round Rock Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Child Pornography

A former pastor from Round Rock, Texas has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography. David Lloyd Walther, a 57-year-old resident of Georgetown, was found guilty and sentenced to 70 months in prison and 10 years of probation. Walther was a trusted leader in the community, serving as the pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Round Rock at the time of his arrest.


COVID-19 fraudster exchanges his house for a jail

Caleb McCreless, a 33-year-old man from Richmond, has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a massive fraud scheme that resulted in losses of $17 million.


Tri-National alliance formed to ensure economic fairness during 2026 FIFA World Cup

Tri-National Alliance Established to Ensure Economic Fairness During 2026 FIFA World Cup


Biden-Harris Administration pledges $500 million to boost water equity and access across the country

The Biden-Harris Administration has made a significant commitment to improve water equity and access in the United States. With a pledge of $500 million, the administration aims to support around 1,500 disadvantaged communities across the country. This landmark announcement was made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water, Radhika Fox, at the Clinton Global Initiative 2023 Meeting in New York.


EPA awards nearly $8M for groundwater research to four institutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced that it will be awarding nearly $8 million in funding to four institutions for research on enhanced aquifer recharge (EAR). The aim of this research is to improve groundwater availability and quality, in response to the challenges posed by climate change and rising water demand.


Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funding totaling $7.5 billion

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $7.5 billion in available funding through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). This low-interest loan program is designed to accelerate projects related to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, while also promoting job creation and cost savings.


$4.6 billion climate pollution reduction grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a $4.6 billion grant program aimed at reducing climate pollution, advancing environmental justice, and promoting clean energy solutions. This initiative, known as the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG), is the second phase of the EPA's $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was established under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. The first phase provided $250 million to assist states and major cities in developing their own climate action plans, and the current phase focuses on...


Biden-Harris Administration allocates nearly $12 million for marine highway projects to boost supply chain efficiency

The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated nearly $12 million in grants to eight marine highway projects across the United States, as part of the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP). The aim of this funding is to enhance the movement of goods through the nation's navigable waterways, ultimately strengthening supply chains and reducing consumer costs.


Hinson: 'There is a growing trend of persons working on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to obtain sensitive information'

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, a member of The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is collaborating with fellow committee members to request a briefing on the escalating national security threats posed by the CCP. This request follows recent reports that suggest the CCP has made over a hundred attempts to access sensitive sites and information in the United States.


Fitzgerald: 'proud to vote in  Financial Services GOP  to pass one of the strongest measures ever '

On Wednesday, Wisconsin Rep. Scott Fitzgerald voiced his endorsement of and announced the approval of H.R. 760, known as the "Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act." Fitzgerald voted in favor of advancing the bill through the House Financial Services Committee, and it received unanimous approval.


Study shows cartels number about 175,000 members

Study Reveals Mexican Cartels Have Approximately 175,000 Members


The pharmaceutical industry acted like a drug cartel.

The pharmaceutical industry's role in the opioid crisis has been likened to that of a drug cartel, according to a recent exposé by NPR. The article sheds light on the intricate connections between the pharmaceutical industry, legislation, law enforcement, Mexican drug cartels, and the devastating opioid crisis that has plagued the nation. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and addressing the root causes of this epidemic.


On September 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an extra $25 million investment to strengthen efforts to stop and minimize food loss and waste.

On September 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $25 million investment to strengthen efforts in reducing food loss and waste. The funding, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, was a collaboration between the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of the Chief Economist of the USDA.


Renews Pioneering Partnership with The Coca-Cola Company to Restore Forests, Grasslands, and Watersheds was a USDA announcement made on September 19.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has renewed its partnership with The Coca-Cola Company in an effort to restore forests, grasslands, and watersheds across the country. The 10-year partnership aims to enhance watersheds on national forests and grasslands and has already made significant progress since its inception in 2013.


On September 19, the USDA released a new study on consumer kitchen behavior that highlights the significance of food safety education month.

A new study released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during Food Safety Education Month sheds light on consumer kitchen behavior and the importance of food safety education. The study, conducted by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) over a five-year period, reveals concerning trends in handwashing and the use of food thermometers among participants.


Swift Implementation of Inflation Reduction Act Funding Continues as USDA Observes Record Interest in Conservation and Clean Energy Programs, as reported on September 19.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has witnessed a surge in interest in conservation and clean energy programs funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. The act, which is part of President Biden's Investing in America plan, is the largest-ever investment in the fight against climate change.


On September 18, the secretaries of education and agriculture urged governors to fairly fund HBCUs that receive land grants.

On September 18, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack wrote letters to 16 governors, urging them to fairly fund historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that receive land grants. The letters highlighted the significant funding gap between these institutions and their non-HBCU counterparts in the states.