News published on Federal Newswire in September 2023

News from September 2023



U.S. Department of Commerce Contributes $2 Million to Genesee County, Michigan Business Expansion Initiatives

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has announced that Mundy Township, Michigan, will receive a $2 million grant from the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) for improvements to its road, sewer, and water infrastructure along an industrial and commercial corridor. The grant aims to support existing manufacturers, attract new private investment, and create jobs in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare sectors.


U.S. Department of Commerce Contributes $3 Million to Scooba, Mississippi Workforce Development Programs for Manufacturing and Industrial Services

The U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated $3 million to support workforce development programs for manufacturing and industrial services in Scooba, Mississippi. The funding will be used to establish a new industrial training facility at East Mississippi Community College, providing students with the skills needed for in-demand jobs in sectors such as HVAC repair, electrical technology, and welding. The investment is part of the Biden Administration's efforts to bolster job training and create new business opportunities to drive economic growth.


Government Dysfunction: Philip Howard Advocates Sweeping Reforms to Empower Officials

Philip Howard is the Chair of Common Good, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to simplifying laws so that Americans can use common sense in daily choices. He is the author of "Not Accountable", "The Death of Common Sense", "The Collapse of The Common Good", and "Try Common Sense."


Unlocking the American Dream: Clay Routledge's Insights on Empowering Individuals

Clay Routledge is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute. He's the co-editor of Profectus, a magazine on human progress and flourishing.


DOE allocates almost $48 million to advance clean hydrogen technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the allocation of $47.7 million in funding for 16 research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects that aim to advance clean hydrogen technologies. These projects, managed by DOE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, will be conducted across 13 states and will contribute to efforts to reduce the production cost of clean hydrogen.


University of Phoenix borrowers see debt relief

University of Phoenix borrowers are finally seeing some relief as the Biden-Harris administration announced $37 million in student loan forgiveness for over 1,200 students. This decision comes after the U.S. Department of Education found that the university had misled students through a national advertising campaign, making false promises about employment opportunities.


DOD boost domestic production of critical rare earth magnets

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a significant step towards enhancing domestic manufacturing of rare earth magnets with a $94.1 million investment in E-VAC Magnetics, LLC. Rare earth magnets are essential components in national defense applications like F-35 fighter jets and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as well as various commercial industries. This funding aims to strengthen the U.S.'s rare earth magnet production capabilities and establish a reliable, domestic supply chain.


Green: 'The consequences of the chaos at the Southwest border have spread throughout our country, impacting all Americans'

In a hearing aimed at Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) voiced strong criticisms of the Biden administration's approach to border policies, according to a press release.


Chamber of Progress CEO: 'DOJ's antitrust case against Google has gone off the rails'

Adam Kovacevich, the CEO and founder of the tech industry coalition Chamber of Progress, said the Department of Justice's (DOJ) statements about the Russian government show that its case against Google has derailed. DOJ attorneys commended the Russian government for implementing a choice screen for search engines during ongoing antitrust litigation against Google.


 Life in the Chinese Surveillance State: Bob Fu on the Challenges Faced by Christians in China

Bob Fu founded China Aid in 2002 to bring international attention to religious persecution and human rights violations in China. Bob's memoir is titled “God's Double Agent.”


Raimondo: "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities like Lewis County with the resources they need to grow local businesses and create new jobs"

Raimondo: "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities like Lewis County with the resources they need to grow local businesses and create new jobs"


Fifth Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Negotiating Round Joint Readout in Thailand by the U.S. Department of Commerce and USTR

The fifth round of negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) took place in Bangkok, Thailand from September 10-16, 2023. Led by Sharon H. Yuan from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Sarah Ellerman from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. delegation worked alongside their counterparts to advance negotiations under Pillars I, III, and IV of the IPEF. This round of negotiations built upon discussions held during the previous round in Busan, South Korea.


The role of Hispanic-serving institutions in preparing the next generation of leaders for the jobs of the future is discussed by Secretary Raimondo.

In a recent roundtable discussion with National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the country, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of equity, access to education, and a skilled workforce. The event, hosted by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, marked the beginning of National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, which precedes Hispanic Heritage Month. During the roundtable, Secretary Raimondo emphasized the crucial role that HSIs play in preparing the next generation of leaders for the jobs of the future.


Economic Development Administration announces 2023 STEM winners

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced the winners of the 2023 STEM Talent Challenge. This competition, managed by the EDA, aims to support local innovation economies and develop STEM talent across the country. As part of President Biden's economic strategy, known as Bidenomics, these awards are a crucial component of investing in American workers and talent streams.


Recent hearing examines the dangers of potential CCP infiltration of the U.S education system

A recent hearing held by the subcommittee on "Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education" has brought attention to the potential dangers of Confucius institutes in the American school system. These institutes, which are funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have been accused of attempting to subtly infiltrate and influence American education.


At an event hosted by Samsung Electronics America and ITI, leading technologists and policy experts discuss climate solutions.

An event titled "Tech's Playbook for Public-Private Climate Solutions" was recently held as part of Climate Week NYC. The event, organized by international tech trade association ITI and Samsung Electronics America, brought together leading climate experts from the Biden Administration, New York State, and the tech industry to discuss the role of technology in addressing climate change.


New ITIF Report: Big Tech's Free Online Services Don't Cost Consumers Their Privacy

New ITIF Report: Big Tech's Free Online Services Don't Cost Consumers Their Privacy


The mental health treatment program at Central Alabama VA is improved

The Central Alabama VA has announced significant improvements to its Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, thanks to a close collaboration with the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The program, which has long been a beacon of hope for Alabama Veterans struggling with mental health issues and addiction disorders, has been redesigned to provide better assistance, security, and care. With a focus on addressing the complex needs of Veterans facing severe psychosocial challenges, the 73-bed program now offers improved services to even more...


The VA Affairs Department stated that three VA facilities in Michigan will serve as test sites for voter registration.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that three VA facilities in Michigan will serve as test sites for voter registration. The Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Detroit Regional Office have been designated as voter registration sites under an interagency agreement signed on National Voter Registration Day, September 19, 2023.