News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero has announced that "AI Day" will be held at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on May 2, 2024. The event will take place at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT).According to Commissioner Romero, "AI Day is a continuation of the TAC’s study of AI, and the concept of Responsible AI in financial markets." The public is invited to attend the event in person or watch it via live webcast on CFTC.gov.Confirmed speakers for AI Day...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) have unveiled a two-year action plan aimed at addressing environmental justice issues in California through collaborative enforcement efforts. The plan, which is part of a groundbreaking federal-state partnership initiated in 2021, focuses on protecting public health and the environment in overburdened communities across the state.Martha Guzman, the EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with CalEPA, stating, “We are...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The American Medical Association (AMA) has responded to UnitedHealth Group's (UHG) confirmation of stolen data from Change Healthcare, expressing appreciation for the efforts made to contain the damage caused by the breach. AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., emphasized the importance of UHG fulfilling its promises to assist those affected.Physicians, particularly those in small practices, have been significantly impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare. Dr. Ehrenfeld highlighted the challenges faced by these practices, including suspended claim...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
On April 24, 2024, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center announced their joint theme for the 2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The theme, "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future," aims to foster intergenerational connections, action, and reflection within the communities.The annual celebration in May acknowledges the significant contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI)...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The Department of Labor has unveiled a new interactive map aimed at highlighting more than 1,000 planned clean energy projects across the United States that have the potential to create good-paying jobs. This initiative is in line with the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to fostering job growth while addressing the pressing issue of climate change.Acting Secretary Julie Su emphasized the importance of the map, stating, "This map is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies to help ensure that the Biden-Harris administration’s...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero is set to participate in a panel discussion at FIA's Law & Compliance Conference. The panel, titled "AI and Machine Learning: The Unknown Future Rolls Towards Us," will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (EDT) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.The event aims to delve into the implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the legal and compliance sectors. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero's participation underscores the importance of addressing the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Miles Yi, the Director of the Hudson Institute's China Center, said the negotiations made by former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1972 called the Shanghai Communiqué only acknowledged China’s One China Policy, it “never said if we agree with it or not.”
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Timothy Massad, former chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has warned that "stablecoins could have national security implications," advocating for stronger regulations in this area. Massad's statement was part of a research paper published by the Brookings Institution on April 17.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Chairman Gallagher has made a bold statement regarding the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), asserting that the CCP "wants more dead Americans," through its support of fentanyl production, which is making its way into the U.S. This assertion was made during a Congressional hearing on April 16th.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Dr. Joshua Eisenman is a senior fellow for China Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and an associate professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. His latest book is, “China's Relations with Africa: A New Era of Strategic Engagement.”
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule aimed at enhancing the process for conducting risk evaluations on chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule is designed to ensure that TSCA risk evaluations comprehensively assess the risks associated with chemicals and provide a solid foundation for protecting public health, particularly workers and communities, from toxic substances.Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Michal Freedhoff, emphasized the importance of the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell chaired the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials’ Meeting between senior U.S. officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council and their counterparts from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Department of Defense, and Philippine National Security Council in Washington, D.C. today. The meeting follows the annual U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on April 22-23, as well as the bilateral meeting between President Marcos and President Biden, the historic...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has disclosed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a significant discussion with Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias, highlighting the robust defense ties between the United States and Greece. The call also touched upon Greece's vital contributions to security in the Red Sea and its unwavering assistance to Ukraine amidst Russia's aggressive actions.Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Greece in bolstering regional security, Secretary Austin expressed gratitude towards Minister Dendias for the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
BOSTON (April 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled with WestFair Painting Corp., a local franchisee of CertaPro Painters in Bethel, Connecticut, for violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). The company agreed to pay a penalty of $13,122 to come into compliance with the RRP Rule."Companies certified under the Lead RRP Rule know the dangers of renovating properties with lead paint hazards and hiring contractors without proper lead training and certification is unacceptable," stated EPA New England...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris administration has finalized a rule aimed at increasing compensation thresholds for overtime eligibility, expanding protections for millions of workers across the nation.Effective July 1, 2024, the new rule will see the salary threshold for exempting salaried employees from federal overtime pay requirements rise to an annual salary of $43,888, with a further increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. This initiative aims to provide more equitable treatment for lower-paid salaried workers in comparison to their hourly counterparts.Acting Secretary...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. — The Department of the Interior has announced a significant investment of more than $70 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for 43 projects in 29 states aimed at improving fish passage around outdated or obsolete barriers in rivers and streams. The projects will address climate resilience, enhance recreational opportunities, and boost local economies.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda delivers a once-in-a-generation investment to restore our...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
On February 29, CDT testified in front of the Connecticut Senate’s General Law Committee on Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence. The organization thanked the committee for its and the sponsor’s work on the wide-ranging bill, while offering a number of suggestions to strengthen it.CDT’s Matt Scherer emphasized the importance of various enhancements including "strengthening the definitions to ensure that companies cannot evade accountability," "expanding notice and transparency requirements for AI-driven decisions," and "strengthening enforcement...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Department of Defense Spokesperson Jeff Jurgensen confirmed that Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante recently embarked on a diplomatic mission to Paris, France, and Brussels, Belgium. Dr. LaPlante's visit aimed to enhance security cooperation with European allies and partners, focusing on current needs and future collaboration in procurement, production, and sustainment.Dr. LaPlante engaged in discussions at the semi-annual NATO Conference of National Armaments Directors (NADs), where progress on the implementation of NATO's...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Two bankruptcy petition preparers have been prohibited from providing bankruptcy-related services after being found guilty of targeting vulnerable consumers facing foreclosure, thanks to the enforcement efforts of the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).In one case, Kafil Hamim Quaiyum Tunsill was permanently barred from acting as a bankruptcy petition preparer in the Middle District of Florida. Tunsill was also fined $12,500 and instructed to refund $1,900 to a debtor. Director Tara Twomey of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees emphasized, "Unscrupulous...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 23, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) approved final rules to amend its swap execution facility (SEF) regulations related to uncleared swap confirmations to address issues which have been addressed in CFTC staff no-action letters, including the most recent CFTC No Action Letter No. 17-17, as well as associated conforming and technical changes. The final rules are effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Upon the effective date of the final rules, CFTC No Action Letter No. 17-17 will expire.
