News from April 2024
FTC Takes Action Against Improper Patent Listings in Drug Industry
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expanded its efforts to combat the improper listing of patents in the Food and Drug Administration’s Orange Book, targeting over 300 questionable listings for diabetes, weight loss, asthma, and COPD drugs. One of the drugs under scrutiny is Novo Nordisk Inc.’s popular weight-loss medication, Ozempic.FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the negative impact of bogus patent listings on drug prices, stating, “By filing bogus patent listings, pharma companies block competition and inflate the cost of prescription drugs, forcing Americans to...
Interior Department Proposes Offshore Wind Sales in Oregon, Gulf of Maine
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior, under the Biden-Harris administration, has unveiled plans for offshore wind energy auctions off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. These proposals, announced by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), have the potential to generate over 18 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power more than six million homes.Secretary Deb Haaland expressed the administration's commitment to green energy, job creation, and community resilience, stating, "Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department...
The Persecution of Uyghur Senior Citizens
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
UHRP Insights column by Henryk Szadziewski sheds light on the alarming trend of the persecution of Uyghur senior citizens in China. The report highlights the tragic story of individuals like Abidin Ayup, a 96-year-old religious leader who died in prison without his body being returned to his family. Abidin's granddaughter recalls him as a dedicated imam who educated children in religion for three decades.The Uyghur Human Rights Project has extensively researched the crackdown on religious leaders, including senior figures. A 2021 report by UHRP documented over 1,000 cases...
EPA to Host Public Forum in Africatown, Alabama to Discuss Environmental and Health Challenges, Solutions
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Mobile, Ala. (April 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local stakeholders will host a public forum on Saturday focused on advancing environmental justice and revitalizing Africatown, Alabama. The meeting is open to Africatown residents, non-profit organizations, local and state government, academia, churches, business owners, and others.According to the announcement, participants will have the opportunity to discuss community environmental concerns, including public health and air quality issues, and also learn about federal, state, and local...
EPA Highlights Biden-Harris Administration’s New National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe emphasized the critical nature of cybersecurity and climate change threats to the nation's water infrastructure. She stressed the urgency of coordinated action to protect public health and the environment in light of recent cyber attacks on water systems.McCabe highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to secure the country's critical infrastructure, stating that the new National Security Memorandum (NSM) plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and the economy....
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a crucial meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman today, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting revolved around various significant topics concerning the region.The discussions focused on efforts to establish a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages, with a specific emphasis on urging Hamas to accept the current proposal on the table. Additionally, Secretary Blinken and King Abdullah explored diplomatic endeavors aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region, which includes a pathway...
Publication of U.S. Government-Funded Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Handbook for Policymakers
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources and the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program have announced the launch of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Handbook for Policymakers. According to Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, the handbook is designed to empower key stakeholders to deploy carbon capture, utilization, and storage capabilities effectively.The handbook aims to support global climate ambitions by promoting the responsible deployment of carbon capture,...
U.S.-UK Strategic Energy Dialogue 2024: Joint Statement
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The fourth meeting of the U.S.-U.K. Strategic Energy Dialogue (SED) took place today, with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary David M. Turk and UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Andrew Bowie at the helm. This ongoing dialogue, established in 2021, aims to enhance cooperation on energy security, clean energy, and net-zero objectives between the two nations.During the meeting, both parties highlighted the collaborative efforts between the DOE and DESNZ on various energy topics such as offshore wind...
AIA Urges Congress to Invest in FAA, Equip for Next-Generation Technology
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Arlington, Va. (April 30, 2024) – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) today released its priorities for the fiscal year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which authorizes funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).Vice President of Civil Aviation, Di Reimold, emphasized the industry's commitment to innovation, stating, “Our industry is constantly on the cutting edge of technology. We develop, create, and deliver safe and reliable aviation. From advanced air mobility and next-generation air...
Secretary Mayorkas Comments on New National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON - In response to the National Security Memorandum (NSM) signed by President Biden today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of securing and enhancing the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure."Our nation’s critical infrastructure consists of the systems and services upon which Americans rely in their daily lives. From the banking system to the electric grid, from healthcare to our nation’s water systems and more, we depend on the safety and defense of our critical infrastructure as a matter of homeland and...
DOE Finalizes Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters to Save Americans Over $7 Billion on Household Utility Bills Annually
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized energy-efficiency standards for residential water heaters, aimed at saving American households approximately $7.6 billion annually on energy and water bills. These standards have received strong industry and stakeholder support and are set to have a significant impact on energy waste reduction and carbon pollution.According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, the new standards will benefit American consumers by saving energy and money. She stated, "Almost every U.S. household has a water heater, and for too...
Committee Considers Solutions for Tribal Health Care, Individual Tribal Eligibility for Need-Based Federal Programs
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs convened a legislative hearing today to discuss two bills aimed at improving tribal health care services and addressing discrepancies in means-tested benefits for Alaska Natives. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) emphasized the significance of these bills, stating, "While both of today’s bills are technical and provide seemingly small fixes to longstanding programs, they will enable changes that will provide great value to individuals that utilize these programs. Often, Congress can be perceived as only focusing on...
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $78 Million in Clean Energy Projects for Rural Communities
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment of more than $78 million to support 19 clean energy projects across rural and remote communities in the United States. The funding, provided by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to drive down energy costs, enhance energy security, and promote local economic development while building climate-resilient communities.U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the impact of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, stating, “President Biden’s...
Department of Labor Seeks Input from North Carolina Highway Construction Industry for Wage Survey
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Department of Labor is encouraging employers and stakeholders in North Carolina’s highway construction industry to participate in a statewide survey to help establish prevailing wage rates for construction workers on federally funded and assisted projects. According to the department, the prevailing wage rates should reflect the actual wages and fringe benefits paid to construction workers in the county where the work takes place."This survey requests information about wages paid by employers on highway construction projects in North Carolina where construction...
Top 10 Week of Apr. 22: ‘Baby Reindeer’ and ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’ Hold Onto the Top Spots
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
In the week of April 22, 'Baby Reindeer' and 'Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver' maintained their positions at the top of the charts, as reported on April 30, 2024.The breakout limited series 'Baby Reindeer,' created and starring Richard Gadd, continued to captivate audiences, securing the top spot on the English TV List with 22 million views. Described as "original, compelling, and unforgettable," the drama delves into Gadd's personal experience with a stalker.On the English Films List, Zack Snyder's epic sci-fi adventure 'Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver'...
US Department of Labor Recovers $52K Owed to Workers with Disabilities by Amarillo Nonprofit Operator
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $52,497 in back wages for 134 workers with disabilities after an Amarillo nonprofit operator underpaid their wages. The nonprofit, Advo Companies Inc., provides rehabilitation and vocational training services to adults with developmental and physical disabilities. The Department's Wage and Hour Division found that the employer violated federal law by paying employees with disabilities an incorrect subminimum wage based on flawed time studies and incorrect prevailing wage rates."Evelyn Ortiz, Wage and Hour Division District...
Heritage Experts Comment on FCC's Reinstatement of Net Neutrality
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON—Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reinstated an Obama-era “net neutrality” order that subjects internet service providers to more stringent regulations.Annie Chestnut Tutor, policy analyst, and Daniel Cochrane, senior research associate in the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation, expressed concerns about the reinstatement. Tutor and Cochrane highlighted that the FCC's Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet rule, adopted to preserve a "free and open internet," may have unintended consequences. They emphasized that the order...
Colorado Legislature Considers Bill To Protect Children That Raises Privacy Concerns
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed opposition to Colorado tech bill SB 158, citing concerns about its impact on children's online safety and privacy. The bill, which requires social media platforms to conduct age verification, has drawn criticism from the CCIA for potentially endangering children online and infringing on First Amendment rights.In a statement, CCIA State Policy Director Khara Boender stated, "We share the goal of better protecting children online, but legislation like this raises First Amendment and privacy...
China Committee Eyes Supply Chain, Biotech as Moolenaar Takes Helm
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON DC — The House select committee on U.S.-China competition, now under the new leadership of Michigan Republican Rep. John Moolenaar, is setting its focus on crucial tech, defense, economic, and foreign policy matters following recent legislative successes.Chairman John Moolenaar expressed his commitment to safeguarding American interests, stating, "We will examine the most critical areas of our supply chain so we can reduce our dependence on the CCP." This strategic approach aligns with efforts to counter Chinese influence and protect vital sectors from...
Blockchain Association and Crypto Freedom Alliance of Texas file lawsuit against US Securities and Exchange Commission
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Blockchain Association (BA) and the Crypto Freedom Alliance of Texas (CFAT) filed a lawsuit against the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Dealer Rule, claiming it overstepped previous rules laid out by the SEC and was not clear regarding digital assets.
