News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have reported that the Direct File pilot program surpassed expectations, with 140,803 taxpayers filing their taxes directly with the IRS for free, resulting in substantial savings for taxpayers. Users of the program claimed over $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees on federal returns alone.Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo praised the success of the program, stating, “The IRS’s Direct File pilot enabled more than 140,000 taxpayers to file their...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Devin T. Robinson provided the following readout:"On April 23-24, the United States Department of Defense hosted the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) Ad-Hoc Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) ahead of the XVI CDMA to be held in Mendoza, Argentina in October 2024."Representatives developed a Joint Statement that includes recommendations to ministers for consideration in the Declaration of Mendoza. Recommendations include: Continuing to hold the Ad-Hoc WPS Working Group; acknowledging the importance of WPS...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, aimed at advancing protections against discrimination in health care.Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed pride in the Office for Civil Rights' stance against discrimination, stating, “I am very proud that our Office for Civil Rights is standing up against discrimination, no matter who you are, who you love, your faith or where you live. Once again, we are...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have announced that Williams-Sonoma Inc. will be paying over $3 million in civil penalties for falsely marketing imported goods as "Made in the USA." The settlement also requires Williams-Sonoma to cease making misleading claims about the origins of its products.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, "The Justice Department will vigorously enforce laws to stop deceptive advertisers from making misleading and fraudulent claims to sell products." This comes in response to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an upcoming Bilateral Dialogue between the United States and Brazil on Migration Policies, Humanitarian Issues, and Refugee Protection, a discussion will be led by prominent officials from both countries. The dialogue, scheduled for April 29, 2024, will focus on international migration challenges and opportunities.Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, who will be hosting the event, stated, "The dialogue will center on protection and humanitarian assistance for refugees, vulnerable migrants, and other...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Apr 26 2024The United States strongly condemns today’s attack on energy infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We offer condolences to the families of those who were killed, and we wish for the quick recovery of those who were injured. Attacks like this are an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty. We encourage the authorities to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty."
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has announced the cancellation of its Open Meeting scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024. The decision was made as the matters under consideration are being resolved through the Commission’s seriatim process.This announcement was made by the Commission itself, stating, "The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Open Meeting scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024 has been cancelled." Additionally, it was clarified that "The matters under consideration are being resolved through the Commission’s seriatim process."The...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
A former resident of Miami, Florida, Darren Robinson, and his firm The QYU Holdings Inc. (QYUHI) have been ordered by a federal court to pay over $11 million for engaging in a fraudulent foreign currency (forex) scheme. Judge Linda V. Parker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan issued an order of default judgment and a permanent injunction against Robinson and QYUHI.The order bans Robinson and QYUHI from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets and registering with the CFTC. It also requires them to pay $5,923,515.37 in restitution to defrauded...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Arizona this week to underscore the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to clean energy progress and strengthening Indian Country. Secretary Haaland, along with Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning, celebrated the completion of the Ten West Link transmission line in La Paz County, showcasing the administration's efforts to accelerate transmission buildout.During the event, Secretary Haaland emphasized the administration's dedication to developing a robust and sustainable clean energy economy, stating,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education has revealed the recipients of the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. A total of 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center from across the nation have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in reducing environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and providing effective sustainability education.According to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, "This year’s U.S. Department of...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Department of Labor finalized a new rule aimed at strengthening protections for farmworkers, particularly those under the H-2A program. Acting Secretary Julie Su emphasized the importance of ensuring fair treatment for all farmworkers, stating, “H-2A workers too frequently face abusive working conditions that undercut all farmworkers in the U.S.” The rule focuses on promoting worker advocacy, clarifying termination policies, enhancing transparency in foreign labor recruitment, ensuring timely wage changes, improving transportation safety, preventing labor exploitation...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office (FIO) has announced a new partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at enhancing the insurance sector's capabilities in handling terrorism and catastrophic cyber risks. This collaboration was unveiled during the 2024 International Forum of Terrorism Risk (Re)Insurance Pools Annual Conference, where FIO also assumed the role of the chair of IFTRIP.The establishment of a new Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) is at the core of this partnership. Through the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis is set to embark on a trip to Sweden and Czechia from April 27 to May 1, 2024. During her visit, she will engage with key stakeholders to address critical security issues in the region.Lewis's agenda includes meetings with senior civilian and military officials, as well as defense industry executives, to focus on regional security cooperation and show support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.In Stockholm, Sweden, Assistant Secretary Lewis will strengthen ties with the country...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, aimed at advising on the responsible development and deployment of AI technology in critical infrastructure. The Board consists of 22 representatives from various sectors, including software and hardware companies, critical infrastructure operators, public officials, civil rights advocates, and academia.Secretary Mayorkas, who chairs the Board, highlighted the importance of mitigating risks associated with AI while harnessing its potential. He expressed...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Alexandra Reeve Givens, Center for Democracy and Technology CEO, joined technology and civil rights leaders, academics, & policymakers as an inaugural board member of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) inaugural Artificial Intelligence Safety & Security Board.The Board will develop recommendations to help critical infrastructure stakeholders, such as transportation service providers, pipeline and power grid operators, and internet service providers, more responsibly leverage AI technologies. It will also develop recommendations to prevent and prepare for...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
"Deputy Secretary Kurt M. Campbell is set to embark on a diplomatic journey to Abuja, Nigeria; London, United Kingdom; and Paris, France from April 29 to May 3, 2024.In Abuja, Deputy Secretary Campbell will engage in discussions centered around partnerships; security cooperation; shared prosperity; democracy, governance, and accountability with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC). The agenda will also involve meetings with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives. As...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently concluded a visit to Shanghai and Beijing, China, where he engaged in crucial meetings with top Chinese officials. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken met with President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining from April 24-26.During the meetings, both sides delved into various key priorities in the bilateral relationship and discussed regional and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with People’s Republic of China Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. The discussions focused on various key issues, as outlined by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken and Minister Wang reviewed the commitments made at the Woodside Summit in November 2023. They specifically discussed the progress made in bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking.Emphasizing the importance of counternarcotics cooperation, Secretary Blinken stressed the need for...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced new regulations aimed at tightening firearm export controls to enhance national security interests. The policies will require documentation and data analysis to identify potential risks of diversion or misuse when selling U.S.-made guns overseas. In response to the announcement, Nick Wilson, senior director for Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress, emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "By enacting these regulations and committing to their effective implementation, the United States has...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Departments of Justice and Commerce, in collaboration with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), held the first high-level trilateral summit in Washington, D.C. to launch the Disruptive Technology Protection Network. The summit aimed to strengthen collaboration on technology protection measures and enhance connections between the enforcement agencies of the three countries.Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division emphasized the global importance of preventing sensitive technology from falling into the wrong...
