News published on Federal Newswire in February 2024

News from February 2024


Two migrants drown off the coast of Puerto Rico in capsized makeshift vessel

Two migrants, attempting to reach Puerto Rico in a 32-foot makeshift vessel, tragically lost their lives when the boat capsized near the island's northern coast. The incident prompted a response from the U.S. Border Patrol and Air & Marine Operations (AMO), Marine Interdiction agents, as well as local and federal authorities.


Nebraska legislators introduce Natural Asset Company Prohibition Act

Three Nebraska legislators have introduced a bill aimed at preventing the state and its subdivisions from conducting transactions, investments, or business with Natural Asset Companies (NACs). This development follows the recent decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to withdraw a proposal that would have added NAC listing standards to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).


Kansas Sheriff Jeff Richards: 'Cartels make more money in trafficking people than they do in trafficking substances'

Sheriff Jeff Richards of Franklin County, Kansas, recently expressed his concerns to the Federal Newswire about the escalating issues related to illegal human and drug trafficking operations. He attributed these problems primarily to insufficient law enforcement at the southern border. Richards is a member of the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives' Association.


Swanton Sector chief patrol agent: 'Since Oct. 1, 2023, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have apprehended more than 3,100 subjects from 55 countries'

Migrants persist in their attempts to infiltrate the Swanton Sector, resulting in an unprecedented number of arrests this fiscal year, as reported by Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia via a social media post on X (formerly known as Twitter).


Chief Patrol Agent: 'We intercepted 20,000 fentanyl pills headed to the streets and neighborhoods of this country'

El Centro Border Patrol agents have successfully removed approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills from circulation. The announcement was made by Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino, who stated that the operation involved cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and resulted in the arrest of a U.S. citizen.


Chief Patrol Agent: Agents in the Miami Sector arrested a previously deported Mexican national who served 10 years in prison for sexual battery convictions'

Border Patrol agents in Orlando have reportedly assisted in the arrest of two Mexican nationals with previous felony convictions during two separate incidents. This information was shared through a social media post by Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Miami Sector, Samuel Briggs II.


American Psychological Association appoints Guillermo Corea as chief business innovation and growth officer

The American Psychological Association (APA) has recently announced the appointment of Guillermo Corea as its Chief Business Innovation and Growth Officer. This newly created role will see Corea leading revenue-generating strategies for both APA and APA Services, Inc. (APASI).


Border Patrol Chief: Puerto Rico agents 'seized 37 pounds of cocaine, three rifles, one revolver and $10,590'

In a recent development, U.S. Border Patrol agents in Puerto Rico confiscated 37 pounds of cocaine during the arrest of three non-citizens, as reported by Chief Jason Owens via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).


Director of ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project: 'Regulation of entry into and expulsion from the United States are exclusively federal matters from which the States are excluded'

Omar Jadwat, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Immigrants' Rights Project, has asserted that immigration regulation is a federal matter and states cannot infringe upon it. Speaking before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government at a hearing titled "The Southern Border Crisis: The Constitution and the States," Jadwat made his position clear.


Employee Benefit Research Institute survey probes small business retirement plans

Employees working in businesses with less than 100 workers are significantly less likely to have an employer-provided retirement plan, despite the incentives available for small businesses to offer such plans. This issue is the focus of a research brief published by the Washington, D.C.-based Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).


U.S. Sen. Wyden introduces bill to crack down on algorithmic price fixing

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) last week introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act, an antitrust legislation designed to prevent companies from utilizing algorithms to collude and set higher prices.


Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis report suggests Asia’s concerns over LNG permit pause are baseless

The recent halt on permits for new U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities has caused concern among Asian industry groups, who fear the decision could undermine Asia's energy security and climate objectives. However, a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) suggests these fears are unfounded, providing five reasons to support its claim.


Chairs Rodgers and Duncan Announce Subcommittee Hearing on President Biden’s LNG Export Ban

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) have announced a subcommittee hearing titled "Politics Over People: How Biden’s LNG Export Ban Threatens America’s Energy and Economic Security." The hearing will address the concerns surrounding the Biden administration's indefinite pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and its potential impact on American energy security, jobs, and the economy.In a joint statement, Chairs Rodgers and Duncan expressed their belief...


Foxx, Green Op-Ed Calls for Mayorkas' Removal from Office

In a recent op-ed for the Washington Times, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) have outlined the reasons why Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas must be removed from office. The op-ed comes ahead of a House vote to impeach Mayorkas, highlighting the significant consequences of his actions.The op-ed begins by emphasizing the devastating impact of the unprecedented chaos at the southern border under Mayorkas' leadership. Foxx and Green argue that the influx of illegal...


National Association of Manufacturers applauds House passing tax relief bill

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and Courtney Silver, Chair of NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group, have expressed their appreciation to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith for their efforts in ensuring the passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act in the House. They further urged the Senate to expedite the passage of this legislation.


The Department of Veteran Affairs has made $5 million in grant funding to support homeless Veterans

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has declared the availability of $5 million in grant funding for transitional supportive housing for homeless Veterans. This initiative was established following the discovery that 46,000 Veterans were homeless in 2023.


Tom Vilsack highlights the importance of the Clean Energy Infrastructure in Rural America Investments

U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, underscored the significance of Clean Energy Infrastructure Investments for Rural America. He stated that these investments would decrease energy costs, stimulate income generation, and facilitate job creation in rural communities.


The United States Department of Agriculture is making two investments to strengthen the US specialty crops sector

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conjunction with the Biden-Harris Administration, has announced two significant investments aimed at bolstering the U.S. specialty crops sector. A total of $65 million will be allocated for projects under the newly launched Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.


The United Stated Department of Agriculture is investing $11.5 million in composting and food waste reduction projects

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed to projects aimed at reducing food waste across 23 states. This commitment will be realized through 38 cooperative agreements designed to support innovative waste management plans that will decrease the amount of food waste sent to landfills.


New Mexico man pleads guilty to targeted shooting spree

A New Mexico man has admitted his involvement in a series of shootings targeting elected officials after the 2022 election. Solomon Pena, following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives, enlisted two men to target the homes of these officials.