News from February 2024
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a $5.8 billion plan to bolster water infrastructure upgrades, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This substantial sum forms part of an approximately $50 billion investment aimed at fortifying water projects that supply reliable drinking water to the public.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed America's unwavering support for Ukraine after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders convened at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, a significant event that coincides with the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has published its annual report on the Censorship Practices of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The report reveals that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has "significantly expanded" its censorship system. Prepared by Exovera, a national security think tank, the report also indicates that the CCP is exploring the use of AI-guided technology for censorship purposes.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Joseph Cella served as U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu from 2019 to 2021. He's the founder and principal of the Pontifex Group and founder of the National Catholic prayer breakfast.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, has issued a statement regarding the new federal charges against cartel leader Ismael Zambada Garcia for fentanyl distribution and underscored the significance of his arrest. Zambada, who is still at large, is believed to have co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel alongside Joaquin "Guzman Loera," also known as "El Chapo," who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, has affirmed the European Union's (EU) commitment to establishing reciprocity with China. He expressed concern over the imbalance in business opportunities between the two countries, highlighting that while Chinese businesses are free to invest in the U.S., American companies face potential risks when investing in China or using Chinese-owned social media outlets due to restrictions imposed by the Chinese government.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently released its "State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats," which highlights the expansion of Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartel operations into the United States. The report states that these cartels are now operating in all 50 states, producing and trafficking fentanyl through the southern border. It also reveals that fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The United States Department of Commerce has announced a preliminary agreement with Global Foundries, aiming to bolster the domestic microchip supply. The agreement includes $1.5 billion in potential funding to support projects in New York and Vermont, expected to create approximately 10,500 jobs.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Capital One, a prominent credit card company, has announced its plans to acquire Discover in an all-stock transaction valued at $35 billion. This merger would consolidate two of the largest credit card issuers in the United States.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Concerns are being raised by lawmakers about the United States' lagging position in the biotechnology sector compared to China. They warn of risks to national security and commercial interests if corrective action is not taken.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The United States is reportedly planning to impose sanctions on Chinese firms found to be assisting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. This move mirrors recent proposals by the European Union, aimed at halting the ongoing war.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents recently intercepted approximately $4.3 million worth of cocaine near Mona Island in Puerto Rico. The narcotics, weighing around 384 pounds, were being smuggled by three non-citizens aboard a boat known as a yola.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
The Houlton Sector of the Border Patrol has welcomed a new leader, Juan G. Bernal, who was recently appointed as the new Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) by Chief Jason Owens. Bernal succeeds Acting CPA Dennis W. Harmon, who led the Border Patrol in the region following the retirement of William J. Maddocks in June 2023.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
In a recently published briefing paper, the Cato Institute has suggested that Congress should approve the tens of millions of green card applications currently pending. The Washington, D.C.-based think tank posits that such a move would strengthen the nation both economically and demographically, as well as help curb illegal immigration.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed new protections for a tract of land located within the Placitas area of Sandoval County, New Mexico. The focus of these protections would be on new mining claims and mineral activity, and the BLM is currently inviting public comments on this proposal.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has recently declared an investment of $10 million for tribal communities. This funding is intended to upgrade and modernize irrigation projects and power utilities owned by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which serve these communities. The allocation forms part of a larger, $50 million investment spread over five years, facilitated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) has introduced the Jalisco Cartel Neutralization Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation, according to a recent press release from Luttrell, is a companion bill to Senator Tom Cotton's (R-Arkansas) bill, which was previously introduced in the Senate.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
Eric Gomez, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, has suggested that Taiwan's strategy of "deterrence" against China should be one of "asymmetric defense." In a commentary piece, Gomez offered strategies for Taiwan to defend itself against China and outlined the role the U.S. could play in supporting Taiwan's defense.
By Federal Newswire | Feb 19, 2024
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) has proposed a new legislation, titled the Jalisco Cartel Neutralization Act. This bill would mandate the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to strategize and execute plans aimed at eliminating the leadership of the Jalisco Cartel. In a recent press statement, Cotton declared that these cartels pose a greater threat than any terrorist organization in history and their dismantling is an imperative.
By Federal Newswire Report | Feb 19, 2024
Federal Newswire has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) seeking a list of all organizations that have received payments from the bureau’s “Civil Penalty Fund” since the bureau’s formation in 2011.
