News from January 2024
Committee chairs request blacklisting of Chinese companies affiliated with Ford battery factory
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) from the House Energy and Commerce Committee are urging for the blacklisting of certain Chinese companies. These companies, reportedly linked to the Chinese military, are intended to be utilized by Ford in its forthcoming factory with Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology, Co. Limited (CATL).
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse on crypto: 'Most players in this industry WANT to follow the rules'
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Brad Garlinghouse, the Chief Executive Officer of cryptocurrency exchange Ripple, has stated that crypto companies in the United States are eager to comply with regulations. However, he notes that the country is trailing behind others in implementing concrete guidelines for the industry. In contrast, he says that these companies are forced to seek regulatory clarity through legal battles.
U.S. Representative Luetkemeyer Urges Stronger Sanctions Against CCP, Highlights Economic Threats and National Security Concerns
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
U.S. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), in his initial comments at a hearing on enhancing sanctions against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), highlighted the CCP's targeting of U.S. businesses and emphasized the national security threats posed by the CCP through economic means. Luetkemeyer is the chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management approves Kern County solar project
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted approval for the commencement of construction on the Camino Solar Project in Kern County. The solar photovoltaic facility, which will have a capacity of 44 megawatts, is set to be located on 233 acres of public lands and an additional 150 acres of private land.
Visa is enabling crypto withdrawals on its debit cards
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Visa has announced that it is enabling cryptocurrency withdrawals on debit cards in 145 countries, following a partnership with Transak, a provider of payment infrastructure for cryptocurrency assets.
Samsung announced its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 results
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Samsung Electronics has reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 results, revealing that the company fell short of revenue projections, posting $51 billion as opposed to the anticipated $52 billion.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site announces Presidents’ Day event
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
The annual event at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historic location and several of its facilities free of charge. The event will be hosted by a historical reenactor portraying First Lady Lucretia Rudolph Garfield.
OxyChem spokesman: Diamond Alkali Superfund settlement 'is an unprecedented process in many ways'
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Eric Moses, a spokesperson for the global chemical manufacturer OxyChem, has voiced concerns about the settlement process for the Diamond Alkali Superfund site. In a statement to Federal Newswire, Moses claimed that the process has attempted to bypass the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Superfund site in question is located in New Jersey and encompasses the Lower Passaic River.
The Department of Veteran Affairs housed over 46,000 homeless Veterans in 2023
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has announced that it successfully provided permanent housing to 46,552 homeless veterans in 2023, surpassing its initial goal of housing 38,000 veterans.
FTX Trading is no longer attempting to restart its crypto exchange and will liquidate assets
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
FTX, the former cryptocurrency exchange company, has opted to discontinue its attempts to revive its crypto exchange. Instead, the firm will liquidate its existing assets in a bid to refund customers.
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity will enter into force on February 24 2024
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
The United States Department of Commerce has announced that the United States will be a part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), which is set to enter into force on February 24, 2024. The aim of this framework is to fortify the supply chains of the 14 IPEF partners.
Leading crypto exchange leverages compliance program to collaborate with law enforcement, protect users
By Federal Newswire | Jan 31, 2024
Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has outlined its collaboration with global law enforcement agencies to enhance the safety of the blockchain ecosystem. The company stated in a blog post that ensuring the security of crypto users is its primary concern.
Resetting and Securing US-China Relations: Priorities and Perspectives with Gabriel Noronha
By Federal Newswire | Jan 30, 2024
Gabriel Noronha is the Executive Director of Polaris National Security. He served as a special advisor for the State Department's Iran action group and special assistant for the Senate Armed Services Committee
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warns of growing security threats worldwide
By Federal Newswire | Jan 30, 2024
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testified before a U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) hearing on January 30, stating that the United States faces national security threats on a global scale. He highlighted concerns about autocrats, armed conflicts, and China's role in supporting adversarial regimes.
US Department of Justice focuses on drug-trafficking groups, charges almost 200 people
By Federal Newswire | Jan 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the arrest and charging of nearly 200 individuals for their alleged roles in drug trafficking. The arrests were carried out across 10 states.
BJS report shows 49% spike in human trafficking prosecutions over a decade
By Federal Newswire | Jan 29, 2024
The 2023 Human Trafficking Data Collection Report revealed a significant increase of 49% in the number of individuals referred to U.S. attorneys for human trafficking offenses, reaching 2,027 in fiscal year 2021, compared to 1,360 in 2011. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) published this report in October 2023.
OxyChem spokesman Eric Moses on Passaic River: 'DOJ’s proposed changes to its settlement do nothing to advance actual river cleanup'
By Federal Newswire | Jan 29, 2024
Eric Moses, a spokesman for OxyChem, a chemical manufacturer, addressed Federal Newswire on Jan. 25, stating that the proposed settlement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is insufficient to address the cleanup of the Passaic River. The DOJ announced in November an extension to the timeline for the proposed settlement regarding the cleanup of New Jersey's Passaic River, which is part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund site.
Consumer Federation of America report finds low-income drivers pay more for car insurance
By Federal Newswire | Jan 29, 2024
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing consumer interests, has published a report suggesting that drivers with low incomes often pay more for car insurance. Authored by Douglas Heller, the CFA's Director of Insurance, and Michael DeLong, a Research and Advocacy Associate, the report was released in 2023.
Honduran human smuggling leader pleads guilty to charges
By Federal Newswire | Jan 29, 2024
The U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, has announced that Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, a leader in human smuggling, pleaded guilty to criminal charges. She is scheduled to appear before a judge for a sentencing hearing on April 2, 2024.
Seattle Special Agent in Charge David Reames: ‘The Jalisco Cartel is a significant threat to our community’
By Federal Newswire | Jan 29, 2024
Law enforcement officials have reported that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has established a significant presence in the small communities of western Washington. This follows the arrests of cartel-connected drug traffickers in the Puget Sound region. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent David F. Reames warned that the cartel's influence in the region poses a significant threat to many.
