News published on Federal Newswire in January 2024

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has expressed her support for the framework agreement reached by Senate and House leadership. This agreement allows both chambers of Congress to proceed with negotiations on full-year appropriations bills.

AI solution is being analyzed as an option for combating retail theft

Nvidia, in collaboration with the Loss Prevention Retail Council, has unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) solution aimed at curbing retail theft. The innovative technology is designed to deliver advanced and real-time alerts when theft occurs.

Data brokers X-Mode Social and Outlogic are prohibited from selling location data

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a prohibition against data brokers X-Mode Social and Outlogic, barring them from selling sensitive location data. The two companies have been accused of failing to obtain consumer consent or adequately inform consumers about their data collection practices.

New grocery benefit through United Stated Department of Agriculture is expected to help millions of children this summer

A new initiative, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT), offered by 35 states is set to aid nearly 21 million children in receiving adequate nutrition during the summer months.

The United States Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania are partnering to strengthen food supply chain infrastructure

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state of Pennsylvania are set to allocate over $24 million to bolster the state's food supply chain infrastructure. The announcement was made during the 108th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show, an event that underscores the burgeoning market opportunities for food producers.

A billion dollar syndicated conservation easement tax scheme was prosecuted by the Department of Justice

The orchestrators of a fraudulent tax shelter have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, with two promoters receiving 25 and 23 years respectively for their roles in the organization and sale of the illicit program. In addition, two Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have admitted guilt for their involvement in aiding the scheme.

Congressional Taiwan Caucus introduces resolution commending Taiwan

Members of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus have introduced a resolution expressing their support for Taiwan ahead of its forthcoming election. The resolution, unveiled on January 10, commends Taiwan's democratic practices.

Chairman of the Select Committee calls for an investigation into Group 42 Holdings

Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has urged for an inquiry into Group 42 Holdings (G42) over its purported ties to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Gallagher recently dispatched a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, expressing his apprehensions.

HHS Secretary: 'Obamacare continues to break records'

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, has announced that over 20 million individuals have enrolled for health care through the Affordable Care Act. The announcement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Border Patrol Chief: 'Binational effort in San Diego, CA led to the arrest of three known human traffickers'

United States Border Patrol Chief, Jason Owens, recently announced via social media that a joint effort with the Mexican government led to the arrest of three known human traffickers. The joint law enforcement tactic between countries was created to stem the flow of drugs and weapons.

Cummins Inc. to pay a record $1.675 billion civil penalty

Cummins Inc. has been ordered to pay a record $1.675 billion in civil penalties for manipulating its vehicle testing, thereby violating the Clean Air Act and California law. In addition to this, Cummins has agreed to allocate over $325 million towards mitigating the damage they caused, which involved the use of software that evaded emissions testing and certification requirements.

A global software company based in Germany to pay over $220 million for engaging in foreign bribery

SAP SE has agreed to a settlement exceeding $220 million to address allegations of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The company is accused of attempting to bribe government officials in South Africa and Indonesia.

The National Foreign Trade Council's Alliance for National Security and Competitiveness aims to stabilize supply chain security

The National Foreign Trade Council recently launched the Alliance for National Security and Competitiveness to mitigate risks associated with international supply chain security. The move underscores the importance of supply chain stability in bolstering America's economic strength.

In 2023 there was a record of investment opportunities that helped increase the quality of life in America

In 2023, the United States saw a surge in investment and funding opportunities that brought significant success to its businesses and workers. These investments played a crucial role in creating well-paid jobs and maintaining the competitiveness of American jobs.

Former CBP agent Ammon Blair on false documents at the border: 'It is very difficult to know if the document is legitimate'

Ammon Blair, a former agent of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), highlighted the challenges faced by CBP agents in verifying the authenticity of documents provided by migrants. From his experience, Blair emphasized that the current system is not functional.

Chamber of Digital Commerce asks Congressional leadership to consider the Keep Innovation in America Act

The Chamber of Digital Commerce, a group advocating for the blockchain and digital asset industry, has appealed to House and Senate leadership to consider H.R. 1414, also known as the Keep Innovation in America Act. The purpose of this consideration is to provide clarity for participants in the digital asset market. Cody Carbone, Chief Policy Officer of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, expressed these concerns in a letter dated January 5, specifically addressing the uncertainty surrounding a new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) digital asset reporting requirement.

Gallagher: 'Urgent action is needed to prevent the PRC from dominating foundational chips'

Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) have voiced concerns over the United States' potential dependence on foundational semiconductors from the People's Republic of China (PRC). The lawmakers are urging action to thwart China's dominance in the semiconductor industry.

DOL Acting Secretary: 'Independent contractors who are in business for themselves play an essential role in our economy'

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has declared that more than 208,000 gig workers are due at least $163 million in back pay. The announcement was made by Acting Secretary Julie Su via social media, where she also revealed the establishment of a website to help workers determine if they are owed back pay.

National Park Service announces impact of proposed San Juan cat management plan

Last year, the National Park Service (NPS) announced its intention to manage the stray cat population that roams around the San Juan Historic Site. The estimated population of these felines is around 200.

EPA provides $15.8 million to two Missouri school district to purchase EV school buses