News published on Federal Newswire in January 2024

News from January 2024


Buttigieg: 'Flight cancellations fall to the lowest rate in a decade'

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been vocal on social media about the department's success in reducing flight cancellations. He attributes this achievement to the DOT's investments in air travel and its commitment to holding airlines accountable.


California's Falk townsite named to the National Register of Historic Places

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Headwaters Forest Reserve is now home to a newly designated historic site. A townsite and lumber mill, with origins dating back to 1884, have been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places by California’s historic preservation officer last October.


American Enterprise Institute report examines rough roads in the United States

A recent report by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) delves into the road conditions experienced by Americans, identifying those who face the worst conditions. It also uncovers the additional annual costs associated with driving on these deteriorated roads.


 Buttigieg: 'We’ve invested in roadway safety projects in over 1,000 communities'

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a $813 million grant aimed at enhancing road safety across numerous American communities. Buttigieg took to social media to express his belief that this significant investment will contribute to the prevention of fatal car accidents on U.S. roads.


Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of Office of National Drug Control Policy: 'We cannot treat dead people'

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), has emphasized the need for continued government measures to curb drug overdoses. His comments were made in the context of Governor Wes Moore (D-Md.) signing new legislation related to the fentanyl crisis.


Ledger's global head of policy Hertlein: Keep Your Coins Act 'shouldn’t be necessary'

Seth Hertlein, the Global Head of Policy at Ledger, a provider of digital asset wallets, stated that the 'Keep Your Coins Act' should not be necessary. He argued that the Constitution already safeguards Americans' right to private property. The act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) with the aim of preserving crypto users' ability to transact without involving a third-party intermediary.



DHS celbrates fifth anniversary of department created to detect WMDs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently marked the anniversary of a department established to consolidate its efforts in protecting America from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The occasion also saw a renewed commitment towards its reauthorization.


Mayorkas: 'Members of the US Border Patrol show their commitment to the safety & security of our country every day'

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), recently paid a visit to Eagle Pass, Texas to discuss the ongoing immigration crisis at the southwest border. During his visit, Mayorkas met with local city officials and Border Patrol agents to listen to their concerns.


Biden Administration announces Landsat initiative, criticized as tool for building NACs

The Biden Administration has recently unveiled the Landsat 2030 Initiative, a project aimed at gathering data on Earth's natural features. However, the initiative has faced criticism as it could potentially be used to categorize lands as Natural Asset Companies (NACs), according to an article from the American Stewards of Liberty (ASL).


Biden's 30x30 plan locked down 24 million acres of land in 3 years for conservation, 12.5 million in 2023 alone

President Joe Biden's 30x30 plan has successfully conserved 24 million acres of land over the past three years, with an addition of 12.5 million acres to Federal lands in 2023 alone. A recent article from the American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) reveals that Biden has also increased his conservation spending, allotting $18 billion to conservation projects.


The Conference Board publishes a report on corporate citizenship reporting

The majority of leading U.S. corporations publicly disclose their citizenship activities, yet there is a significant number that do not. Furthermore, those that do report could enhance the quality of their reporting. These findings are part of a recent study by The Conference Board, which delves into who is reporting, the significance of such reporting and strategies for enhancing what is reported.


Independent Community Bankers of America supports proposal aimed at large bank long-term debt

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has expressed its support for a proposed rule that would mandate banks with assets worth $100 billion or more to maintain minimum levels of externally issued long-term debt. This rule has been proposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.


US Department of the Interior announces three new appointments, including principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management

Steve Feldgus has been appointed as the new principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management, a position he has been serving in for some time. The Department of the Interior (DOI) also announced two other appointments: the principal deputy director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the Special Assistant to the Senior Counselor.


Retired US Army General: 'There is no right to privacy in senior national security positions'

Retired U.S. Army General Barry R McCaffrey has voiced criticism over the handling of Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent illness by Austin himself and the Pentagon. The primary issue under scrutiny is the failure to inform the White House about Austin's hospitalization.


Chief Patrol Agent: 'US Attorney Gary M. Restaino presented two Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents with the Valor Award'

Two Border Patrol agents from the Yuma sector have been recognized for their bravery in the line of duty by the District of Arizona attorney, according to Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. The awards underscore the "heroic actions taken in furtherance of public safety."


Chief Patrol Agent:  'Mexican citizen was sentenced to prison for assaulting USBP agents'

Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector had a busy week safeguarding the border, as reported by Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin. He also disclosed on social media that a Mexican citizen was recently convicted for assaulting an agent.


DOE allocates $70 million to enhance energy sector resilience

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity of up to $70 million, aimed at supporting research into technologies that will strengthen resilience and minimize risks to energy delivery infrastructure. The DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will oversee the All-Hazards Energy Resilience program, which is designed to address potential future challenges and safeguard energy distribution.


Chief Patrol Agent: 'The El Centro Sector mourns the tragic loss of one of our own'

The U.S. Border Patrol is in mourning following the loss of one of their agents, as revealed by Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino in a social media post. Agent Maxwell T. Zakar has passed away, according to Bovino's statement on X.


Federal court grants FTC motion to temporarily block IQVIA and Propel Media deal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revealed that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has approved its request for a preliminary injunction against IQVIA Holdings Inc., the world's largest provider of healthcare data. This action will temporarily halt IQVIA's acquisition of Propel Media, Inc. while the FTC concludes its administrative proceeding aimed at permanently blocking the proposed transaction.