News published on Federal Newswire in June 2024

News from June 2024


Treasury report highlights robust U.S. business investments amid post-COVID recovery

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Economic Policy released an analysis today indicating that American businesses are not only achieving high earnings but are also investing those earnings productively. The Biden Administration has prioritized creating favorable conditions for business investment as a key component of the post-COVID economic agenda. Legislative measures such as the CHIPS & Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act explicitly encourage private investment, while other efforts by the Administration aim to increase competition and...


Federal agencies mark ten years combating elder abuse

At a meeting of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) on Wednesday, June 12, 17 federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reflected on a decade of efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These efforts have included enforcement actions, public education initiatives, training programs, interagency collaboration, research endeavors, and support services for older adults at risk.


AMA adopts new public health policies addressing diverse healthcare challenges

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted several new public health policies aimed at improving the health of various populations across the United States. These policies, decided on the final day of voting at the AMA Annual Meeting, address healthcare in minority rural communities, biotin supplement awareness, tobacco product regulation, youth e-cigarette access, nicotine analogue products regulation, and cybersecurity for physician practices.


California pharmacist sentenced for $1 million Medicare fraud scheme

A California man was sentenced to two years in prison for submitting more than $1 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for prescription drugs that were never dispensed to beneficiaries.


AMA adopts policies promoting native american health

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted new policies aimed at addressing the health challenges faced by Native American communities. Ilse R. Levin, D.O., MPH & TM, a member of the AMA Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating: “These policies emphasize the unique health challenges facing Native Tribes and how the government can respond. The AMA has long supported efforts to bring American Indian and Alaska Native health up to the general population level. To reach that goal, tribes must have access to nutrition programs, treatment...


OVW hosts pre-application session for restorative practices pilot sites

OVW conducted a live web-based pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2024 Restorative Practices Pilot Sites Program solicitation. During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed this program’s requirements, discussed the solicitation, and allowed for a brief question-and-answer period.


EPA proposes update for Durham Meadows Superfund Site cleanup plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed an update to its cleanup plan for the Durham Meadows Superfund Site in Durham, Connecticut. The proposed update, referred to as an "Explanation of Significant Differences" (ESD), will not alter the scope, performance, or cost of the original 2005 cleanup plan.


Call grows for release of Uyghur doctor held in China

Dr. Gulshan Abbas Spends Sixth Consecutive Birthday in Chinese Prison


U.S. Rep. Timmons: ‘the cartels have overrun our southern border’

Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) stated that Mexican cartels have overrun the southern border after a Turkish national reported paying the cartel $10,000 to illegally cross into the U.S.


Captain pleads guilty to pollution law violations

Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz, 37, pleaded guilty today to a two-count information charging him with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and obstructing proceedings. Korkmaz, a Turkish national, was the captain of the PS Dream, a Panama-flagged motor tanker. The two related companies that operated the PS Dream pleaded guilty last month to environmental crimes.


Joint Task Force Alpha marks third anniversary with significant anti-smuggling achievements

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the formation of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) in June 2021, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The initiative aims to enhance the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human smuggling and trafficking originating from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico, which impact U.S. border communities. JTFA focuses on individuals and networks that exploit or endanger those being smuggled, pose national security threats, or have ties to transnational organized crime.


Indiana surgeon elected to AMA Board of Trustees

Dr. Welsh, an Indiana surgeon, has been elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. “My professional mission is to help physicians care for their patients by creating the tools needed to bring stakeholders together and improve physicians’ practice environment,” said Dr. Welsh. “Strong, motivated leadership from our AMA is critical to providing the best pathway to improve health care for our physicians and their patients. It is an honor to represent my peers in medicine on the AMA Board of Trustees.”


Center for American Progress offers recommendations for WIOA reauthorization

Policymakers are preparing to modernize the primary legislation that funds and regulates the United States' workforce development system. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), first passed in 2014 with bipartisan support, is approaching its 10th anniversary. Federal legislators are considering reauthorization to ensure the law continues to train and connect American workers with good, safe, sustainable jobs.


Top streaming debuts for June include 'Hit Man,' 'Under Paris,' and 'Baby Reindeer

The week of June 3 witnessed notable debuts in the film and television industry. The action thriller "Under Paris" from France premiered at the top of the Non-English Films List, amassing 40.9 million global views. Richard Linklater's screwball comedy "Hit Man," co-written with star Glen Powell, debuted atop the English Films List with 10.8 million views in its first three days.


Labor Department settles with Unum over life insurance practices

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a settlement with Unum Life Insurance Co. of America, mandating the Portland, Maine-based insurer to modify its administration of the proof of good health requirement, also known as evidence of insurability, for participants in job-based life insurance plans.


Aerospace Industries Association appoints Nora Khalil as VP of legislative affairs

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) announced today that senior Capitol Hill veteran Nora Khalil has joined the organization as Vice President of Legislative Affairs. In this role, Khalil will serve as AIA’s top liaison on Capitol Hill. This strategic addition underscores AIA’s commitment to advancing industry interests through robust legislative engagement.


Chairs welcome new additions to UFLPA entity list

On June 11, 2024, the chairs issued a statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent additions to the "Entity List" under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.


Cardinal calls for forgiveness on Tiananmen Square's 35th anniversary

(Hong Kong – June 11, 2024) On the eve of the 35th anniversary of “June Fourth,” Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, issued an article titled “It is this time of year…” addressing Hong Kong citizens and victims. Chow stated, "Even though the pain of 35 years ago lingers and is not forgotten, we hope for closure. We believe that through forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing, it is possible to achieve this." He emphasized that forgiveness does not mean forgetting.


Joint Task Force Alpha expands anti-smuggling efforts into Colombia-Panama region

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland marked the third anniversary of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) by convening senior leaders from the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State to discuss ongoing efforts against human smuggling at the southern border. Over three years, JTFA has led to over 300 arrests and more than 240 convictions in the United States.


ITI urges Biden administration to follow President's Export Council's recommendations

WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI reacted to newly reported international trade recommendations released by the President’s Export Council (PEC), encouraging the Biden Administration to increase U.S. global trade leadership and advance digital trade protections. The PEC serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade.