News from May 2024
Rep. Crenshaw: ‘dealing fentanyl is more like dealing a poison than dealing a drug’
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) stated that fentanyl dealers should be charged with something close to murder for dealing a "poison," and emphasized the amount of money made from fentanyl trafficking by comparing the cartels to Fortune 500 companies. He made this statement in a post on X.
U.S. Rep. Banks: CCP wants to 'subvert our institutions, influence American students, and steal the crown jewels of American innovation'
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
U.S. Representative Jim Banks announced his amendments to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aimed at preventing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from undermining and influencing American institutions, including stealing "the crown jewels of American innovation." Banks made his statement in a press release regarding his amendments on May 22.
Senior Fellow from FDD: there has been ‘unprecedented surge in Chinese illegal immigration at our southern border’
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Craig Singleton, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), stated that the "unprecedented surge in Chinese illegal immigration" has posed security threats to the U.S. He made this statement on May 16 during a Congressional hearing titled "Chinese Immigration Over the U.S. Southwest Border."
Opinion: Weekend Interview: From Ticket Sales to AI, Carl Szabo Discusses Key Issues in Internet Law
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Carl Szabo is the vice president and general counsel of NetChoice. He is also an adjunct professor of Internet law at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law.
Honduran national Maria Mendoza-Mendoza sentenced to 10 years in prison for migrant smuggling operation
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, the leader of a migrant smuggling operation, was indicted in 2018 and pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit on January 24.
OPINION: Environmentalism In America Is Dead
By Robert Bryce | May 31, 2024
Environmentalism in America is dead. It has been replaced by climatism and renewable energy fetishism.
Responsible tech use critical for child welfare agencies: CDT report
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has released a report titled "Fostering Responsible Tech Use: Balancing the Benefits and Risks Among Public Child Welfare Agencies." The report addresses the integration of data and technology systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), in child welfare agencies that work with over 390,000 youth in foster care annually.
Newly designated national recreation trails add 33.5 miles across four states
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 1, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of four new national recreation trails in four states, adding 33.5 miles to the National Trails System. These newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails found across every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Justice department expands efforts against human smugglers ahead of task force anniversary
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Ahead of the third anniversary of the establishment of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Justice Department has announced additional efforts to dismantle human smuggling operations and increase accountability for those who violate immigration laws. Launched in June 2021 by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, JTFA is a partnership between the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aimed at disrupting human smuggling and trafficking organizations operating in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador,...
Privacy expert advises caution when companies request Social Security numbers
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Alan Butler, executive director and president of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, an advocacy group that defends privacy online, urges people to ask plenty of questions to show their concerns.
Biden-Harris administration launches new tool addressing extreme heat risks
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new tool aimed at helping communities prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly among those most vulnerable. The Heat and Health Index (HHI), launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on National Heat Awareness Day, is the first nationwide tool to provide heat-health outcome information at the ZIP code level.
Appleton pallet manufacturer cited for repeated safety violations following worker's death
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Federal investigators have concluded that an Appleton pallet manufacturer’s failure to train employees in machine safety procedures — and ensure the procedures were followed — contributed to the fatal injuries suffered by a 57-year-old employee struck by the carriage of a lumber stacking machine in late 2023.
How China plans to tackle potential second trump presidency
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
By the spring of 2024, China had come to terms with the significant possibility of a second Trump presidency. According to national polling organization FiveThirtyEight, by May 22, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump held a 0.9% lead over President Joe Biden in national presidential polls, at 41.1% versus Biden’s 40.2%. Despite a guilty verdict in his criminal trial, Trump's support remained strong, reflected in a 1.7% lead according to FiveThirtyEight on May 30.
Under Secretary Jenkins to attend Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2024.
USDOT unveils travel benefit dashboard for military personnel
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has introduced a "Support Our Troops" dashboard aimed at facilitating travel benefits for U.S. military service members and their immediate families. This tool, accessible via flightrights.gov/military, displays the commitments of the ten largest U.S. airlines in their Customer Service Plans. Benefits include free carry-on and checked bags and fee-free refunds when flight plans change due to military orders.
ITI submits recommendations to enhance US government's approach towards safe artificial intelligence
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
As part of its ongoing engagement on the implementation of U.S. President Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence, global tech trade association ITI provided recommendations to help the U.S. government advance the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems. ITI’s comments to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) highlight the importance of developing and promoting interoperable technical standards for AI, ensuring that AI guidance retains a flexible and risk-based approach, particularly with respect to generative AI, and coherence...
Texas Senate Committee authorizes investigation into Big Tech's election influence
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Daniel Cochrane, senior research associate in the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation, testified before the Texas legislature this week regarding the influence of Big Tech platforms on American voters and elections. Following his testimony and that of other experts, the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs voted unanimously to authorize an investigation into Facebook, Google, and other tech giants ahead of the November 2024 election.
Texas pharmacy owner sentenced for illegal kickbacks and money laundering
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
A Texas pharmacy owner was sentenced today to four years and four months in prison and ordered to pay over $59 million in restitution for paying illegal kickbacks and engaging in a money laundering conspiracy.
FAA awards nearly $187M under bipartisan infrastructure law
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a new round of funding for 90 airport-related infrastructure grants across 34 states, totaling nearly $187 million. These projects are part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, which includes $25 billion for airport improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, and runway safety enhancements.
Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire proposal with Turkish Foreign Minister
By Federal Newswire | May 31, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on May 31, 2024. The discussion centered around a proposal aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of all hostages, and ending the ongoing conflict.
