News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

News from May 2024


Treasury proposes guidance on clean electricity incentives under Inflation Reduction Act

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released proposed guidance on the Clean Electricity Production Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Credit, established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. This move aims to provide clarity to developers of clean electricity projects, furthering President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, supporting American jobs, and enhancing energy production and security while reducing energy costs for consumers.


Yellen meets with Italian finance minister at G7 summit

STRESA – Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met with Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti on May 15, 2024, during the G7 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor Meetings in Stresa, Italy.


US responds to recent presidential election in Chad

Following the certification of final presidential election results by Chad’s Constitutional Council on May 16, the United States has expressed commendation for those who exercised their right to vote on May 5-6. The U.S. welcomed the peaceful conduct of the voting and its aftermath, despite expressing regret over multiple casualties from celebratory gunfire that followed the announcement of provisional results on May 9.


U.S.-Nigeria air transport agreement enters into force

The United States-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2000, officially entered into force on May 13, 2024. This bilateral agreement lays the groundwork for a modern civil aviation relationship with Nigeria that aligns with U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy and commits to high standards of aviation safety and security.


Higher interest rates stall single-family housing starts in April

In April, single-family starts remained stagnant as interest rates rose above 7% and builders faced stricter lending conditions. Despite this, overall housing starts saw a 5.7% increase to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.36 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.


Justice Department takes action against DPRK's illicit revenue generation efforts

The Justice Department has announced a series of coordinated and court-authorized actions to disrupt the illicit revenue generation efforts of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) information technology (IT) workers. This is part of a wider initiative, the DPRK RevGen: Domestic Enabler Initiative, which aims to prioritize high-impact, strategic, and unified enforcement and disruption operations across the U.S. Government targeting U.S.-based enablers of unlawful DPRK IT workers overseas.


U.S. treasury officials discuss clean energy projects with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

U.S. Treasury Officials Visit Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to Discuss Clean Energy Projects


HHS expresses satisfaction with DOJ's proposed rulemaking consistency

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has expressed satisfaction with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the Justice Department (DOJ). The HHS stated, “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased that the NPRM issued by the Justice Department (DOJ) is consistent with our scheduling recommendation."


DOL updates rules to aid distribution of bankrupt companies' retirement assets

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced today that its Employee Benefits Security Administration will publish interim final rules and an amendment to a prohibited transaction class exemption. These changes aim to better protect workers' retirement savings by facilitating the distribution of assets from bankrupt companies' retirement plans by Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees.


DHS and DOJ announce new process for efficient immigration hearings

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland have announced a new Recent Arrivals (RA) Docket process to expedite the resolution of immigration cases involving certain noncitizen single adults who attempt irregular crossings between ports of entry at the Southwest border. This initiative will enable the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swiftly impose consequences, including removal, on those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. It will also hasten the granting of...


Treasury Secretary Yellen outlines principles for high-integrity voluntary carbon markets

On May 16, 2024, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen delivered remarks on high-integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) at an event hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and the Environmental Defense Fund.


EPA's regional roadshow aids communities in accessing Investing in America funds

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events as part of its Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative. This initiative aims to help communities across the nation access the unprecedented resources provided by the EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities facilitated by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. On May 13, 2024, the roadshow made a stop in Florence, South Carolina, providing local leaders with opportunities to develop or leverage community-based...


U.S. Department of Labor recovers $37K for workers denied overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $37,000 in owed wages and damages for 19 workers who were denied overtime by two Rio Grande Valley restaurants. The employers, Blanca Rosa Amezcua, operating as Taqueria Tepeque #1, and Taqueria Tepeque LLC, operating as Taqueria Tepeque #2, were found to have violated federal law.


US Treasury officials meet with Argentine counterparts, discuss economic recovery

On May 16, 2024, Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh held a meeting with Argentina’s Chief of Cabinet Nicolás Posse and Foreign Minister Diana Mondino. The Argentine delegation was also accompanied by Ambassador Gerardo Werthein.


Yellen and Lagarde discuss strategies on Russian assets and support for Ukraine

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde yesterday on the sidelines of the G7 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor Meetings in Stresa, Italy.


HUD officials tour Portland as part of national "Road to Innovation" initiative

Last week, Solomon Greene, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton, visited Portland as part of HUD's national "Road to Innovation” Tour. This tour is a precursor to the 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase scheduled next month in Washington, DC. Before arriving in Portland, PDAS Greene had visited Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle.


Defense Department reports progress in combating military sexual assault

On his first day as Secretary of Defense, the incumbent prioritized countering sexual assault and harassment in the military, declaring these issues as unacceptable within the U.S. military. The Secretary emphasized the need for cohesion, trust, dignity, and security for every member of the force.


USDA announces key appointments to advisory board informing science research priorities

On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 10 members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The appointees include seven new members and three re-appointments, representing a diverse mix of university, non-profit, and industry representatives.


Deputy Secretary Adeyemo meets with Ukrainian professionals amid ongoing conflict

KYIV – Today, Deputy Secretary Adeyemo met with young professionals, entrepreneurs, and activists working to resist Russia’s invasion and secure a better economic future for Ukraine. The Deputy Secretary heard directly from Ukrainian citizens about their perspectives on Ukraine’s future and the efforts they are undertaking to support their country. Deputy Secretary Adeyemo also observed how small businesses are adapting to contribute to Ukraine’s war effort.


DOE announces $71 million investment in solar manufacturing, development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $71 million investment to advance American solar manufacturing and development, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funds, which include $16 million from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be directed towards research, development, and demonstration projects aimed at expanding the network of domestic manufacturers across the U.S. solar energy supply chain.