News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

News from May 2024


Adam J. White named inaugural Laurence H. Silberman Chair at AEI

Washington, DC, (May 14, 2024)—The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has announced the establishment of the Laurence H. Silberman Chair in Constitutional Governance in memory of Judge Laurence H. Silberman, who passed away in 2022. AEI President Robert Doar revealed that Senior Fellow Adam J. White will hold the inaugural Silberman Chair.


DOD announces open call for defense production act funding proposals

The Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated a new Open Announcement via the Defense Industrial Base Consortium Other Transaction Authority (DIBC OTA). This announcement will accept unsolicited White Papers for consideration for Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) funding. The DIBC, which offers free membership, is open to U.S. organizations as well as international partners from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The FY24 National Defense Authorization Act designated the UK and Australia as domestic sources for...


Small business optimism index rises slightly amidst ongoing inflation concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14, 2024) – The Small Business Optimism Index, as reported by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), saw a marginal increase of 1.2 points in April to reach 89.7. Despite this being the first rise this year, it also marks the 28th consecutive month below the half-century average of 98. A notable 22% of owners highlighted inflation as their primary business concern, a slight decrease from March but still ranking as the top issue for small businesses.


Blinken meets Ukrainian PM Shmyhal, reaffirms US commitment

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv, Ukraine, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting revolved around the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts. The two leaders also discussed their dedication to collaborating with partners to address Ukraine's security, economic, and humanitarian needs.


Taiwan's incoming president: A pragmatic leader or a harbinger of conflict

As the inauguration of William Lai, Taiwan's next president, draws near on May 20, there is a growing anticipation of news analyses forecasting heightened tensions and potential conflict. This is due to Lai's self-proclaimed identity as a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence." Given Beijing's stern warning against Taiwan independence, many predict that Lai's inauguration could signal upcoming turmoil.


FTC warns against unlawful data collection by connected cars

The advent of connected cars has brought with it a wealth of conveniences, such as the ability to unlock vehicles using an app or play internet radio stations. However, this connectivity also enables these vehicles to gather substantial amounts of data about their users. This data, which can include sensitive information like biometric details and location, poses potential threats to consumers' privacy and financial well-being.


HHS announces national strategy to address maternal mental health crisis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a national strategy, developed by the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, to address the urgent public health crisis of maternal mental health and substance use issues. The strategy includes recommendations that are part of broader federal efforts to improve women's overall health, particularly maternal health, across the nation.


USDA announces $671 million investment for rural infrastructure improvement

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on May 14, 2024, that the USDA is funding 47 projects in 23 states to improve access to reliable electricity and clean drinking water for over one million people. This initiative is also expected to create numerous jobs across the nation. The announcement was made during President Biden's Infrastructure Week, which showcases the progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration in enhancing American infrastructure through historic funding packages such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation...


U.S.'s only overseas National Historic Landmark listed as endangered

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has added an iconic overseas diplomatic compound to its annual list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The Tangier American Legation, the United States’ only National Historic Landmark located abroad, has been designated as endangered by the National Trust.


Secretary Austin affirms US commitment to Middle East in call with Egyptian counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently engaged in a conversation with Egypt's Minister of Defense, General Mohamed Zaki. The discussion revolved around regional challenges and the profound bilateral security cooperation between the two nations.


National Park Service seeks public comment on historic places nominations

The National Park Service has announced that it is seeking electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before May 4, 2024, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments should be submitted electronically by May 29, 2024.


CDT urges Attorney General to declassify FISC case service provider

On May 9, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) allied with other prominent civil society groups to send a letter urging the declassification of the service provider implicated in a recent Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) case.


Department of Labor announces $40M in grants for out-of-school time organizations

The Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $40 million in grants for national out-of-school time organizations. The aim is to expand local work-based learning opportunities, job training, and career pathways for underserved youth during non-school hours.


EPA announces $2.8M grants for stormwater, sewer upgrades in Region 7

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $2,883,000 in funding through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. This grant aims to assist communities in addressing stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs in Region 7. The importance of safely managing stormwater is underscored by the need to prevent contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting waterways.


Melissa Dalton meets with Italian Carabinieri's deputy commander to discuss global security

Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Melissa Dalton, recently met with Deputy Commander of the Italian Carabinieri, Lt. Gen. Riccardo Galletta at the Pentagon on May 8. The meeting was reported by Department of Defense Spokesman Colonel David Herndon.


Blinken meets Zelenskyy: Discusses security assistance and Ukraine's recovery

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on May 14, 2024. The two leaders discussed recent battlefield updates and the significance of the newly-arrived U.S. security assistance in repelling Russian attacks. In addition to this, they deliberated over long-term security arrangements and ongoing efforts to ensure Ukraine's economic prosperity.


US Secretary of Commerce comments on tariff increase on Chinese imports

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo issued a statement on President Biden's decision to direct the United States Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion worth of imports from China. The move is aimed at protecting American workers and businesses.


EPA survey reveals $630 billion needed for water infrastructure upgrades

On May 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a report to Congress detailing the necessary investments in clean water infrastructure over the next two decades. This includes upgrades to wastewater and stormwater systems as identified through the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey. The survey is a tool for states and U.S. territories to project future capital costs or investment needs required to maintain and modernize publicly owned wastewater treatment works, stormwater infrastructure, nonpoint source control, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems...


Job Corps highlights mental health during Youth 2 Youth Week 2024

The Department of Labor announced today that Job Corps centers nationwide will host a series of events and activities from May 20-24, aimed at promoting positive mental health and fostering supportive environments where students can openly discuss their mental health issues and seek solutions. These events coincide with the month of May's designation as Mental Health Awareness Month and are part of Youth 2 Youth Week 2024, which focuses on the student-led Y2Y initiative at Job Corps. The initiative aims to combat violence and drug use while supporting mental health on campuses.


Secretary Blinken meets Ukrainian President amid challenging times

On May 14, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine. The meeting took place during a challenging period for Ukraine, particularly for the eastern part of the country.