News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
A judge from the King County Superior Court in Washington state has denied a request from grocery store conglomerates Kroger and Albertsons to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The trial for this case is set to commence in September.
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The European Commission has classified Apple's iPadOS, the operating system for tablets, as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This designation requires that iPadOS adhere to DMA obligations within six months.
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON DC — The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, now under the leadership of Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), is setting its sights on addressing foreign influence and probing TikTok, as reported by Kate Ackley from Bloomberg Government.Rep. John Moolenaar, described as "more of a workhorse than a show horse" by lobbyists familiar with the panel, is taking a firm stance against China. Despite the change in leadership, the committee's mission remains focused on investigating corporate ties with China and potential national security threats....
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations, Andrea McGee, recently penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner highlighting the significance of right-to-repair initiatives for small and independent auto shops. McGee emphasized the impact of technological advancements in the auto industry on small businesses, stating, "For decades, auto manufacturers have acted in good faith after agreeing to a memorandum of understanding with independent repair shops."McGee pointed out the challenges faced by independent repair shops due to the increasing computerization of cars, which...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration announced a new federal rule granting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients eligibility for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage and financial assistance for the first time, a change expected to lead to 100,000 DACA recipients enrolling in federal marketplace coverage.In response to this development, Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer, senior policy analyst for Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress, emphasized the significance of the new rule, stating, "The Biden administration’s rule expanding...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Arlington, Va. (May 3, 2024) – CEO and owner of GSE Dynamics, Anne Shybunko-Moore, also an Executive Committee member of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), recently testified before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the importance of supply chain resiliency. In her testimony, Shybunko-Moore emphasized the interconnected nature of the defense and civil supply chains, stating, "Our industrial base includes over 100,000 companies across the commercial and defense markets. Unlike other industries, the commercial aerospace and defense industries are deeply...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Houston, TX - An indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Texas has charged U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, with involvement in bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering schemes. The couple, residents of Laredo, Texas, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston.According to court documents, the Cuellars allegedly accepted about $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, an oil and gas company owned by the Government of Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico City. These funds were...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen delivered a speech at the East Valley American Job Center in Mesa, Arizona, highlighting the economic progress made under the Biden Administration. Yellen emphasized the importance of equipping Americans with the necessary skills to secure good jobs and support growth in key industries.Yellen acknowledged the impact of the American Rescue Plan in aiding the economic recovery from the pandemic and emphasized the administration's commitment to supporting workers in the long term. She mentioned the importance of investing in new...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Remarks by Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets Joshua Frost on Recent Progress by the Inter-Agency Working Group on Treasury Market Surveillance at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Annual Primary Dealer Meeting, May 3, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has submitted comments to the Brazilian Ministry of Finance’s Consultation on the Economic and Competitive Aspects of Digital Platforms. The CCIA emphasized that Brazil's digital ecosystem is thriving and competitive, urging policymakers to consider whether existing enforcement and policy frameworks could more proportionately achieve desired outcomes before implementing regulations on digital markets.
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Endo Health Solutions Inc. (EHSI) faced a significant legal outcome today as they were ordered to pay $1.536 billion in criminal fines and forfeiture for their involvement in distributing misbranded opioid medication. This marks the second-largest set of criminal financial penalties ever imposed on a pharmaceutical company for violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.EHSI pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, acknowledging their deceptive marketing tactics related to the opioid medication Opana ER. The company marketed the...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Biden-Harris Administration, has finalized a rule aimed at increasing access to health care for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The rule allows DACA recipients to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, or for coverage through a Basic Health Program (BHP). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this change is expected to result in around 100,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients gaining health...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam has revealed that the Commission is scheduled to convene an open meeting on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) at the CFTC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.The meeting, set to take place at the CFTC Headquarters Conference Center, located at Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20581, will focus on the consideration of the Proposed Rule regarding Event Contracts.Individuals interested in participating in the meeting have the option to attend in person, listen by...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
In a testimony before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), ITI’s Director of Trade Policy Kyle Johnson emphasized the importance of utilizing trade policy to enhance U.S. supply chain resiliency efforts. Johnson urged the Biden Administration to prioritize trade policy as a key tool in advancing supply chain resilience.Johnson highlighted the significance of expanding robust, binding commitments on trade and enforcing existing international trade agreements with U.S. trading partners to improve the success of the U.S. government’s supply chain...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has chosen 28 organizations to host members of USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. The aim is to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders, providing technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people to deliver climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers.Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “America’s rural communities are on the frontlines of climate change,...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The White House has unveiled National Security Memorandum 22 (NSM-22) with the aim to fortify and improve the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure from various threats for future generations. This initiative marks a crucial step towards bolstering and modernizing U.S. risk management practices, including engaging with international partners and allies.In a bid to safeguard the President's investments in U.S. infrastructure amidst challenges posed by adversaries, climate change, strategic competition, and supply chain disruptions, the White House has initiated a...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Pastor John Cao, a Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience recently released, has shared his reflections and poetry in a series exclusively published by ChinaAid. In his writings, Pastor Cao delves into deep emotions and spiritual insights garnered during his time in prison.In one of his poignant pieces, Pastor Cao expresses gratitude for the support and love he received during his seven years of imprisonment, stating, "Everyone accompanied me through these seven years of imprisonment, showing deep love." He reflects on the connections he made and the encouragement he...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently hosted the Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony to recognize outstanding small business champions from across the country. The event, held in celebration of National Small Business Week, highlighted the significant contributions of EPA programs, employees, and business partners.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan commended the honorees, stating, “Celebrating EPA’s small business championship as part of National Small Business Week appropriately spotlights the exceptional contributions of the...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has expressed concerns with proposed administrative rules implementing the Florida Digital Bill of Rights. CCIA recommends revisions to ensure data security requirements are risk-based and flexible.
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Chengdu, Sichuan Province – May 3, 2024: On the evening of April 24, 2024, a small group from Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church faced a disturbing incident as they were studying the Bible at a Christian’s home in Wuhou District. The peaceful gathering was interrupted when police from Jinyang Police Station raided the Bible study, demanding the registration of identity information from all present.Approximately twenty individuals, including police officers, auxiliary police, community workers, neighborhood committee members, and property management personnel, surrounded...
