News from May 2024

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is scheduled to embark on a trip to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Philippines from May 6 to May 10, as announced on May 3, 2024.During his visit to China, Deputy Secretary Verma will express gratitude and ensure the readiness of U.S. Embassy personnel in Beijing and U.S. Consulates General in Shenyang, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Verma's aim is to guarantee that the teams have the necessary equipment and facilities to effectively serve U.S. interests. Additionally, he plans to engage with...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Mugunga camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Miller expressed deep concern over the violence that resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left 33 others injured, including women and children.In a press statement, Miller highlighted the impact of the RDF and M23 expansion in eastern DRC, leading to the displacement of over 2.5 million people. He called on all parties involved to uphold human rights and abide...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Tech Policy Press: The FCC’s Big Fines Over Location Data Aren’t a Privacy Success Story

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Economic Summit

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas commended Microsoft for its proactive approach towards security enhancements in response to recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security Review Board.In a statement released today, Secretary Mayorkas expressed his appreciation, saying, "We applaud Microsoft for its commitment to strengthen its security by embracing and acting upon the recommendations of the Cyber Safety Review Board and further advancing the company’s Secure Future Initiative."Highlighting the collaborative...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, the Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, convened in Hawaii on May 2 for a significant meeting aiming to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.During the meeting, the Ministers and Secretaries expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly objected to the use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The Chairs of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) have spoken out on World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the concerning state of press freedom in the People's Republic of China.Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley emphasized the dire situation in China, stating, "The People’s Republic of China (PRC) jails more journalists and exports more propaganda than any other country in the world." They also noted that China ranks second to last on the World Press Freedom Index, with a shrinking media environment and...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson is set to embark on a trip to Singapore and Malaysia from May 6th to May 9th. The visit aims to further Treasury's efforts in countering terrorist financing and revenue generation by Iran and its proxies, as well as to discuss the implementation of sanctions and export controls against Russia.During the trip, Nelson, along with Treasury General Counsel Neil MacBride, will engage in discussions with officials in both countries. In Malaysia, they will address disrupting terrorist...
By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The President of the American Medical Association, Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, has expressed his support for the Biden Administration's decision to expand health care access for DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers. Dr. Ehrenfeld emphasized the importance of this move in improving the health and equity of the country.According to Dr. Ehrenfeld, "Our country will become healthier and more equitable after the Biden Administration announced today it will expand health care access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or Dreamers." The American Medical...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
On May 2, 2024, the United States and Sweden convened for their inaugural bilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue in Washington, DC. In a joint statement released by the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, both nations reiterated their commitment to collaboration on cyberspace and digital policy issues.During the dialogue, officials from both countries exchanged views on various critical topics. They emphasized the importance of promoting an open, free, global, secure, and reliable Internet while protecting human rights...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
In a recent field hearing hosted by Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz and U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, the topic of gray wolf population and the need for its removal from the endangered species list was brought to the forefront.Chairman Bentz emphasized the impact of wolves on wildlife and livestock, questioning the necessity of their continued protection. He highlighted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's acknowledgment that there is no imminent risk of quasi extinction for the gray wolf, prompting a discussion on the appropriate management...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued a statement on the April 2024 Employment Situation report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics."Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the American economy added 175,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was 3.9 percent. This continues the longest stretch of such low unemployment in more than a half century," said Acting Secretary Su.Su also highlighted the positive trend in the labor force, stating, “Notably, the share of working age women in the labor force rose to a historic...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued its final interpretive guidance on the definition of "foreign entity of concern" (FEOC), aiming to restrict the participation of FEOCs in domestic battery supply chains and promote the growth of domestic battery materials processing and manufacturing.The guidance clarifies the criteria for identifying FEOCs, stating that an entity can be considered a FEOC if it meets specific conditions related to its ownership, control, or ties to covered nations. According to the guidance, an entity can be classified as a...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) expressed strong criticism of the newly announced rule by the Treasury Department regarding which electric vehicles qualify for tax credits.In his statement, Chairman Moolenaar voiced concerns about the implications of the new rule, stating, "President Biden’s new rules will allow Chinese automakers to pocket the hard-earned money of American taxpayers. Even worse, they will further enable the CCP’s weaponization of critical supply chains, like graphite, which the CCP export-controlled last October."Furthermore,...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson is set to give remarks and participate in a fireside chat at the 2024 Fintech and Blockchain Symposium. The event is being co-hosted by Rutgers Law School’s Center for Blockchain and Fintech and Sidley Austin LLP.The symposium will take place on May 3, 2024, starting at 10:45 a.m. (ET) at Sidley Austin LLP, located at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019.This event provides an opportunity for industry professionals, academics, and enthusiasts to gather and discuss the latest trends and developments in the fintech and blockchain...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The Justice Department has taken legal action against Dieuseul Jean-Louis, also known as DJL Multiservices, by filing a civil injunction suit to prevent him from preparing federal tax returns for others. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, accuses Jean-Louis of engaging in fraudulent activities related to tax preparation from 2019 to 2023.According to the complaint, Jean-Louis intentionally misrepresented customers' tax liabilities and exaggerated their refunds through various deceptive methods. This included falsifying...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced final rules on clean vehicle provisions, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aimed at reducing consumer costs, boosting U.S. manufacturing, and enhancing energy security. Janet L. Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, highlighted the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, stating, “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has unleashed an investment and manufacturing boom in the United States." She emphasized the benefits of clean vehicle credits, saving consumers money and...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation (NRF) expressed disappointment after President Joe Biden vetoed the congressional resolution aimed at repealing the National Labor Relations Board’s final joint employer rule. Executive Vice President of Government Relations at NRF, David French, stated, "NRF is disappointed that President Biden vetoed the Congressional Review Act resolution that would have jettisoned the National Labor Relations Board’s Joint Employer final rules."French highlighted the importance of clarity in joint employment arrangements, stating, "Given the...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finalized a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that will mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) as a standard feature on all passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks by September 2029. This move is expected to have a significant impact on road safety, with projections indicating that it could save hundreds of lives annually and prevent thousands of injuries while also saving billions of dollars in property damages.Various safety advocates and...

By Federal Newswire | May 3, 2024
The United States reveals the identity of and imposes sanctions on Dmitry Khoroshev, a senior leader of the LockBit ransomware group