News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

News from May 2024


EPA Announces Nearly $44M for Missouri Lead Pipe Replacement

LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 2, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $44 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to aid Missouri in identifying and replacing lead service lines, aiming to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. This move is part of the ongoing efforts to protect public health by replacing lead pipes across the nation.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of...


Farm Bill Proposals Show Progress, More Work Needed for Bipartisan Support

May 2 2024WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew commented on the 2024 Farm Bill overviews released by the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support for the legislation."A farm bill needs bipartisan support in order to become law. I appreciate the work that the House and Senate Ag Committees have put into the current proposals. There’s more work to be done to find common ground and consensus. Building a stronger farm bill coalition will provide the support necessary to pass this...


New Jersey to Get Over $123 Million for Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a significant funding of $123.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid New Jersey in identifying and replacing lead service lines, with the aim of preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative is part of President Biden’s commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water and protecting public health.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of removing lead pipes promptly, stating, “The science is clear,...


Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $49 Million for Virginia Lead Pipe Replacement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $49 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to assist Virginia in identifying and replacing lead service lines, ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. Lead exposure, particularly from lead pipes, can have severe health consequences, especially for children's brain development."EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of removing lead pipes promptly, stating, 'There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful...


EPA Announces Over $28M for Kansas Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water, as Part of Investing in America Agenda

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment of $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to aid Kansas in identifying and replacing lead service lines, with the goal of preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative is part of President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, ultimately protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water for all.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the urgency of addressing lead pipes, stating, "The science is clear, there is...


Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding COVID-19 Relief Programs and Commercial Equipment Lenders

A Maryland man, Andra Shirone Thompson, has pleaded guilty to charges of defrauding Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan programs and commercial equipment financing companies. Thompson admitted to his involvement in a scheme that involved submitting fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for companies he controlled, resulting in a fraudulent gain of $716,375.Furthermore, Thompson was part of a conspiracy that defrauded equipment financing companies by submitting false...


Department of Labor Awards $98M in Grants to Support Training and Employment Services for Young People

The Department of Labor has announced the award of $98 million in grants to 72 organizations in 30 states and Guam to provide training and employment services to young people, with a focus on increasing apprenticeships in high-demand careers. The grants aim to prepare young workers for quality jobs and strengthen the nation's workforce to meet industry demands.According to Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez, the YouthBuild grants will help young people acquire the skills and training needed to access the job opportunities created by...


U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Highlight Achievements in First Year of Taxpayer Service Improvement Plan

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have detailed the accomplishments made in the initial year of implementing the Strategic Operating Plan aimed at transforming the IRS with resources from the Inflation Reduction Act.Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen commended the progress made, stating, “Thanks to resources from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has made major progress in the first year of implementation of its plan to ensure the agency is delivering for American taxpayers.”The IRS significantly...


Biden-Harris Administration Announces $28 Million for Vermont Lead Pipe Replacement

EPA announces latest round of funding toward President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, protecting public health and helping to deliver safe drinking waterBOSTON (May 2, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to help Vermont identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families,...


FTC Order Bans Former Pioneer CEO from Exxon Board Seat in Exxon-Pioneer Deal

The Federal Trade Commission has taken action to address antitrust concerns related to Exxon Mobil Corporation’s acquisition of oil producer Pioneer Natural Resources by preventing former Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield from joining Exxon's board of directors or serving in an advisory role at the company. The move aims to safeguard competition in the oil market and protect consumers from potential price manipulation.In a statement, Kyle Mach, Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, emphasized the necessity of barring Sheffield from Exxon's board, stating, “Mr....


EPA Announces More Than $65 Million for Indiana Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of the Biden-Harris Administration Investing in America Agenda

CHICAGO (May 2, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a significant allocation of $65,818,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid Indiana in replacing lead service lines, thereby preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative is part of President Biden’s commitment to replacing every lead pipe in the nation to safeguard public health and ensure the delivery of safe drinking water.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "The science is clear, there is no safe level...


EPA Announces $28.7 Million for Arizona Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $28.7 million towards Arizona's efforts to identify and replace lead service lines, a crucial step in ensuring safe drinking water for residents. This funding, part of President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, aims to protect public health and advance environmental justice.Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Every single person living in Arizona deserves access to clean, safe drinking water and a...


Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $3 Billion to Replace Lead Pipes for Safe Drinking Water

On May 2, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced a significant investment of $3 billion to replace lead pipes in the United States, aiming to promote safe drinking water as part of their investment agenda. This announcement comes as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed the latest round of funding to support President Biden's commitment to replace all lead pipes in the country, safeguarding public health and ensuring access to safe drinking water.The allocated funds, part of President Biden's Invest in America agenda, will assist all states and...


CFTC Technology Advisory Committee to Host "AI Day" on May 2

Washington, D.C. — In a recent announcement, Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero revealed plans for an upcoming event titled "AI Day" to be hosted at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on May 2, 2024. The event will be held at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and is open to the public, either in person or through a live webcast on CFTC.gov."AI Day will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT)," stated Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero, emphasizing the timing of the event.The main focus of AI Day will...


U.S. and Jordan Strengthen Security Partnership at 44th U.S.-Jordan Joint Military Commission

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander and Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity recently co-chaired the 44th meeting of the U.S.-Jordan Joint Military Commission (JMC) in Washington, D.C. Department of Defense Spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen provided a readout of the key discussions that took place during the meeting.During the meeting, both the U.S. and Jordanian delegations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their security partnership, which plays a crucial role in regional...


Chang Hao’s Family Seeks Justice Amid Legal Challenges

(Zhenxiong, Yunnan Province – May 2, 2024) Preacher Chang Hao's family, in a plea for justice, has sent an open letter to various courts outlining legal challenges faced by Chang Hao. Chang Hao, known for his Christian faith and advocacy for social justice, has been at the center of a legal battle characterized by allegations of misconduct and procedural irregularities.The family's open letter highlighted concerns about the treatment of Chang Hao throughout the legal process. It stated, "We are 'nobody' from the rural mountainous area, seeking help and appeal from...


GeForce NOW Delivers 24 A-May-zing Games This Month

GeForce NOW announced today that they will be delivering 24 A-May-zing games this month. In a statement, GeForce NOW expressed their excitement, saying, "We’re delivering 24 A-May-zing games this month." The gaming platform also emphasized their commitment to providing top-notch gaming experiences, stating, "We’re excited to bring the best games to our members."With a promise of an exciting lineup of games, GeForce NOW continues to cater to the gaming needs of its users.


Moolenaar, Krishnamoorthi Call for Inquiry Into Whether TikTok Broke Child Privacy Laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have called for a federal inquiry into whether TikTok violated child privacy laws. The lawmakers expressed concerns over TikTok's actions involving children and the potential manipulation of the American public.In a letter addressed to FTC Chairwoman Kahn, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi highlighted their concerns regarding TikTok's deceptive practices. They stated,...


U.S. Department of State Announces 2,100 Gilman Scholars, Expanding Access to Study Abroad for American Undergraduate Students

"The U.S. Department of State has revealed that it has granted the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to about 2,100 American undergraduate students from various regions in the recent spring 2024 cycle. These students, who hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are all recipients of the Pell Grant, a federal grant intended for U.S. undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.According to the announcement, 70 percent of the Gilman recipients self-identify as racial or ethnic minorities, with 60...


EPA Announces Final Rule to Protect Water Quality Where Tribes have Treaty and Reserved Rights

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule aimed at protecting water quality in areas where Tribes hold and assert rights to aquatic and aquatic-dependent resources. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the importance of this rule, stating, “President Biden is committed to ensuring that all people have access to clean and safe water. Strengthening our regulations to support Tribes and protect precious water resources is essential.”The new rule establishes a national framework for EPA and states to consider Tribal treaty and...