News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently held a review of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and 2026 Advance Appropriations Requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The hearing, which took place on May 1, 2024, saw various individuals providing insights and testimonies.Among them was Maureen Roepsch, an Air Force and Coast Guard Vet with a family history of military service. Maureen expressed her gratitude for the care she received at the Manchester VA Medical Center, stating, "It’s such a comfort knowing I have this team on my side." She also highlighted...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Arlington, Va. (May 1, 2024) – Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning expressed his thoughts on the recently released ITAR exemption rule for AUKUS nations. Fanning emphasized the significance of the proposed regulations, stating, "These proposed regulations are the U.S. government’s most important next step to unleash the full potential of AUKUS." He further underscored the importance of facilitating trade and technology transfer within the partnership, noting, "The future of this partnership hinges on getting this right – and that means...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Center for Democracy and Technology's Chief Technology Officer, Mallory Knodel, recently presented an important statement on behalf of the Global Encryption Coalition Steering Committee (GEC-SC) and other civil society organizations at the United Nations regarding the Secretary General’s Global Digital Compact (GDC).In the statement, Knodel expressed, "We welcome the sturdy human rights framework upon which you have built the GDC. Strong, ubiquitous encryption protects human rights, especially the right to privacy, as well as free expression, free association, and...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
"Chris Baumohl, a law fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said in an interview this new section is particularly worrisome. In an era when digital information swirls throughout daily life, there’s a difference between what private technology companies and the U.S. government can do.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero announced the agenda for the upcoming "AI Day" at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Technology Advisory Committee meeting on May 2, 2024. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EDT) at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and will be open to the public both in person and via live webcast at CFTC.gov."We have a fantastic must-watch agenda for AI Day for anyone interested in digging deeper into how regulators should be approaching AI in regulated financial services, including generative AI," stated...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against Aqua Finance, Inc. (AFI), resulting in a settlement that will provide significant financial relief to consumers affected by deceptive sales tactics. The settlement includes $20 million in refunds and $23.6 million in debt forgiveness for consumers harmed by AFI's misleading financing practices.According to Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, AFI and its dealers employed deceptive tactics, including the use of misleading teaser rates, to entice consumers into signing up for loans,...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has taken a significant step towards protecting borrowers from racial or ethnic bias in home appraisals. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced a new Reconsideration of Value policy, requiring lenders to offer borrowers a pathway to request reviews of home appraisal valuations if they believe bias or inaccuracies are present.HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of addressing biased home appraisals, stating, "We know that biased home appraisals not only disproportionately harm...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
CDT, on April 29, submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the responsible procurement of artificial intelligence (AI) by the government. The comments included recommendations from CDT's report titled The Federal Government’s Power of the Purse: Enacting Procurement Policies and Practices to Support Responsible AI Use.In their submission, CDT highlighted the importance of incorporating measures for responsible AI into existing standard procurement practices. They emphasized the need to promote competition among AI vendors and to ensure...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against payment processing company BlueSnap, Inc., along with its former CEO Ralph Dangelmaier and senior vice president Terry Monteith, charging them with knowingly processing payments for deceptive and fraudulent companies. “Companies like BlueSnap that knowingly process payments for scammers are breaking the law and making it easier to cheat consumers,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.The FTC charged that BlueSnap and its officers processed millions of dollars in credit card...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is set to travel to Miami, Florida, on May 2, 2024. His visit is in conjunction with the annual Chiefs of Mission Conference hosted by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).During the conference, "Under Secretary Fernandez will address senior level diplomats from the Western Hemisphere and senior leadership from the National Security Council, Departments of State and Defense, and relevant U.S. government agencies" to discuss economic security challenges and opportunities throughout...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The American Medical Association (AMA) is described as the physicians' powerful ally in patient care, representing physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. According to the AMA, they leverage their strength by removing obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease, confront public health crises, and drive the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in healthcare.AMA's Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President, James L. Madara, MD, is highlighted as a key figure within the...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has released a statement in recognition of Older Americans Month. Becerra highlighted the importance of honoring the contributions of older adults, emphasizing their role in strengthening communities through various means.According to Becerra, Older Americans Month serves as a platform to acknowledge the dedication of older adults to their families, their mentorship of younger generations, and their active participation in volunteerism and civic engagement. He emphasized the theme for this year,...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Chief of Staff of the Army has released a list of officer assignments, detailing the movements of various high-ranking military officials within the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. The changes in assignments are set to take place in different locations across the United States and internationally.Among those mentioned in the announcement is Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, who will be transitioning from commanding general of the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson in South Carolina to deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations at the U.S. Army...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Department of Labor has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing housing services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents. In an announcement made today, the department revealed that there is $6.5 million in grants available for organizations to improve the delivery of safe and sanitary housing solutions for this vulnerable population.According to the Department of Labor, the funding, which is authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, will focus on connecting eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents to both...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Washington, D.C. — In a recent announcement, the Biden administration finalized new rules affecting Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to safeguard disabled individuals from discrimination in healthcare and human services. Mia Ives-Rublee, director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, commended this development, stating, "Disabled people have faced significant discrimination when receiving health care services and when interacting with human service programs. The Biden administration’s new Section 504 rules will decrease the barriers...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has concluded an investigation into the death of a licensed practical nurse, Joyce Grayson, during a home visit in Willimantic, Connecticut. The investigation found that Elara Caring, one of the nation's largest home-based care providers, failed to protect its employees from workplace violence.OSHA cited Jordan Health Care Inc. and New England Home Care Inc., both operating as Elara Caring, for not implementing adequate measures to safeguard employees from the dangers of workplace...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra released a statement on National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, emphasizing the progress made in advancing the health and well-being of these communities. Becerra highlighted the Department of Health and Human Services' dedication to equity and inclusivity through various initiatives, such as expanding healthcare access and investing in behavioral health services, including the recent launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.In his statement, Becerra expressed solidarity with AA and NHPI...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on its proposal to amend its Impersonation Rule. TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore emphasized the importance of responsible AI, stating, "When guided by ethics, transparency, and fairness, responsible AI can spark creativity and help usher in a more prosperous future. However, recognizing and addressing its genuine risks is critical. By addressing these concerns head-on, we can ensure we’re making the...
