News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Biden-Harris administration allocates over $43 million for Kentucky's water infrastructure

On October 23, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant investment of $3.6 billion in water infrastructure under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding aims to enhance water systems and ensure community safety across the nation. When combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 reaches $6.2 billion.


U.S.-Taiwan hold fifth economic prosperity partnership dialogue

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez led the fifth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) on October 23, 2024. The event was held virtually from Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO).


U.S. congratulates Kazakhstan on Republic Day and reaffirms partnership

The United States has extended its congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of Republic Day, celebrated on October 25. In a statement from the U.S. government, support for Kazakhstan's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity was reaffirmed through the U.S.-Kazakhstan Enhanced Strategic Partnership.


EPA finaliza reglas más estrictas contra polvo con plomo en viviendas antiguas

Hoy, en la Semana Nacional de Prevención del Envenenamiento por Plomo, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de Estados Unidos ha finalizado nuevas normas para el manejo del polvo de pintura con plomo en hogares y centros de cuidado infantil construidos antes de 1978. Esta medida forma parte de la estrategia del gobierno del presidente Biden para proteger a los niños y familias de los efectos nocivos del plomo.


Blinken discusses regional conflicts with Turkish Foreign Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on October 24, 2024. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Secretary extended his condolences to Minister Fidan concerning the terrorist attack that occurred in Ankara on October 23.


U.S., Niger discuss strengthening bilateral relations at state department meeting

During a meeting at the U.S. Department of State, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Zeine discussed efforts to enhance the bilateral relationship between the United States and Niger. The Deputy Secretary emphasized ongoing U.S. support for the people of Niger and urged progress toward democratic governance in the country.


Puerto Rico receives over $67M for water upgrades under bipartisan law

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new allocation of $3.6 billion under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) aimed at upgrading water infrastructure across the nation. As part of this initiative, Puerto Rico is set to receive over $67 million for improvements in drinking water and wastewater systems. This includes nearly $25 million previously announced for Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.


Defense contractor sentenced for fraud involving military components

Yuksel Senbol, a 36-year-old resident of Orlando, Florida, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison.


U.S.-China relations face challenges amid ongoing climate change efforts

Climate change remains a central focus of U.S. policy in its engagement with China. Over the past decade, bilateral discussions have yielded significant diplomatic achievements, such as securing the 2015 Paris Agreement and increasing global efforts to address climate change. However, recent tensions between the two nations have affected progress in this area, introducing new challenges and reinforcing existing ones.


Secretary Cardona calls out divisive rhetoric; stresses importance of family engagement

In a recent address to the National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona underscored the significance of genuine parent-family involvement in education. He criticized the use of "parents’ rights" rhetoric by some groups as a divisive tool within school communities and stressed that public education is currently facing unprecedented challenges.


ITI responds to Biden Administration's national security memorandum on artificial intelligence

Today, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) responded to the Biden Administration's first National Security Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This memorandum follows President Biden’s Executive Order from October 2023 and is intended to enhance U.S. competitiveness, security, and innovation in AI.


CBP seizes $566K worth of heroin at Eagle Pass border crossing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in Texas have seized heroin valued at over $566,000 in a recent enforcement action. This significant discovery highlights the ongoing drug threat faced by frontline CBP officers.


California woman arrested at Dulles Airport for drug possession

A California woman was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered a significant amount of dangerous drugs in her luggage. Taylor Alexandra Trautloff, 27, from Los Angeles, was charged with felony narcotics possession by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police.


Coinbase CLO announces new FOIA requests for clarity on digital asset regulations

Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal announced that the company has filed two new sets of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to gain clarity on regulatory agencies' approaches to digital assets. Grewal made this announcement in an October 21 post on X.


Utah Attorney General announces call to classify detained U.S. citizen as hostage

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, along with 17 other state attorneys general, has urged President Joe Biden and the Department of State to classify Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen detained in Nigeria, as a hostage. This appeal aims to prevent a potential tragedy. The announcement was made on October 18 through a post on X.


TD Bank pleads guilty to felonies, no significant individual charges

On October 10, Attorney General Merrick Garland, alongside other Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, announced that TD Bank pled guilty to multiple felonies, including conspiracy to violate the Bank Secrecy Act and commit money laundering. The penalties amount to approximately $3 billion in fines, marking the largest penalty in U.S. history under the Bank Secrecy Act.


OPINION: Protecting the Permian Basin: The Battle Against the Anti-Energy Agenda

My district includes the Permian Basin, the largest oil and gas producing region in the nation. The Biden Administration has vilified the men and women in my district and other energy-producing areas around the country.


Nigerian government drops charges against executive Tigran Gambaryan

On October 23, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officially withdrew all charges against Binance Holdings executive Tigran Gambaryan, who had been detained since February 2024.


OPINION: Permit By Rule Makes Applicants More Responsible and the Process More Free

Anyone who has done an addition to their house, put in a driveway or anything else that requires a permit knows that the process can be daunting.


OPINION:  Government's Power Grab Under the Guise of Conservation

Washington ‘urgently’ demands more authority to ‘save’ ‘vanishing’ habitat or species. No one asks if we really have a crisis.