News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


U.S., Israeli defense leaders discuss regional stability amid tensions

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on October 6, addressing Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and the ongoing situations in Lebanon and Gaza. The discussion took place as the anniversary of a significant terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel approached.


DOD deploys troops for Hurricane Helene relief operations

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has issued a statement regarding the Department of Defense's involvement in the response to Hurricane Helene. The Department is working in coordination with FEMA and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, alongside local, state, and federal partners.


OPINION: Is the USDA’s $7.7 billion Climate-Smart Initiative a trap for landowners?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that it will increase funding for its climate-smart agricultural programs from an initial $1.4 billion to $7.7 billion.


Blinken discusses regional issues with Saudi foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The dialogue focused on the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, aiming to facilitate the return of civilians to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Both parties acknowledged ongoing initiatives to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and emphasized the significance of international backing for UNIFIL.


Blinken discusses Middle East crisis with French counterpart

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the discussion focused on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Both officials emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to enable citizens of Israel and Lebanon to return home.


Assistant Secretary Nichols visits Belize to discuss regional security and prosperity

Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols is set to visit Belize from October 5 to October 8. During his stay in Belmopan, Nichols will engage with Prime Minister John Briceño, Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, and other senior government officials. The discussions will focus on security and inclusive economic prosperity both in Belize and the wider region.


Fernandez visits Europe for talks on minerals supply chains

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is set to travel to Portugal and Spain from October 6 to 9. His visit aims to engage with key partners across Europe on critical mineral supply chains while promoting trade and economic opportunities with the United States.


Blinken discusses Middle East peace efforts with Qatari Prime Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussion focused on several critical regional issues, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Hageman requests in response to SUSTAINS Act implementation

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman sent a letter to Terry Cosby, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in response to a request for information regarding the implementation of the Sponsoring USDA Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act. Hageman emphasized that the implementation must not infringe on landowners' rights or be manipulated by adversaries.


American Stewards of Liberty: ‘USDA is Monetizing Natural Processes Under the Sustains Act’

American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) has raised concerns over the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) approach to conservation under the SUSTAINS Act. ASL said on August 29 via their website that the USDA is "monetizing natural processes under the Sustains Act," which they believe will result in "devastating consequences on the economy and property rights."


Rep. McCormick: 'We should be putting enormous leverage against Nigeria until they release' imprisoned ex-federal agent

Rep. Rich McCormick said that Nigeria is jeopardizing its relationship with the United States due to the imprisonment of Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current head of financial crime compliance for the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. McCormick shared his statement in an October 1 podcast.


OPINION: It’s Time to End Abuse of the Antiquities Act

The Antiquities Act was enacted in 1906 to preserve our nation’s natural treasures that are of “historic or scientific interest.”


California real estate agent faces charges for alleged tax crimes

A federal grand jury in Los Angeles has indicted Gabriel Guerrero, a commercial real estate agent based in Los Angeles, on charges of tax evasion and obstructing the IRS. According to the indictment, Guerrero failed to file timely tax returns for several years and later filed over a decade's worth of returns in 2014 without paying the self-reported amounts owed.


U.S. extends well-wishes for Lesotho's Independence Day celebrations

On October 4, the United States government extended its warm wishes to the people of Lesotho in celebration of their Independence Day and bicentennial. The U.S. acknowledged its partnership with the Kingdom of Lesotho, emphasizing collaboration on issues such as peace and security, economic growth, health, and democratic principles.


State Department fosters ties between African universities and HBCUs

In a move to bolster educational ties, the Department of State is enhancing connections between African universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange. This initiative aligns with National HBCU Week.


U.S. and China strategies in Latin America focus of upcoming Brookings event

As the United States and China engage in strategic competition, their approaches to the Western Hemisphere will have lasting consequences. The nature of their interests in Latin America and where these interests are complementary or competitive remain significant questions. Additionally, how countries in the region exercise agency to maximize their interests is a crucial consideration.


Assistant Secretary Julieta Valls Noyes retires after nearly 40 years

Julieta Valls Noyes, the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), has announced her retirement after nearly four decades in the United States Foreign Service. Her tenure is marked by significant contributions to humanitarian diplomacy and migration efforts.


EU consumer law review cautions against hasty regulatory additions

The European Commission has released a report following an evaluation of EU consumer law, assessing fairness both online and offline. This comes after a 'fitness check' conducted over the past two years to determine if current laws need updating. The report will guide the incoming Commissioner on potential changes to EU consumer protection law.


U.S. economy adds over 250,000 jobs in September exceeding expectations

The U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added over 250,000 new jobs in September, surpassing expectations. This brings the total to 16 million jobs created under the Biden-Harris Administration. The unemployment rate has decreased to 4.1%, marking the lowest average unemployment in 50 years.


Khan and Gallego to address renters in listening session

Chair Lina M. Khan is scheduled to speak at a Renters Listening Session alongside Representative Gallego. The session will take place at 12 noon MST/1 p.m. EST.