News published on Federal Newswire in January 2026

News from January 2026


Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlines economic strategy at Economic Club of Minnesota

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent delivered remarks at the Economic Club of Minnesota, where he outlined the Trump administration’s economic policies and contrasted them with those of the previous administration.


Treasury announces new actions against government benefits fraud in Minnesota

In Minnesota, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent has announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing widespread government benefits fraud that has resulted in significant losses for taxpayers.


Finance ministers meet in Washington to address critical minerals supply chain risks

Secretary of the Treasury Scott K.H. Bessent hosted a meeting in Washington with finance ministers and senior officials from several countries to discuss measures for strengthening and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals, including...


Small business group urges permanent regulatory reforms before House committee

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has submitted testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Small Business in advance of a hearing titled, “A Voice for Small Business: How the SBA Office of Advocacy is Cutting Red Tape.” The...


Federal employment law overview outlines key requirements for small business compliance

Navigating federal employment laws is a key concern for small businesses, as noncompliance can lead to complaints, fines, and lawsuits.


NFIB: Unfilled job openings persist as more small firms raise pay

In December, 33% of small business owners reported having job openings they could not fill, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).


CFTC grants limited no-action relief for Bitnomial event contracts

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Market Oversight and the Division of Clearing and Risk have issued a no-action letter concerning swap data reporting and recordkeeping regulations for certain binary and bounded swap contracts.


Coin Center sets 2026 policy agenda focused on crypto regulation clarity

Coin Center has outlined its main policy objectives for 2026, focusing on regulatory clarity and user protections in the cryptocurrency sector.


CFTC launches Innovation Advisory Committee to address emerging technologies in finance

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael S. Selig has announced the launch of the Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC), a group intended to provide expertise and recommendations on innovation in financial markets.


Department of Education awards $169 million for innovation in higher education

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $169 million in new grants through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE).


Iowa becomes first state approved for Returning Education Waiver by U.S. Department of Education

Iowa has become the first state to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education for a Returning Education to the States Waiver, giving state officials increased flexibility over federal education funding.


U.S. Departments plan tribal consultation on Indian Education Partnership

The U.S. Department of Education has invited tribal leaders to a consultation regarding the Indian Education Partnership Interagency Agreements (IAA) with the Department of Interior and the Department of Labor.


U.S. Secretary of Education visits Elmira High School for History Rocks! civics event

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Elmira High School in New York as part of the Department of Education’s national History Rocks!


U.S. Secretary of Education highlights civic learning during History Rocks! event in Virginia

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited An Achievable Dream Middle & High School in Newport News, Virginia, as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s national History Rocks!


U.S. Department of Education finalizes new accountability rules for higher education

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it reached consensus on a new accountability framework for higher education institutions, concluding the final session of its Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-driven...


U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement details arrests, warnings, and remembrance posts

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published several posts between January 16-17, 2026 about recent enforcement actions—including an arrest in Minneapolis—warnings about firearm thefts from federal vehicles, and a tribute to Special Agent...


Homeland Security subcommittee examines federal-private partnerships against rising cyber threats

This week, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing in Washington, D.C., focusing on improving cooperation between the federal government and private sector to strengthen U.S. defenses against cyber threats.


Senators Shaheen and Tillis warn against tariff threats on key NATO allies

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, who co-chair the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, released a statement addressing the recent threat of tariffs against several key American allies: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the...


White House marks Benjamin Franklin's birthday with tribute to his legacy

Today marks the 320th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, recognized for his wide-ranging contributions to American society.


Weekend Interview: Brian Darling on Venezuela and War Powers

Washington is grappling with the aftermath of the dramatic operation to seize Venezuela’s longtime strongman, Nicolás Maduro.