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National ice cream manufacturer to pay fine for violating Clean Air Act
On the Hill

A national ice cream manufacturer will pay $115,849 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it violated federal laws regulating the handling and storage of ammonia at its facility in Suffield, Conn. The settlement arises from a violation of the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention regulations, which puts public health and safety at risk.


US and Saudi Arabia begin negations on joint effort to explore space peacefully
On the Hill

Negotiations have begun on a joint effort towards space cooperation, announced by the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia governments. This collaboration aims to enhance the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.


Buttigieg: New measure will 'move goods more efficiently and keep costs down for Americans'
On the Hill

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently announced the launch of an initiative to oversee the maintenance and improvement of the nation’s freight network and supply chains as part of the inaugural meeting of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience. This initiative comes in response to increasing concerns over supply chain issues, aiming to streamline operations and lower costs for American consumers.


Fraser Institute report casts doubt on feasibility of aggressive EV mandates in Canada and the U.S.
On the Hill

Canada, the United States and other countries have set aggressive goals with short deadlines in their mandates for electric vehicles. But, according to a new report by the Fraser Institute, the sudden transition to EVs will require a significant increase in mining, which raises doubt on whether these mandates can be met on time.


Tax Foundation: Making full expensing of plant and machinery investment permanent will strengthen the U.K.'s economy
On the Hill

British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in his Autumn Statement on Nov. 22 that writing off the full cost of qualifying plant and machinery investment will be made permanent. This is good policy, according to an analysis published by the Tax Foundation, a non-partisan tax policy nonprofit. It would lift investor confidence and boost the United Kingdom's overall economy. This measure follows a series of changes implemented by the UK government to enhance its cost recovery provisions.


HUD hopes housing-based program will reduce health disparities
On the Hill

The U.S. Housing of Urban Development (HUD) has revealed new actions in order to address the root causes of health disparities and foster interagency collaboration to ensure that all Americans can live a healthier life. This new approach, with the aid of HUD programs, is set to improve the country's social determinants of health through innovative initiatives.


EDU secretary: 'Our Raise the Bar agenda is educational substance, not sensationalism'
On the Hill

U.S. Department of Education (EDU) Secretary Miguel Cardona recently took to Twitter to tout an educational program he believes will eliminate educator shortages and advance strategies that will strengthen and diversify the country’s educator pipeline. The said program, "Raise the Bar: Lead the World", is projected to empower communities through comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten all the way to postsecondary learning.


DOS backs International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
On the Hill

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently issued a press release voicing their support for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This move forms part of their broader commitment to counteract violence against women worldwide through various initiatives and programs.


DOD confirms ongoing support of Israel amid release of hostages
On the Hill

As Hamas continues to release hostages held in Gaza, U.S. officials called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the process. This phone call is a part of the diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating hostage release and restoring peace.


NAIC’s Fall 2023 International Fellows Program finishes up in New York City
On the Hill

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced that its Fall 2023 International Fellows Program in New York City ended with a closing session at NAIC’s Capital Markets & Investment Analysis Office. Eight regulators from five countries participated in the program to update their knowledge and engage in dialogue on industry topics. The program was aimed at enhancing international regulatory understanding through practical experience and professional development.


Senators Stabenow and Boozman Announce Nominations Hearing for Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden and the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger
On the Hill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) have announced that the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will hold a hearing to consider the nominations of Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden and the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger.Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden has been nominated to be the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, while the Honorable Summer K. Mersinger has been nominated to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.The hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 30,...


Senator Durbin introduces Stop Arming Cartels Act
On the Hill

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the Stop Arming Cartels Act, legislation that attempts to limit firearms trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico. The bill was announced in a press release on Sept. 26, and said the bill is focused on curbing the firearms which fall into the hands of the drug cartels.This piece of legislation aims to address weak gun laws that have enabled a rampant firearms trade, fueling violence and criminal activities across borders.


Tiffany: ‘Active forest management will enhance forest health and boost local economies’
On the Hill

In a recent subcommittee hearing, witnesses testified about the importance of modern land management techniques, forest health and national security. The discussion revolved around various bills targeting forest management, wildfire combat strategies, national security enhancement, accessibility expansion, and research into emergency technologies.


Chairman Jordan Subpoenas Bank of America for Information on Sharing Customers' Private Financial Data with the FBI
On the Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has issued a subpoena to Bank of America (BoA) for documents and communications related to an investigation into major banks sharing Americans' private financial data with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) without legal process for transactions made in the Washington, D.C., area around January 6, 2021.This move comes after it was revealed that in 2021, Bank of America provided the FBI with a list of individuals who made transactions in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area using a BoA credit or debit card between...


Chairwoman Stabenow Advocates for Responsible Adoption of Agricultural Technology and Artificial Intelligence
On the Hill

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, highlighted the importance of responsible adoption of agricultural technology and artificial intelligence (A.I.) at a recent hearing titled "Innovation in American Agriculture: Leveraging Technology and Artificial Intelligence". The hearing aimed to explore the potential benefits and risks of integrating A.I. into the agricultural sector.In her opening statement, Senator Stabenow acknowledged that American agriculture has always been at the forefront of innovation and...


Stabenow, Boozman, Thompson, Scott Statement on Farm Bill Extension
On the Hill

In a joint statement, the leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator John Boozman, Representative Mike Thompson, and Representative Austin Scott, expressed their commitment to avoiding a lapse in funding for key agricultural programs by extending the Farm Bill."As negotiations on funding the government progress, we were able to come together to avoid a lapse in funding for critical agricultural programs and provide certainty to producers," the statement read.The leaders emphasized that this extension should not be seen as a...


House Committee on Natural Resources responds to new USFWS rule
On the Hill

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has responded to a new rule announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that bans the use of lead ammunition and tackle in national wildlife refuges. The rule, which was finalized on Oct. 27, has sparked controversy and concerns about access to public lands and the affordability of alternative equipment.


Biden-Harris Administration seeks supplemental funding to address border security and migration challenges
On the Hill

The Biden-Harris Administration has requested supplemental funding from Congress to strengthen border security and address the challenges posed by increased migration and the trafficking of fentanyl, according to a recent press release from the Department of Homeland Security. In an official release by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Oct. 20, 2023, he urged Congress to equip the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the necessary "resources and support" to fulfill its safety and security mission.


Chairman Gallagher presents steps to counteract CCP aggression in American universities
On the Hill

Chairman Mike Gallagher, who leads the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), outlined a series of measures to help reduce CCP aggression within American higher education institutions during his address at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Universities.


Amazon has developed 50 renewable energy projects in India
On the Hill

With the development of a new 198 megawatt windfarm, Amazon has now reached 50 renewable energy projects in India. The 50 energy projects across India produce 1.1 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.