On the Hill News on Federal Newswire

353 educational institutions across the nation were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of education as the U.S. Department of Education unveiled its prestigious list of National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023.

Alpine School District under fire for Title IX violations, Enters resolution agreement

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education has found that the Alpine School District in Utah failed to properly investigate allegations of employee-to-student and student-to-student sexual assaults, leaving students at risk.

U.S. Department of Education addresses racial disparities in discipline at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has concluded its investigation into Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) in North Carolina, addressing racial disparities in discipline. The investigation, conducted for the 2022-23 school year, found that African-American students faced more frequent and harsher disciplinary measures than their white peers.

Allegheny Valley School District resolves disability harassment investigation with U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has resolved a disability harassment investigation involving the Allegheny Valley School District in Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed harassment so severe that it created a hostile learning environment for the student involved.

Historic award for Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers

EPA and U.S. Senator announce $12 Million supporting EJ TCTACs

EPA Announces $235 Million for Brownfield Cleanup Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $235 million in grants from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country. This financial package aims to focus on environmental justice and stimulate economic growth in underserved communities.

EPA reaches settlements over chemical safety violations with Watsonville firms

Unsafe handling of anhydrous ammonia has led to Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act violations at two Watsonville, California firms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with Del Mar Food Products Corp. and S. Martinelli & Co. to resolve these violations. Anhydrous ammonia, a toxic refrigerant used in food and beverage production, can pose hazards to workers and the community.

EPA proposes amendments to 2020 rule on hazardous air pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed amendments to a 2020 Clean Air Act rule in order to enhance public health protections and promote technological innovation in reducing pollution. The proposed changes aim to ensure that industrial facilities emitting large amounts of hazardous air pollution cannot increase emissions when reclassifying from a "major source" to an "area source."

DOE allocates $22 million to support smart manufacturing at small- and medium-sized facilities nationwide through the State Manufacturing Leadership Program

On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $22 million initiative aimed at supporting smart manufacturing at small- and medium-sized facilities across the country. The initiative will be implemented through the State Manufacturing Leadership Program, benefiting 12 state-run programs.

ACLU and organizations urge senate to reconsider STOP CSAM Act, citing First Amendment and privacy concerns

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and 60 partner organizations have written a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging the Senate to reject the proposed STOP CSAM Act. The letter warns that the legislation could have far-reaching implications for First Amendment rights and privacy concerns.

National civil rights groups urge Louisiana to consider mass clemency for death row inmates

A coalition of national civil rights organizations is urging Louisiana officials to consider mass clemency for death row inmates. The plea comes as these groups highlight the systemic racial biases and frequent errors that plague the state's death penalty system.

New research from the Atlantic Council and Atlantik-Brücke explores the dynamics of economic statecraft

New research from the Atlantic Council and Atlantik-Brücke explores the dynamics of economic statecraft, highlighting opportunities and the risks of using economic tools for foreign policy goals. The research, titled "Transatlantic Economic Statecraft: Different Approaches, Shared Risk," was published by the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center and Atlantik-Brücke on September 21.

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act introduced by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell

Rep. Terri Sewell has introduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the House, aiming to amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The bill, officially known as H.R. 14, seeks to restore and revitalize the Voting Rights Act and enhance protections against racial discrimination in voting and representation for voters of color.

Expanding mental health support to pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students

Oct. 17, 2022

DOE to allocate $325 million to fund long-duration energy storage projects with the goal of enhancing grid resilience and safeguarding American communities

On September 22, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to invest $325 million in 15 projects aimed at accelerating the development of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies. The funding for these projects will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be implemented across 17 states and one tribal nation, according to a press release.

Abbott: 'President Biden’s continued refusal to secure our border invites thousands of illegal crossings into Texas and our nation each day'

Governor Abbott announces additional measures to combat illegal immigration, criticizes Biden administration's border policies

Green: 'This crisis has turned every state into a border state and every town into a border town'

Chairman Mark Green, MD (R-TN), delivered a scathing criticism of the Biden administration and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for their handling of the border crisis. Speaking at a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Green argued that their policies have not only failed to mitigate the crisis but have also "devastated the lives and livelihoods of Americans and migrants alike."

"As part of President Biden's investing in America strategy, the USDA introduces a program to assist agricultural companies and farmworkers with the goal of enhancing economic and supply chain resilience"

The Biden-Harris administration has announced a pilot program aimed at addressing workforce challenges faced by farmers and ranchers in the agricultural industry. The program, called the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, aims to enhance the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain by providing support to agricultural companies and farmworkers.

Green: ' proud to co-lead Senator Marco Rubio’s No Asylum for CCP Spies Act '

Last week, Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Texas Rep. Troy Nehls jointly introduced the "No Asylum for CCP Spies Act." Green expressed his pride in co-leading this act with Senator Rubio and Congressman Nehls, stating that it is a solution to protect national security from foreign individuals associated with totalitarian or communist parties.

Luetkemeyer: 'the CCP poses an immediate threat with long-lasting implications'