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NFIB leads call for reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, led 50 trade associations in sending a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Small Business. The coalition is requesting legislative action to provide regulatory relief and reduce red tape for small businesses.


Lawmakers warn auto part firms against importing illegal Chinese products

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to leaders of AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Genuine Parts Company, Advance Auto Parts, First Brands Group, and Factory Motor Parts. The letters express concerns that these firms are purchasing products from Qingdao Sunsong—a company based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and its U.S.-based subsidiary currently under federal...


U.S., South Korea conduct first joint nuclear consultative group simulation

The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) conducted the first U.S.-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) simulation, an interagency table-top exercise, from September 5-6 in Washington, D.C. Officials from both nations' national security, defense, military, diplomatic, and intelligence sectors participated in the event. This simulation was a deliverable from President Biden and President Yoon's April 2023 Washington Declaration.


United States-Japan-ROK discuss measures against DPRK cyber threats

On September 6, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea convened in Seoul for the third meeting of the Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group to counter cyber threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Led by U.S. Deputy Special Representative for the DPRK Seth Bailey, ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Korean Peninsula Policy Lee Jun-il, and Japanese Ambassador in charge of Cyber Policy Kumagai Naoki, the group reviewed progress made in deepening trilateral collaboration to disrupt the DPRK’s ability to generate and launder...


Department of Labor announces ERISA Advisory Council meeting dates for September

The Department of Labor will hold its next meeting of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, also known as the ERISA Advisory Council, from September 10 to 12 at the department’s headquarters in Washington.


Biden announces executive order to boost job creation through federal investments

The Biden-Harris administration has announced the “Investing in America and Investing in Americans” Executive Order to enhance federal investments in good-paying, safe jobs that offer union rights and critical benefits such as childcare. The announcement was made by President Biden at a United Association union hall in Ann Arbor, Michigan, accompanied by Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.


Nevada man convicted for $11M COVID-19 relief fund fraud

A federal jury convicted a Nevada man today for defrauding three banks of more than $11.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic.


CFTC's action against Uniswap raises questions about published speech regulation

This week, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) took notable action against Uniswap Labs, raising more questions than answers. This follows a series of CFTC enforcement actions against software developers Opyn, 0x, and Deridex from last fall. In all these cases, the targets settled and paid fines rather than contesting in court. Consequently, none of these actions leaves a binding precedent or offers regulatory clarity. The uncertainty is particularly damaging because all these enforcement actions implicate the rights of individuals to write and publish...


Ukraine defense contact group outlines collaborative efforts amid ongoing conflict

Following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) Dr. William LaPlante to regularly convene National Armaments Directors (NADs) under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).


US Department of Labor renews worker rights partnership with Mexican consulate

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the renewal of its partnership with the Mexican Consulate in San Jose. The collaboration aims to inform the greater San Jose community about workers’ rights under federal labor laws, ensure employer compliance, and combat abuses against vulnerable workers.


EPA intensifies efforts against illegal hydrofluorocarbon imports

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Enforcement Alert under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) to address the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This action is part of a broader effort to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to global warming.


Economy ‘on cusp’ of soft landing with recession unlikely says NRF economist

WASHINGTON – With the economy slowing but still growing and inflation down as the Federal Reserve prepares to lower interest rates, the United States appears to have dodged a recession, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.


CDT joins amicus brief supporting user empowerment in Zuckerman v. Meta

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined an amicus brief led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California and the Electronic Frontier Foundation in support of Professor Ethan Zuckerman’s challenge against Meta.


United States announces new $250 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States is providing a new $250 million package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to its Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks.


Justice Department announces new measures against machine gun conversion devices

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco addressed a gathering organized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to combat the production and spread of unlawful machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). In her remarks, she extended sympathies to those affected by a recent school shooting in Georgia.


Defense Science Board releases study on climate change's impact on global security

The Defense Science Board (DSB) has posted a 2023 Summer Study report on Climate Change and Global Security. The report provides a high-level overview of how a changing climate may directly or indirectly affect regions of the world, presenting new challenges for improving global security and addressing potential conflict.


Leader sentenced for orchestrating $110M stolen identity tax refund scheme

Abraham Yusuff, of Round Rock, Texas — the leader of a scheme to defraud the IRS of over $110 million — was sentenced today to more than 14 years in prison. Meghan Inyang, of San Antonio, and Christopher Eduardo, of Round Rock, two of Yusuff’s co-defendants, were also sentenced today to over three years and over two years in prison, respectively. In total, seven individuals have now been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the scheme.


Deputy Secretary Campbell to visit Europe for strategic dialogues

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will travel to Belgium, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Iceland from September 9-13.


Acting Secretary of Labor comments on August employment figures

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued a statement regarding the August 2024 Employment Situation report, highlighting key developments in the U.S. labor market.


Biden-Harris administration progresses on Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris administration moved closer to designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary with the release of a final environmental impact statement. The new sanctuary along 116 miles of the central California coast aims to protect this ecosystem from offshore oil expansion, acoustic testing, and other threats while generating an estimated $23 million in economic activity and 600 new jobs for the local community.