U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: September 8, 2021)


September 8, 2021 - -Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen sent a letter to Congressional leadership regarding the debt limit.

The full text of the letter and also available below.

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:

I am writing to follow up on my previous letters regarding the debt limit and to provide additional information regarding the Treasury Department’s ability to continue to finance the government in the absence of Congressional action to address the debt limit. After th...

FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel announces Members of Revitalized Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council | site |



Restructured Membership Adds New Federal Expertise, Public Interest Participation, and Diversity to Focus on 5G Network Security and Reliability


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 14, 2021)

Washington, September 14, 2021 - - FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the appointment of members to the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council. The recently reestablished CSRIC will focus primarily on improving 5G network security and hold its first public meeting on September 22. “The FCC’s CSRIC is one of the nation’s most impactful cybersecurity partnerships,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “But in recent years this public-private collaboration has faced criticism t...

New Resource Details Evidence-Based Strategies to Address Impact of Lost Instructional Time by Using American Rescue Plan Funding | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Students across the country continue to return to in-person learning after more than a year of varied access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed. For example, some estimates show that 3 million students have either been consistently absent from or have not been actively participating in remote learning since the beginning of the pandemic. Today, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) released “Strategies for Using American Rescue Plan Funding to Address the Impact of Lost Instructional Time,” a resource to support educators as they implement, refine, and work to continuously improve their strategies for supporting students. We know that across the country...

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Secretary of the Treasury Yellen, Attorney General Garland and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Fudge Sent Letter to Governors, Mayors and State Courts Urging Use of Emergency Rental Assistance Over Eviction | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 27, 2021)

Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen, Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Merrick B. Garland, and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge sent a letter to state and local government leaders addressing the eviction moratorium.

The full text of the letter is available here and below. Governors, Mayors, County Executives, and Chief Justices/State Court Administrators: We are writing to request your urgent help preventing unnecessary evictions during the pandemic. Our bottom line is this: No one should ...

U.S. State of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's Statement on Removal of Robert E. Lee Monument | site |




(Information contained in U.S. State of Virginia, Office of the Governor, press release dated: September 8, 2021)

Richmond, Virginia - - Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement after the Robert E. Lee Monument was officially removed.

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“After 133 years, the statue of Robert E. Lee has finally come down—the last Confederate statue on Monument Avenue, and the largest in the South. The public monuments reflect the story we choose to tell about who we are as a people. It is time to display history as history, and use the public memorials to honor the full and inclusive truth of who we are today and in the future.”

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The Lee statue was erected in 1890, a generation after the Civil War, during a time in which southern states were working to reinforce white supremacist systems and structures...

American Federation of Teachers Supports Liz Shuler as Next AFL-CIO President | site |



(Information contained in American Federation of Teachers [AFT] press release dated: August 16, 2021) Washington - - American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the follow statement: “Liz Shuler offers both strength and stability to our movement. As the largest member of the federation, the AFT is proud to support Liz to fulfill the remainder of Richard Trumka’s term as AFL-CIO president. “The labor movement sits at the center of nearly every policy and action that affects the lives of the American people: their jobs, their safety, their families and their voice in our communities and our democracy. Liz has demonstrated that she understands that impact and will fight for a better life for workers and their families. She thinks big but never misses a detail, she builds consensus, and she leads with great kindness a...

Liz Shuler Elected AFL-CIO President | site |



Fred Redmond Tapped as Secretary-Treasurer, Forming Historic Leadership Team


(Information contained in AFL-CIO press release dated: August 20, 2021) The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO. The election of Shuler and Redmond comes after the unexpected and untimely passing of Richard Trumka, who served as AFL-CIO presi...

U.S. Social Security Board of Trustees: Combined Trust Funds Projected Depletion One Year Sooner Than Last Year | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Social Security Administration press release dated: August 31, 2021) The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time. The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2033, one year sooner than last year’s estimate, with 76 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2057, eight years earlier than last year’s estimate, with 91 percent of benefits still payable. In the 2021 Annual Report...

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses Public Policy | site |


August 27, 2021

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses public policy. Some of its observations are available in the Bioethics Public Policy Report: August 27, 2021,

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Right to Life Michigan asks Supreme Court to Overturn Roe v. Wade | site |



(Information contained in the Right To Life of Michigan press release dated: July 30, 2021)

Lansing, MI - - Yesterday, Right to Life of Michigan filed an amicus curiae brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will likely hear oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case in the fall.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “In 1972, Michigan voters determined our state’s law protecting unborn children should stand. Just weeks later, their vote was overturned by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Democracy is threatened every time unelected judges overstep their bounds and overturn legitimate election results.”

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization involves a Mississippi law banning abortions...

Federal Communications Commission seeks Comments on Competitive Access to Broadband in Apartment and Office Buildings | site |



Tees Up Questions on Revenue Sharing Agreements Between Building Owners and Providers, and on Exclusive Wiring and Marketing Arrangements


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 7, 2021) Washington, September 7, 2021 - - he Federal Communications Commission today announced it is inviting a new round of comments in a proceeding examining competitive access to broadband in apartment and office buildings. The new call for comments aims to better understand how the Commission can promote increased competition, consumer choice, and lower prices for Americans living and working in these buildings. “Across the country throughout the pandemic, the need for more and better broadband access has never been clearer,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessi...

U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Opens Investigations in Five States Regarding Prohibitions of Universal Indoor Masking | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 30, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened directed investigations in five states exploring whether statewide prohibitions on universal indoor masking discriminate against students with disabilities who are at heightened risk for severe illness from COVID-19 by preventing them from safely accessing in-person education. "The Department has heard from parents from across the country – particularly parents of students with disabilities and with underlying medical conditions – about how state bans on universal indoor masking are putting their children at risk and preventing them from accessing in-person learning equally," said...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration August 26, 2021 Consumer Alert: Consumer Alert: Ford Issues Recall for 2021 Ford F-150 Vehicles | site |



Do Not Drive Recommended in Some Cases


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: August 27, 2021) August 26, 2021 | Washington, DC - - Ford Motor Company is issuing a recall on Model Year 2021 Ford F-150 vehicles manufactured with the Super Cab body style. The front seat belt webbing may be incorrectly routed. A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Approximately 16,430 vehicles manufactured from January 2 through May 27, 2021, are affected. The Regular Cab and Crew Cab body styles use a different seat belt assembly and are not part of this recall. Vehicle owners should either call Ford’s toll-free line (866-436-7332) or contact a local Ford...

U.S. Treasury Department Announces Seven Additional Policies to Encourage State and Local Governments to Expedite Emergency Rental Assistance | site |




Latest Treasury Data Shows Continued Progress; About 1 Million Payments Made by State and Localities as of July 31


(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 25, 2021) New data on program performance demonstrates steady improvement in delivering Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) to eligible households – particularly among state and local agencies that adopted the recommendations in Treasury’s prior guidance. Even with these improvements, many grantees need to do more to urgently accelerate efforts to prevent harmful evictions of vulnerable families. To help grantees continue to expedite assistance, today Treasury is announcing additional policies – including measures to reduce processing delays by providing even more explic...

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Defense [DOD] press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Today, August 31, 2021, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following information: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran to reaffirm the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine. Secretary Austin reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Crimea and perpetuation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. With President Biden’s approval of a new $60 million package for additional Javelin anti-armor syste...

U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Key Staff | site |




Nearly 40 Biden-Harris Administration appointees named to serve the 30 million small businesses across the nation



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: August 18, 2021) Washington - - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its senior leadership team and key Biden-Harris Administration appointees. This experienced group of staffers will join thousands of SBA career servants working tirelessly to deliver recovery funding to millions of small businesses and rebuild the engine of our nation's economy. In April, Antwaun Griffin was named Chief of Staff, playing a critical role in executing Administrator Guzman's priorities as the agency provides a historic $1 trillion in economic relief to America's entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits. "The Biden-Ha...

Federal Communications Commission acts to provide relief in Areas affected by Hurricane Ida | site |




Agency Extends Certain Regulatory and Filing Deadlines to Assist Consumers, Licensees and Communications Providers Affected by the Storm


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 3, 2021) Washington, September 3, 2021 - - The Federal Communications Commission today took a series of actions to extend deadlines and waive rules to assist consumers, licensees and communications providers in Louisiana and Mississippi impacted by Hurricane Ida. “The FCC is working around the clock in coordination with government partners and industry to support the restoration of vital communications services after the destruction of Hurricane Ida,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Today, we’re extending deadlines for our universal servi...

Federal and State Financial Regulatory Agencies issue Interagency Statement on Supervisory Practices regarding Financial Institutions affected by Hurricane Ida | site |



Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Conference of State Bank Supervisors
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
National Credit Union Administration
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: August 30, 2021) The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the state regulators, collectively the agencies, recognize the serious impact of Hurricane Ida on the customers and operations of many financial institutions and will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected institutions subject to their super...

IRS: Tax Relief now available to Victims of Hurricane Ida; Oct. 15 Deadline, other Dates extended to Jan. 3 | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Washington - - Victims of Hurricane Ida that began on August 26 now have until January 3, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as qualifying for individual or public assistance. Currently this includes the entire state of Louisiana, but taxpayers in Ida-impacted localities designated by FEMA in neighboring states will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov. "During this difficult time, the I...

U.S. Statement Condemning the Recent Houthi Attack Against Saudi Arabia | site |





(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release dated: August 31, 2021)


Today, August 31, 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued the following statement: The United States strongly condemns the recent Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia that struck the civilian airport in Abha, wounding eight civilians and damaging a commercial airliner. Since the beginning of the year, Saudi Arabia has endured more than 240 attacks from the Houthis, who have endangered the Saudi people alongside more than 70,000 U.S. citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have also intensified their attacks inside of Yemen in recent weeks, particularly their offensive on Marib. This costly, stalemated offensive is exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The Houthi attacks are perpetuating the conflict, prolonging the sufferin...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Serve as Lead Federal Agency Coordinating Efforts to Resettle Vulnerable Afghans | site |



Secretary Mayorkas Announces Robert J. Fenton, Jr. as Senior Response Official


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: August 29, 2021) Washington - - President Biden has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to have his department serve as the lead agency coordinating ongoing efforts across the federal government to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on behalf of the United States.  Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that Robert J. Fenton, Jr. will lead the interagency Unified Coordination Group. The Unified Coordination Group will report directly to Secretary Mayorkas and will include a broad range of services throughout the resettlement process, from initial immigration processing, COVID-19 te...

Federal Emergency Management Agency Urges Mid-Atlantic Residents to Prepare for Tropical Depression Ida | site |


(Information contained in Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] press release dated: August 31, 2021) Philadelphia - - Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana on Sunday afternoon with devastating consequence. Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm but will continue to bring life-threatening flash, urban and river flooding to communities throughout the mid-Atlantic over the coming days. Tropical Storm Ida is expected to bring three to six inches of rainfall to the Ohio Valley, southern/central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic today through Wednesday. A few areas could see higher amounts. Portions of our region have received several inches of rainfall over the past two weeks from weather systems including but not limited to Fred and Henri, which have primed soils and rivers for additional w...

SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman Statement on meeting with President Biden, Cabinet Officials, Private Sector Leaders to Discuss Strengthening Cybersecurity for America’s Small Business Economy | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: August 26, 2021) Washington - - Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman released the following statement after participating in a meeting with President Joseph R. Biden, other members of his Cabinet and national security team, and private sector and education leaders to discuss how to improve our nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure for its 31 million small businesses. “As businesses and individuals face more prevalent and sophisticated cyber threats, we must take decisive action to confront this ever-growing challenge. President Biden has prioritized this critical issue that affects both...

SEC Requests Information and Comment on Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Digital Engagement Practices, Related Tools and Methods, and Regulatory Considerations and Potential Approaches; Information and Comments on Investment Adviser Use of Technology | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: August 27, 2021) Washington D.C., Aug. 27, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it is requesting information and public comment on matters related to the use of digital engagement practices by broker-dealers and investment advisers. These tools include behavioral prompts, differential marketing, game-like features (commonly referred to as gamification), and other design elements or features designed to engage with retail investors on digital platforms (e.g., websites, portals, and applications), as well as the analytical and technological tools and m...