Federal Communications Commission to Vote on designating Boston and Raleigh as Newest FCC Innovation Zones

Federal Communications Commission to Vote on designating Boston and Raleigh as Newest FCC Innovation Zones | site |



Boston and Raleigh Would Join New York City and Salt Lake City as Innovation and Research Test Beds for Advanced Wireless Technologies Like 5G and Open RAN


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) press release dated: July 14, 2021) Washington, July 14, 2021—FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today proposed establishing Raleigh, North Carolina and Boston, Massachusetts as innovation zones to allow for advanced wireless communications and network innovation and research. These designations would, among other positive impacts, help spur the development and integration of 5G network technologies and open radio access networks, or Open RAN. Innovation zones are FCC-designated, city-scale test beds managed by the National Science Foundation’s Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research. If a...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announces Key Staff Appointments | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: July 9, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced several key additions to HUD staff since March. These talented and diverse individuals join HUD ready to deliver results for the American people by tackling our nation’s housing challenges to build a stronger, more equitable America.

Appointees are listed below in alphabetical order. Previously announced appointees are listed here and here.

Victoria Brown, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary Mikaela Gerwin, Special Assistant and Briefing Book Coordinator, Office of the Secretary David Gonzalez Rice, Special Assistant for Housing and Services, Office of the Secretary Caitlin Grady, Director of Scheduli...

Federal Reserve Board announces it will extend for a final time its Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility, or PPPLF, by an additional Month to July 30, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 25, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced it will extend for a final time its Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility, or PPPLF, by an additional month to July 30, 2021. The extension is being made as an operational accommodation to allow additional processing time for banks, community development financial institutions, and other financial institutions to pledge to the facility any Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loans approved by the Small Business Administration through the June 30 expiration of the PPP program. The PPPLF extends term credit to financial institutions making PPP loans, accepting the PPP loans as collateral. The liquidity provided ...

Statement by Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education on the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 24, 2021)

Statement by Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education on the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education

Good morning Chair Scott and Ranking Member Foxx. I am pleased to join you today, and I am proud to testify about the policies and priorities of the Department of Education, including President Biden's fiscal year 2022 Budget Request for the Department of Education. The full fiscal year 2022 Budget Request, which was released a little over two weeks ago, makes good on President Biden's campaign commitment to reverse years of underinvestment in Federal education programs and would begin to address the significant inequities that millions of students—primarily students of...

Federal Housing Administration takes steps to remove barriers to Homeownership for those with Student Loan Debt | site |



Updates to Single Family student loan monthly payment calculation expand access to FHA-insured mortgage financing for creditworthy individuals, particularly in communities of color


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] press release dated: June 18, 2021)

Washington - - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Friday announced updates to its student loan monthly payment calculations to take steps to remove barriers and provide more access to affordable single family FHA-insured mortgage financing for creditworthy individuals with student loan debt, which has a disproportionate impact on people of color. The updated policy more closely aligns FHA student loan debt calculation policies with other housing agencies, helping to streamline...

African American elected to Boeing Company Board of Directors | site |




Company taps former Air Force General and United Airlines Pilot Stayce D. Harris

Air Force General and Pilot Stayce D. Harris (Courtesy: The Boeing Company)

The Boeing Company has announced that it has elected to its Board of Directors Pilot and General Stayce D. Harris. More information is available HERE...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Extends the Eviction Moratorium for 30 Days | site |




(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release dated June 24, 2021)

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has signed an extension to the eviction moratorium further preventing the eviction of tenants who are unable to make rental payments. The moratorium that was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2021 is now extended through July 31, 2021 and this is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The order can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...cla...

Statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation issuance of Order that would Prohibit the Sale of Passenger Air Transportation between United States and Belarus | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: June 29, 2021) Today, June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an order proposing to prohibit the sale of passenger air transportation, including air transportation on an interline basis (e.g. tickets booked through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines), between the United States and Belarus. DOT’s order is premised on the Department of State’s determination that, in light of the diversion of Ryanair flight 4978, it is in the foreign policy interests of the United States to limit transportation between the United States and Belarus. The prohibition would provide the ability for the U.S. Government to make case-by-cas...

Agencies release list of Distressed or Underserved nonmetropolitan Middle-income Geographies | site |




(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 25, 2021)


Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced the availability of the 2021 list of distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies. These are geographic areas where revitalization or stabilization activities are eligible to receive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration under the community development definition. Distressed nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies and underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies are designated by the agencies in accordance with their CRA regulations. The criteria for design...

Federal Election Commission says District Court issues opinion in Ted Cruz for Senate, et al. v. FEC | site |



(Information contained in Federal Election Commission [FEC] press release dated: June 3, 2021)

Washington - - A three-judge panel of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order in Ted Cruz for Senate, et al. v. FEC (Case No. 19-908), denying the Commission’s motion for summary judgment and granting the Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment.

On April 1, 2019, Ted Cruz for Senate and Senator Cruz filed suit against the Commission alleging that the limit on repayment of candidate loans at 52 U.S.C. § 30116(j) violates the First Amendment to the Constitution. The three-judge panel concurred....

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Amec Foster Wheeler Limited With FCPA Violations Related To Brazilian Bribery Scheme | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: June 25, 2021) Washington D.C., June 25, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Amec Foster Wheeler Limited (Foster Wheeler) for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) arising out of a bribery scheme that took place in Brazil. As part of coordinated resolutions with the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Brazil Controladoria-General da Uniᾶo (CGU)/Advocacia-Geral da Uniᾶo (AGU) and the Ministério Publico Federal (MPF), and the United Kingdom Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the company has agreed to pay more than $43 million related to this scheme, including more than $10.1 million to settle the SEC's charges. The SEC's order finds that Foster...

U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Guidance to Speed the Provision of Emergency Rental Assistance Relief and Support Housing Stability for Renters at Risk of Eviction | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: June 24, 2021)

Washington - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released guidance in the form of updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) and fact sheet to continue supporting the rapid deployment of Emergency Rental Assistance by states, territories, localities, and tribal governments. The FAQs build on prior actions to provide state and local governments with the tools they need to deliver relief to renters in need by helping grantees with implementation and best practices.

The fact sheet is below and available here .

The FAQs are available here .


Emergency Rental Assistance Fact Sheet: Treasury Announces Further Action to Support Housing...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona: Title IX the 'Strongest Tool' in Protecting Educational Opportunities Free from Sex Discrimination | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 23, 2021)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today issued the following statement in recognition of the 49th anniversary of the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, commonly known as "Title IX." "Today marks 49 years since the passage of Title IX, the strongest tool we have to protect every student's right to equal access to educational opportunities free from sex discrimination. Because of this landmark rule, our nation has made important progress toward realizing our self-concept as a land of opportunity for all—from increasing equality in science, technology, engineering and math education; to enabling and encouraging more women and girls to participate in sports; to ensuring fa...

Federal Reserve Board releases results of annual Bank Stress Tests, which show that large Banks continue to have strong Capital Levels and could continue Lending to Households and Businesses during a severe Recession | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 24, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday released the results of its annual bank stress tests, which showed that large banks continue to have strong capital levels and could continue lending to households and businesses during a severe recession. "Over the past year, the Federal Reserve has run three stress tests with several different hypothetical recessions and all have confirmed that the banking system is strongly positioned to support the ongoing recovery," said Vice Chair for Supervision Randal K. Quarles. All 23 large banks tested remained well above their risk-based minimum capital requirem...

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough statement on Department’s Extension of Moratoriums on Foreclosures and Evictions as well as new Mortgage Repayment assistance to help Stabilize vulnerable Households | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: June 24, 2021) As the nation emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated millions of Americans remain in need of mortgage and rental assistance. To provide continued relief to the Veteran and service member community — the Department of Veterans Affairs is extending by an additional month — the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums through July 31. Extending the COVID-19 moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions will allow households that may have fallen behind on their mortgages more time to recover. Ultimately the extension will help thousands of VA home loan borrowers stay in their homes,...

Air Travel Consumer Report: April 2021 Numbers | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: June 21, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its June 2021 Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of April 2021. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at http://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer . The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant changes to airline schedules and operations in April 2021, although airlines scheduled and operated more flights in April 2021 than any month since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The total number of flights operated in April 2021 have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels but have increas...

Boeing to Boost UK Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet | site |



Contract for 14 H-47 extended-range Chinooks worth $578 million


(Information contained in The Boeing Company press release dated: June 22, 2021)

Philadelphia, June 22, 2021 — U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $578 million Foreign Military Sales contract approved by the U.S. Department of State to deliver 14 extended-range Chinook helicopters to the UK Royal Air Force (RAF). The extended range Chinook gives the RAF fleet more versatility to execute the domestic and international heavy-lift missions that only the Chinook can facilitate. “These Chinooks are the future of heavy-lift, built on an existing foundation of advanced capability and life cycle affordability,” said Andy Builta, Boeing vice president and H-47 program manager. “This contract for Block II aircraft sets the stage for the next 60 years of Chinook excellence on the battl...

U.S. Department of Education Prioritizes Advancing Equity in First Installment of Equity Summit Series | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 22, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Education held the first installment of its Equity Summit Series, “Building Equitable Learning Environments in Our Schools.” The program featured First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, leaders and educators from across the country, and student performances. During the summit, participants highlighted the Biden Administration’s historic commitment to advancing equity in school reopening, recovery, and long-term investments in education, including: Through the American Rescue Plan, ensuring that schools not only have the resources to re-open for in-person instruction quickly, but also ensuring that schools are focuse...

Kiran Ahuja Sworn in as Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management | site |



(Information contained in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: June 24, 2021) Washington - - Today, Kiran Arjandas Ahuja was officially sworn in as the 13th Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Director Ahuja took the oath this morning after the Senate voted to confirm her on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. After more than two decades in public service and executive nonprofit work, she was nominated by President Joe Biden for her current role. Director Ahuja is the first South Asian American and first Asian American woman to lead OPM. In her role, Director Ahuja will lead OPM in its work to recruit, retain, and honor the American workforce that’s landing rovers on Mars, fighting climate change and cancer, and building the country back better. Previously, Director Ahuja served as OPM Chief of Staff from 2015-201...

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman meets with the Spanish Broadcasting System Board Members | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: June 23, 2021)

Washington - - On June 16, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and the executive board of the Spanish Broadcasting System met at a virtual roundtable. The group discussed the priorities of the Biden – Harris Administration and the equity focus on economic aid made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, especially to those in underserved communities.

“As the first Latina in President Biden’s Cabinet, I’ve made outreach to my Hispanic familia one of my key priorities,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “Your partnership is vital in that effort – the Hispanic media has a long history of telling the story of our nation’s...

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’s Trip to Portugal | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: June 22, 2021) Washington - - On June 21-22, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas traveled to Portugal to represent the United States alongside the Department of Justice at the biannual U.S.-EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministerial. Secretary Mayorkas met bilaterally with European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner Didier Reynders, Portuguese Minister of Interior Eduardo Cabrita, and Portuguese Minister of Justice Francisca Van Dunem. He also met with DHS employees based in Portugal. “The United States is proud to stand with the European Union as a steadfast partner and we look forward to continued cooperation across shared interests, such as addressing violent e...

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen to Travel to G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Venice, Italy | site |



Will Also Travel to Brussels, Belgium To Advance U.S. Policy Priorities

(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: June 24, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that Secretary Janet L. Yellen will attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Venice, Italy from July 9-10, 2021. While in Venice, Secretary Yellen will continue to reinforce the U.S. commitment to multilateralism and advance U.S. policy priorities on global tax policy, climate change, an inclusive economic recovery, and global health. She will also hold bilateral meetings with G20 counterparts. On July 11, the Secretary will attend the Venice International Conference on Climate with G20 counterparts, thought leaders, privat...

Lina Khan Sworn in as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission | site |



(Information contained in Federal Trade Commission [FTC] press release dated: June 15, 2021)

Lina Khan was sworn in today as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. President Biden named Khan, a Democrat, to a term on the Commission that expires September 25, 2024, and designated her as Chair. Khan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 15, 2021. “It is a tremendous honor to have been selected by President Biden to lead the Federal Trade Commission,” said Chair Khan. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect the public from corporate abuse. I’m very grateful to Acting Chairwoman Slaughter for her outstanding stewardship of the Commission." Prior to becoming Chair of the FTC, Khan was an Associate Professor of Law at Columbia Law School. She also previously served as counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommit...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Investment Advisers With Cherry-Picking, Obtains Asset Freeze | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington D.C., June 17, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has obtained an asset freeze and other emergency relief, and filed fraud charges, against a Miami-based investment professional and two investment firms for engaging in an alleged “cherry-picking” scheme in which they channeled millions of dollars in trading profits to preferred accounts. According to the SEC’s complaint filed under seal on June 10 in federal court in the Southern District of Florida and unsealed today, defendants Ramiro Jose Sugranes, UCB Financial Advisers Inc., and UCB Financial Services Limited engaged in a scheme since at least September 2015 to divert profitable trades to two accounts believe...

Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Aug. 11 | site |



Test Messages Will be Sent to TVs and Radios Along with Select Cell Phones That Have Opted-in to Receive Test Messages



(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: June 11, 2021)

Washington - - FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this summer. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests will begin at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed only to consumer cell phones where the subscriber has opted-in to receive test messages. This will be the second nationwide WEA test, but the first nationwide WE...

U.S. Census Bureau says New Vintage 2020 Population Estimates Available for Nation, States, Counties, and Puerto Rico Commonwealth and Municipios by Demographic Characteristics | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Census Bureau release dated: June 17, 2021) June 17, 2021 - - The U.S. Census Bureau today released Vintage 2020 evaluation estimates of population for the nation, states and counties by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and for Puerto Rico Commonwealth and municipios by age and sex. These estimates are available as a limited number of downloadable datasets. These estimates are based on the 2010 Census and were created without incorporation or consideration of the 2020 Census results. They are typically used in comparisons with the 2020 Census to make determinations about the accuracy of the estimates. Differences between the estimates and census counts are interpreted as error in the estimates and are used to inform population and h...

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today in regard to the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule: “We intend to reconsider the prior Administration’s interpretation that the Organic Foods Production Act does not authorize USDA to regulate the practices that were the subject of the 2017 Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. I have directed the National Organic Program to begin a rulemaking to address this statutory interpretation and to include a proposal to disallow the use of porches as outdoor space in organic production over time and on other topics that were the subject of the OLPP final rule. We anticipate sen...

Federal Reserve Board extends Comment Period on Proposed Changes to Regulation II regarding Network Availability for Card-not-present Debit Card Transactions until August 11, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 22, 2021)

The Federal Reserve Board announced on Tuesday that it will extend until August 11, 2021, the comment period for its proposed changes to Regulation II (Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing) that would clarify that debit card issuers should enable, and allow merchants to choose from, at least two unaffiliated networks for card-not-present debit card transactions, such as online purchases.

The Board extended the comment period to allow interested persons more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments. Originally, comments were due by July 12, 2021.

The Board's Federal Register notice is attached. ...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 2020 Fatality Data Show Increased Traffic Fatalities During Pandemic | site |



Risky Driving Behaviors Including Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, Speeding, and Drinking While Driving Identified as Contributing Factors


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: June 3, 2021)

June 3, 2021 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released preliminary estimates of crash fatalities in 2020 involving motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, and people walking and biking. Alongside the release of the 2020 fatality projections, Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2020, the agency issued two special reports, Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate by Sub-Categories in 2020, and Update to Special Reports...

U.S. Small Business Administration Reconvenes the Council on Underserved Communities | site |



SBA Administrator Guzman restores Council to address the immediate needs and concerns of underserved and underrepresented communities hit hard by COVID-19


(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: June 22, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it is reconvening the Council on Underserved Communities (CUC) under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). In conjunction with the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda, the restoration of the Council will help support the SBA’s prioritization of equity across its programs and initiatives. The Council will consist of 20 diverse stakeholders from every region of the country tasked with advising the SBA on strengthening and improving its strategies to help underserved...

National Telecommunications and Information Administration Creates First Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide Across the Country | site |



NTIA map links poverty usage and broadband access by compiling data sets to show where high-poverty communities are located with relation to internet usage patterns and access to computers and related equipment


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: June 17, 2021)

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a new publicly available digital map that displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country. This is the first interactive, public map that allows users to explore different datasets about where people do not have quality Internet access. The public “Indicators of Broadband Need” tool released today puts on one map, for the first time, data from b...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona Holds Virtual Listening, Learning Roundtable with Rural Youth From Across the Nation | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 21, 2021) Today, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona held a virtual roundtable conversation with rural students from grades 6-12. The Secretary discussed with participants what it was like to be a rural student during the pandemic as well as hear from them on what the Department can do to support them and improve their learning experience. After welcoming the students to the roundtable, Secretary Cardona opened the discussion saying that he has been talking to different students from across the country to hear their perspectives and incorporate their experiences into the Department's work. "Compared to urban schools, rural community schools have a hard time offering a wider variety of classes and extracurriculars," he said. "Ou...

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves First Oral Blood Thinning Medication for Children | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: June 21, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) oral pellets to treat children 3 months to less than 12 years old with venous thromboembolism (a condition where blood clots form in the veins) directly after they have been treated with a blood thinner given by injection for at least five days. The FDA also approved Pradaxa oral pellets to prevent recurrent clots among patients 3 months to less than 12 years old who completed treatment for their first venous thromboembolism. In addition, Pradaxa was approved in capsule form to treat blood clots in patients eight years and older with venous thromboembolism directly after they have been treated with a blood thinner given by injection for at least five days, and to preve...

U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed Rulemaking to Protect Tipped Workers; Clarify use of the Tip Credit | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 21, 2021)

Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to limit the amount of non-tip producing work that a tipped employee can perform when an employer is taking a tip credit. The proposed rule clarifies when an employee is working in a tipped occupation and when a worker has performed such a substantial amount of non-tipped labor that an employer can no longer take a tip credit and must pay the full federal minimum wage to the worker.

The Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers with tipped workers to pay as little as $2.13 per hour in direct wages, while taking a credit against the tips earned by the employee to make up the balance of the federal minimum wage of $7.25...

U.S. Secretary of State on United State's Leadership Role in LGBTQI Movement | site |



Washington, DC, June 21, 2021 - - Today the U.S. Department of State issued a press release in which the Secretary of State spoke of the United State's leadership role in the LGBTQI movement.

The release is located at https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-atlantic-councils-front-page-pride-edition-virtual-conversation-with-jonathan-capehart-on-pressing-for-equality-engaging-on-lgbtqi-issues-around-t or press HERE...

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Representative Xochitl Torres Small to Serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 18, 2021)

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Representative Xochitl Torres Small to Serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development

Washington, June 18, 2021 – “Representative Xochitl Torres Small’s nomination to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing rural prosperity. Her nomination is responsive to rural stakeholders and Congress; both have emphasized the importance of having a dedicated advocate for rural communities among the Department’s Subcabinet. As the daughter of migrant farm workers and a native of rural New Mexico, Torres Small represents the heart...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award 200 Million Dollars for Disease Intervention Specialist Workforce | site |



Funding awarded to 59 jurisdictions as part of the $1.13 billion investment over the next five years as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021


(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release dated: June 21, 2021)

On June 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services awarded 59 jurisdictions with $200 million to bolster support and enhance the disease intervention specialists (DIS) workforce. These awards represent the initial funding of the $1.13 billion investment being made over the next five years, consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will provide these jurisdiction public health programs and CDC with the...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona Holds Virtual Roundtable with Early Childhood Stakeholders to Discuss Priorities for Early Learning | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 15, 2021) Today, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona held a virtual roundtable conversation with a diverse group of early childhood stakeholders and leaders who bring perspective from the experiences of early educators, families, and communities during the public health emergency. Today's conversation will help inform the Department's early learning priorities. Topics that the early childhood stakeholders discussed included the early educator workforce, childcare and pre-K, early intervention and early childhood special education services, and family supports. Secretary Cardona opened the discussion saying, "We know that this upcoming year is going to be critically important, and this conversation t...

IRS unveils Online Tool to help Low-income Families register for Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: June 14, 2021)

Washington - - The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today unveiled an online Non-filer Sign-up tool designed to help eligible families who don't normally file tax returns register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit payments, scheduled to begin July 15. This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free File Alliance, this tool provides a fr...

Federal Communications Commission offers Guidance on Connected Care Pilot Program; Announces 36 newly approved Projects | site |




$100 Million Program Will Support Connected Care Service Across Country, Focus on Low-Income and Veteran Patients


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Today the Federal Communications Commission approved a Report and Order offering further guidance on the administration of its $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program, including guidance on eligible services, competitive bidding, invoicing, and data reporting for selected participants, which will enable applicants selected for the Pilot Program to begin their projects. Additionally, the FCC this week voted to approve 36 additional pilot projects for a total of over $31 million in funding. The newly selected Pilot projects join an initial set of 23 p...

U.S. Department of Education Confirms Title IX Protects Students from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 16, 2021)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights today issued a Notice of Interpretation explaining that it will enforce Title IX's prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include: (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination based on gender identity. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal financial assistance. The Department's interpretation stems from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, issued one year ago this week, in which the Supreme Court recognized that it is impossible to discriminate against a p...

Veterans Affairs Secretary statement on Richard Stone, M.D. stepping down as Acting Under Secretary for Health | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: June 10, 2021) The contributions of Dr. Richard Stone, Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. to the country and Department of Veterans Affairs are immeasurable. I admire and rely on him a great deal and have been discussing this important assignment and his role with him for months. I respect his decision to leave, especially given the reason he told me he would do so: to ensure the incoming Under Secretary, whom I strongly believe needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has the opportunity to fully assume leadership of the Veterans Health Administration. We owe Dr. Stone an immense debt of gratitude for his leadership, especially during the pandemic. When COVID-19 first began to spread, Dr. Stone was among the first people Veterans and their...

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Report Shows Child Drownings Remain High; Most Fatalities to Children Under Five | site |




Fewer Kids Took Swim Lessons During COVID-19 Pandemic Putting Them at Risk


(Information contained in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release dated: June 8, 2021)

Washington - - The annual drowning and submersion report released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds families to make water safety a priority, particularly as they return to community pools and resume warm-weather activities near water. Child drownings remain the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages one to four years old.

CPSC’s latest data show:

• an increase in pool-or spa-related fatal drowning incidents among children younger than 15 years old;
• on average, there were 397 reported pool-or-spa-related fatal drownings per

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Renee Jones to Join SEC as Director of Corporation Finance; John Coates Named SEC General Counsel | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: June 14, 2021)

Washington D.C., June 14, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Renee Jones has been appointed Director of the Division of Corporation Finance. John Coates, the Division’s current Acting Director, has been named SEC General Counsel. Both appointments are effective June 21, 2021.


Renee Jones

Jones most recently served as Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Boston College Law School, where she taught courses in corporations, securities regulation, startup company governance, and financial regulation. Previously, she represented private and public companies on corporate and securities matters at Hill & Barlow law firm. Jones is a member of the...

Boeing Statement on U.S.-EU Understanding on Aircraft Subsidies | site |



(Information contained in The Boeing Company press release dated: June 15, 2021)


Chicago, June 15, 2021— Boeing today released the following statement:

“Boeing welcomes the agreement by Airbus and the European Union that all future government support for the development or production of commercial aircraft must be provided on market terms. The understanding reached today commits the EU to addressing launch aid, and leaves in place the necessary rules to ensure that the EU and United States live up to that commitment, without requiring further WTO action. Boeing will fully support the U.S. Government’s efforts to ensure that the principles in this understanding are respected.”...

Statement by Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education on the U.S. Department of Education Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 16, 2021)

Statement by Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education on the U.S. Department of Education Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request

Good morning Chairwoman Murray and Ranking Member Blunt. I am pleased to join you today, and I am proud to testify on behalf of President Biden's fiscal year 2022 Budget Request for the Department of Education. The full fiscal year 2022 Budget Request, which was released a little over two weeks ago, makes good on President Biden's campaign commitment to reverse years of underinvestment in Federal education programs and would begin to address the significant inequities that millions of students—primarily students of color—and teachers confront every day i...

Federal Trade Commission Approves Final Administrative Consent Order Against Amazon for Withholding Customer Tips from Amazon Flex Drivers | site |


(Information contained in Federal Trade Commission [FTC] press release dated: June 10, 2021)

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final administrative consent order against Amazon, which has agreed to pay more than $61.7 million to settle charges that it failed to pay Amazon Flex drivers the full amount of tips they received from Amazon customers over a two and a half year period.

According to the FTC’s administrative complaint, announced in February 2021, the company regularly advertised that drivers participating in the Flex program would be paid $18-25 per hour for their work making deliveries to customers. The ads, along with numerous other documents provided to Flex drivers, also prominently featured statements such as: “You...

Interior and Commerce Departments Restore Lands to the Native Hawaiian Community | site |




Transfer of Surplus Federal Land to the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust Could Provide Up To 400 New Homesteads for Native Hawaiian Families



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Interior press release dated: June 14, 2021) Washington - - As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to honor relationships with Indigenous communities and uphold trust responsibilities, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves today announced the transfer of an 80-acre parcel of surplus federal property at the former NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on O‘ahu for inclusion in the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust. The land has the potential to provide homesteads for 200 to 400 Native Hawaiian families. The lands are being transferred to the state of Hawaii’s Department of Hawaiian Home Lands ...

Adrianne Todman Sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] press release dated: June 14, 2021)

Washington - - Today, Adrianne Todman was officially sworn in as the twelfth Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge issued the oath of office to Deputy Secretary Todman during a ceremony at HUD’s headquarters that was livestreamed to the department’s staff. Deputy Secretary Todman was confirmed by the Senate by unanimous consent on June 10.

Deputy Secretary Todman most recently served as the CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Before

Adrianne Todman Sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Photo courtesy HUD)

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Testimony of Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: June 17, 2021)

Testimony of Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives

Chairman Neal, Ranking Member Brady, it’s a pleasure to be with you. When I took office back in January, the first – and most urgent – problem confronting our economy was obviously the pandemic: helping people make it to the other side of the crisis and ensuring they were met there by a robust recovery. Thanks to this Congress – and its passage of the American Rescue Plan – I believe we are well on our way towards that goal. But we have to be clear-eyed about something: The pandemic was not our only economic problem. Long before a single American was infected w...