U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says Anchor It

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says Anchor It | site |



CPSC says Statistics Show Nearly 80% of All Furniture, TV and Appliance Tip-Over Fatalities Involve Children 5 Years Old and Younger


(November 26, 2019) - - Today (November 26, 2019), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published the following information:

Washington, D.C. ---- As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, and shoppers look to use those great deals to purchase new televisions and furniture, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with how to safely mount or place those new TVs, furniture and appliances in the home.

CPSC’s new report shows that between 2000 and 2018, there were 459 reported tip-over-related deaths involving children 17 years old and younger. Ninety-three percent of those child-specific incidents involved children five years old and younger. In more...

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Carr Testimony to House Energy and Commerce Committee | site |



(December 6, 2019) - - Today (December 6, 2019), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information under the title Commissioner Carr, FCC, Before The Subcommittee On Communications And Technology Of The United States House Of Representatives, Committee On Energy And Commerce, Accountability And Oversight Of The Federal Communications Commission, December 5, 2019:

TESTIMONY OF BRENDAN CARR
COMMISSIONER, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

“ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT OF
THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION”

DECEMBER 5, 2019

Chairman Doyle, Ranking Member Latta, and distinguished Members of...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs inspires Communities to Support Hospitalized Veterans throughout the Holidays | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today (December 5, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging community members, individuals, businesses and organizations to help support hospitalized Veterans nationwide by turning good intentions into action on this International Volunteer Day Dec. 5. Each year, thousands of Veterans spend the holidays at VA inpatient facilities away from family and friends. “The holidays can be an especially lonely and challenging time for hospitalized Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Volunteering is a meaningful way to provide kindness and get into the overall spirit of giving by showing these Veterans that they are not forgotten.” International Volunteer Day, designated by the United Nations...

U.S. Postal Service Dedicates Healing PTSD Semipostal Fundraising Stamp | site |


On Sale Today Nationwide



(December 2, 2019) - - Today (December 2, 2019), the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) published the following information:

CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Postal Service today issued the Healing PTSD semipostal stamp to help raise funds for those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during a dedication event held at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square in Charlotte, NC. The stamp features a photographic illustration of a green plant sprouting from the ground, which is covered in fallen leaves. The image is intended to symbolize the PTSD healing process. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Mark Laita. “The Postal Service is honored to issue this semipostal stamp as a powerful symbol of the healing process, growth and hope for tens of mi...

Federal Trade Commission Issues Opinion and Order Against Cambridge Analytica For Deceiving Consumers About the Collection of Facebook Data, Compliance with EU-U.S. Privacy Shield | site |



(December 6, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the following information: The Federal Trade Commission issued an Opinion finding that the data analytics and consulting company Cambridge Analytica, LLC engaged in deceptive practices to harvest personal information from tens of millions of Facebook users for voter profiling and targeting. The Opinion also found that Cambridge Analytica engaged in deceptive practices relating to its participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework. In an administrative complaint filed in July, FTC staff alleged that Cambridge Analytica and its then-CEO Alexander Nix and app developer Aleksandr Kogan deceived consumers. Nix and Kogan agreed to settle the FTC’s allegations. Cambridge Analytica, which filed for bankrup...

Federal Communications Commission to consider designating 988 as the 3-digit Number for a National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published notice of an Open Meeting in which it intends to consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to designate 988 as the 3-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

The FCC will hold an Open Meeting on various subjects on Thursday, December 12, 2019, which is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. in Room TW-C305, at 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. The meeting notice may be viewed at the following location:

FCC TO HOLD OPEN COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

---

U.S. Department of State announces Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963 | site |



Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy Microfiche Supplement


(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson provided the following information:

The Department of State today announces the release of the newly digitized microfiche supplement to Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy.

From 1993 to 1998, the Foreign Relations series published 13 microfiche supplements that included images of additional documents expanding upon issues addressed in corresponding print volumes...

National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 4: IRS, Security Summit warns Business Owners about being Targets for Identity Thieves | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information: WASHINGTON — Amid threats from cybercriminals, the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged employers large and small to step up cybersecurity protections against business identity theft. Identity thieves are displaying a sophisticated knowledge of the tax code and industry filing practices as they attempt to obtain valuable data to help file fraudulent returns. To address this and protect taxpayers and their business returns, the IRS has taken steps to identify and prevent business identity theft. "As the IRS and the Security Summit partners have strengthened our protections against tax-related identity theft, cybercriminals increasingly look for other places to find data to file fraudulent returns," s...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launches National Artificial Intelligence Institute | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) for advancing the health and well-being of Veterans, as part of the commemoration of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November. The new NAII is incorporating input from Veterans and its partners across federal agencies, industry, nonprofits and academia, to prioritize and realize artificial intelligence (AI) research and development that is meaningful to Veterans and the public. “VA has a unique opportunity to be a leader in artificial intelligence,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA’s artificial intelligence institute will usher in new capabilities and opportunities that will improve health out...

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Statement on the Retirement of FCC Chief Engineer Julius Knapp | site |



(November 27, 2019) - - Today (November 27, 2019), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information:

WASHINGTON, November 27, 2019—Today, Chairman Pai announced that Julius Knapp, Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology, plans to retire from public service after 45 years at the Commission.


Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Statement on the Retirement of FCC Chief Engineer Julie Knapp:

“Julie is truly one of the FCC’s heroes, and has been a role model for me and countless other FCC employees. He is the gold standard for civil servants, providing multiple administrations with the benefit of his tremendous intellect, knowledge and experience. My staff and I wish him and his family all the best.”...

U.S. Department of State publishes Reward Offer for Information on Russian Cybercriminal Maksim Yakubets | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson provided the following information: The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Russian cybercriminal Maksim Yakubets. A reward of up to $5 million is offered for information on Yakubets, who is wanted for his involvement with computer malware that infected tens of thousands of computers in both North America and Europe. Yakubets is allegedly the leader of the Bugat/Cridex/Dridex malware conspiracy, as well as a key player in the Zeus malware conspiracy. This malicious software has caused millions of dollars of damage to the United States and to international financial institutions and their customers. The State Department’s reward offer c...

National Park Service Provides $47.8 Million in Assistance to Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Typhoon Yutu| site |



(November 25, 2019) - - Today (November 25, 2019), the U.S. Department of the Interior published the following information:

Hurricane Michael damage

(Image source: U.S. Department of the Interior)

WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service today announced $47.8 million in emergency supplemental assistance grants for the recovery and repair of historic resources in areas impacted in 2018 by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as Typhoon Yutu. Communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, the Northern Mariana Islands, South Carolina and Virginia will receive funding for various historic preservation projects related to hurricane and typhoon recovery efforts. “The Department of the Interior is committed t...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Launches Solid Start to ensure Veterans are Contacted during Initial Transition | site |


Program provides Veterans supportive contact and information to enable success


(December 4, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, Dec. 2, introduced VA Solid Start which will proactively contact all newly separated service members at least three times during their first year of transition from the military.

The program will engage contact with approximately 200,000 Veterans each year and is part of Executive Order 13822 which was issued to improve mental health care and access to suicide prevention resources available to transitioning uniformed service members in the year following discharge, separation or retirement. �...

IRS says Jan. 31 Filing Deadline Remains for Employer Wage Statements, Independent Contractor Forms | site |



(December 4, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information: WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers and other businesses that wage statements and independent contractor forms still have a January 31 filing deadline. Before the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, employers generally had a longer period of time to file these forms. But the 2015 law made a permanent requirement for employers to file their copies of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, with the Social Security Administration by January 31. Certain Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, filed with the IRS to report non-employee compensation to independent contractors are also due at this time. Such payments are reported in box 7 of this form. The early f...

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Pai Calls on Congress to Protect Public Safety and Repeal T-Band Mandate | site |



Agency Announces Suspension of Application Processing for T-Band Licenses and Renewals Because of Current Mandate to Hold an Auction in 2021

(December 2, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following information:

WASHINGTON, December 2, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement calling on Congress to repeal the mandate to auction T-Band spectrum and allow public safety officials to continue saving lives through T-Band communications: “In 2012, Congress passed legislation requiring the FCC to reallocate and auction T-Band spectrum used for decades by public safety licensees and fund the relocation of those licensees elsewhere. The agency has extensively analyzed the T-Band and concluded that moving forward is not viab...

Social Security Expands Public Hours at Offices Nationwide | site |

SOCIAL SECURITY

Wednesdays to Return to Full Public Service Hours; Agency to Hire 1,100 Direct Service Employees

(December 2, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Social Security Administration published the following information:

Starting on January 8, 2020, Social Security offices nationwide will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoons, Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, announced. This change restores Wednesday public service hours that were last in place in late 2012. “I don’t want someone to come to our office at 2:30 on a Wednesday only to find our doors closed,” Commissioner Saul said.

In another move to improve service to the public, Commissioner Saul announced in his Open Letter to the Public at www.ssa.gov/agency/coss-message.html that the agency is hiring 1,100 front line employees to provide service on the agency’s...

Federal Trade Commission Announces Panels for FTC-CFPB Workshop on Accuracy in Consumer Reporting | site |




(December 3, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the following information:

The Federal Trade Commission announced the panels for its December 10, 2019 workshop, cohosted with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to examine issues affecting the accuracy of traditional credit reports as well as employment and tenant background screening reports.

The December workshop seeks to bring together stakeholders—including industry representatives, consumer advocates, and regulators—for a wide-ranging public discussion on the changes in the landscape over recent years that may affect the accuracy of consumer reports, such as changes in legal requirements and technological developments.

The workshop will include four panel discussions examining such issues as:

• the current practices

...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Limits on Taxpayer-funded Union Time, Tells Unions to Pay their Fair Share for Office Space, Equipment | site |



(November 15, 2019) - - Today (November 15, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the following information:

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that unions will be required to vacate or pay rent for the use of VA office space and equipment that they previously used for free. Further, VA employees who serve as union representatives are now expected to spend at least 75 percent of their paid time performing VA business or necessary training in most circumstances.

The changes are part of VA’s implementation of the following three important Executive Orders:

• Developing efficient, effective, and cost-reducing approaches to federal sector collective bargaining (13836)

• Ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in

...

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel statement on upcoming Retirement of FCC Chief Engineer Julius Knapp | site |




(November 27, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information: WASHINGTON, November 27, 2019: Commissioner Rosenworcel released the following statement after Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology, Julius Knapp, announced his plans to retire: “The Federal Communications Commission just announced the retirement of one of our finest: Julius Knapp. Julie has been the Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology for 13 years and a dedicated public servant for 45 years. I will miss his incredible smarts and uncommon grace. He has been called on to explain so much to so many people during his time at the FCC because he is such a fantastic authority, a terrific teacher, and an extraordinary colleague whose input has improved countless decisions at the agency. He deserves all...

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Pai Statement on the Forthcoming Retirement of FCC Chief Engineer Julius Knapp | site |



(November 27, 2019) - - Today (November 27, 2019), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information: WASHINGTON, November 27, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that Julius Knapp, Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology, plans to retire from public service on January 3, 2020, after 45 years at the Commission and more than 13 years as Chief of OET. Chairman Pai issued the following statement about Mr. Knapp’s retirement: “Julie Knapp is an FCC institution, and I will miss him for his expertise, his leadership, and his friendship. He’s delivered incalculable value for American consumers over the years. As just one example, if you have a device that uses the airwaves, the chances are that you’re benefiting from Julie’s efforts. He’s played ...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs uses Innovative Means to help Reduce Diabetic Limb Loss | site |



(November 15, 2019) - - Today (November 15, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

WASHINGTON – November is National Diabetes Month and as part of broader efforts by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to confront diabetes, Dec. 1, VA will begin regional implementation of the Podimetrics Mat, a new medical device that has the potential to prevent limb loss in Veterans with diabetes. he technology, now in use at 15 VA medical centers, uses thermographic monitoring of a patient’s feet to identify early onset of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can lead to limb loss if not detected early. Known as thermal imaging, the non-invasive test involves no radiation and uses a special camera to measure skin temperature. This allows clinicians to develop plans for preventing added deterioration of a pati...

Remarks of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai at the Robocall Symposium of the New England States | site |




(November 21, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information:

REMARKS OF FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI
AT THE ROBOCALL SYMPOSIUM OF THE NEW ENGLAND STATES

ROXBURY, MA

NOVEMBER 21, 2019

Good afternoon! I couldn’t be more excited to be here. And, yes, that’s partly because I’m totally loaded up on Dunkin’. When in Rome. Thank you to Governor Baker and everyone in your administration for organizing today’s event. Thank you to the many government officials who have joined us today. We are especially honored to be joined by the attorneys general of both Vermont and New Hampshire—the Subaru and Jeep Cherokee of New England states. I’m not surprised that we have such a huge turnout today, because ...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Reports Significant increase in Veteran use of Telehealth Services | site |



(November 22, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found more than 900,000 Veterans used VA telehealth services in fiscal year 2019 (FY) as revealed in a mid-October report. The 17% increase over the prior fiscal year contributed to VA’s delivery of more than 2.6 million episodes of telehealth care in FY 2019. “VA is committed to offering Veterans the health care they deserve, whenever and wherever they need it,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “We want every Veteran to have a choice to schedule an in-person, telephone or video visit with their providers depending on their preferences for health care delivery.” This comes as VA improves its efforts to inform Veterans about telehealth service options, and wit...

U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Wilkie Praises HVAC Leaders’ End-of-Year Suicide Prevention Goal | site |



Wilkie Praises HVAC Leaders’ End-of-Year Suicide Prevention Goal


(November 20, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the following information:

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie praised members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs today for setting the goal of getting important Veterans suicide prevention legislation passed before the end of the year.

Wilkie appeared before HVAC today to testify in support of H.R. 3495, the Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act. The bipartisan bill, which currently has 228 cosponsors, would allow VA to offer direct grants to Veterans service organizations, caregivers and nonprofits at the state and local level, letting these groups use grants to tailor aid to the Veterans in their communities for the purposes of suicide prevention. While HVAC ...

Federal Communications Commission Proposes new Rules to Remove Bad Actors from Commission Programs | site |



Agency Would Have Improved Tools to Protect Its Universal Service & Accessible Communications Funds


(November 25, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the following information:

WASHINGTON, November 22, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today began a rulemaking which would adopt new procedures to protect federal funds from misuse. The proposed rules would provide the agency with broader and more flexible authority to promptly remove bad actors from participation in the Universal Service Fund (USF), the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, and the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. The proposal would align FCC rules with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidelines to Agencies on Government Debarment and Suspension. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ...

U.S. Postal Service Issuing Healing PTSD Semipostal Stamp Dec. 2 | site |




(November 18, 2019) - - Today (November 18, 2019), the U.S. Postal Service published the following information:

What:

With this semipostal stamp, the U.S. Postal Service will raise funds to help treat those impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The stamp features a photo illustration of a green plant sprouting from the ground, which is covered in fallen leaves. The image is intended to symbolize the PTSD healing process, growth and hope. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Mark Laita.

The stamp dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #HealingPTSDStamp and #semipostalStamps.


Who:

Hon. David C. Williams, Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service and...

U.S. Social Security Administration and its Inspector General Announce New Online Reporting Form for Imposter Scam Calls | site |

SOCIAL SECURITY

(November 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Social Security Administration published the following information:

Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, and Gail S. Ennis, the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, announce the launch of a dedicated online form at https://oig.ssa.gov to receive reports from the public of Social Security-related scams. These scams—in which fraudulent callers mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for purported Social Security number problems—skyrocketed over the past year to become the #1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the Social Security Administration. To combat these scams, Social Security and the OIG will use the new online form to capture data that will b...

Federal Communications Commission Bars Use of Universal Service Funding for Equipment and Services posing National Security Risks | site |



Proposes Process for Removing Prohibited Equipment Already in USF-Funded Networks


(November 22, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following information: WASHINGTON, November 22, 2019—As part of its continuing efforts to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation’s communications networks, the Federal Communications Commission has barred use of its $8.5 billion a year Universal Service Fund (USF) to purchase equipment and services from companies that pose a national security threat. The Order adopted today initially designates Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corp. as companies covered by this rule and establishes a process for designating additional covered companies in the future. The Order also establishes a certification and audit regime to enf...

U.S. Department of the Interior - - - What they are saying: Energy Revenue and Disbursement Receives Support| site |



(October 25, 2019) - - Today (October 25, 2019), the U.S. Department of the Interior published the following information:

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced on Bloomberg that the Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) disbursed $11.69 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 from energy production on federal and American Indian-owned lands and offshore areas. This represents a $2.76 billion increase in comparison to FY 2018, and is nearly double the disbursements allocated at the end of the previous Administration of $6.23 billion for FY 2016.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

ALASKA

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski: “I’m glad that revenues from development on federal lands in Alaska are coming in to support our state. I hope...

U.S. Department of the Interior says Energy Revenues and Disbursements Soar Under the Trump Administration | site |


Revenues and Disbursements Nearly Double FY 2016 Totals


(October 24, 2019) - - Today (October 24, 2019), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) published the following information: WASHINGTON –– U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced today that the Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) disbursed $11.69 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 from energy production on federal and American Indian-owned lands and offshore areas. This represents a $2.76 billion increase in comparison to FY 2018, and is nearly double the disbursements allocated at the end of the previous Administration at $6.23 billion for FY 2016. States received $2.44 billion in disbursements, and more than $1 billion was disbursed to American Indian Tribes and individual Indian mineral owners. In addition, $1.76 bill...

Library of Congress announces Hip Hop and Human-Computer Interaction Focus of 2020 Innovators in Residence | site |



(November 18, 2019) - - Today, the Library of Congress (LOC) published the following information: The Library of Congress today announced the arrival of its 2020 Innovators in Residence, who will break new ground at the intersections of technology and hip hop, historic newspapers and classic illustrations. Established in 2017 to invite creative people to develop research concepts and projects that connect the American people with the Library’s vast collections, the Innovator in Residence program brings some of the most creative and bold thinkers in-house at the largest library in the world. The Innovators in Residence for 2020 are Brian Foo and Benjamin Charles Germain Lee. Brian Foo has over two decades of computer science and design experience and has worked in cultural heritage institutions for the past seven years. His work includes the ...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Renews Partnership with Y-USA to Expand Whole-health Services to Veteran Communities | site |


(November 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently renewed a nationwide partnership with Y-USA that focuses on whole health to enhance services available that promote the health and well-being of Veterans, their families and caregivers. In the next phase of the partnership, renewed Oct. 1, VA and YMCA of the USA — the national entity that oversees YMCA facilities across the country — will share ideas and success stories to expand the program at the local level. “This partnership will bring together local YMCAs’ expertise in strengthening the community through healthy living and social responsibility with VA’s highest health care standards for Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Partnerships prov...

Remarks of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai at the National Union Building | site |



(November 20, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following:

REMARKS OF FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI AT THE NATIONAL UNION BUILDING

WASHINGTON, DC

NOVEMBER 20, 2019

Good afternoon. Thanks to everyone for coming out for a lunch-time discussion on mid-band spectrum. This crowd knows where the real action is in Washington today. I also want to thank the cosponsors of this discussion: Citizens Against Government Waste, New America’s Open Technology Institute, and WifiForward. And thank you to the FCC staff who are working hard to ensure that spectrum is put to its highest-value use—most notably, the legendary head of our Office of Engineering and Technology, Julie Knapp. I’d like to begin my remarks by talking about the one thing in Washington...

Federal Communications Commission to Hold Open Commission Meeting Friday, November 22, 2019| site |


Washington, DC - - (November 18, 2019) - - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has scheduled an Open Commission Meeting to be held Friday, November 22, 2019. The meeting agenda may be seen at the following location: FCC Meeting Agenda or https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachme...C-360841A1.pdf .








News from Light To Guide Our Feet ( https://forum.ltgof.net )

Department of Defense Expanding Access to Commissaries, Military Exchanges and Recreation Facilities| site |



(November 13, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the following news that it says is from the Department of Defense:

The Department of Defense is expanding commissary, military exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail privileges on U.S. military installations as specified in the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, included in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, access will expand to include all veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former prisoners of war, and individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance...

Federal Communications Commission issues Public Safety and Telehealth Reports from its Intergovernmental Advisory Committee | site |


(November 7, 2019) - - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following information: WASHINGTON, November 7, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today released four reports from its Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. The reports aim to assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial officials and other stakeholders by offering recommendations and best practices to improve emergency alerting, bolster communications reliability during disasters, and promote the use of telemedicine. “The Intergovernmental Advisory Committee’s reports offer valuable insights and recommendations that will help inform the work of the FCC and that of our state, local, Tribal, and territorial government partners,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “We welcome the input and perspective of these officials as we work to enhance p...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Realigns Police Operations to Promote Oversight and Standardization| site |


(October 25, 2019) - - Today (October 25, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved plans recently to realign the structure of its police force. The move follows several months of comprehensive analysis of the department’s law enforcement procedures and serves as a critical step forward in implementing the recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office. “The realignment will be the most extensive since the creation of the police force and will fundamentally change standardization and oversight across the enterprise,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This highlights my commitment to the high standards of professionalism and transparency across the department.” The changes will include:...

Federal Communications Commission Announces Tentative Agenda for November Open Meeting| Site |


(October 29, 2019) - - Today (October 29, 2019), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following information:

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the November Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2019:

Protecting National Security Through FCC Programs – The Commission will consider a Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order that would ensure that Universal Service Fund support is not used to purchase equipment or services from companies posing a national security threat to the integrity of communications networks or the communications supply chain, propose additional actions to address national security threats to USF-funded networks, and collect information to help assess...

Federal Communications Commission says that it has Learned that Sprint Received Tens of Millions in Lifeline Subsidies - - but Provided no Service| site |


FCC says company "Got Paid for Consumers Who Used No Minutes, No Data"


(September 24, 2019) - - Today (September 24, 2019), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the following information: WASHINGTON, September 24, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission has learned that Sprint Corp. claimed monthly subsidies for serving approximately 885,000 Lifeline subscribers, even though those subscribers were not using the service. That would be a violation of a key rule—the “non-usage” rule—designed to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The 885,000 subscribers represent nearly 30% of Sprint’s Lifeline subscriber base and nearly 10% of the entire Lifeline program’s subscriber base. “Lifeline is an important component of our efforts to bring digita...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs takes Action to Restore Trust at Atlanta VAMC’s Eagles’ Nest Community Living Center| site |



(September 17, 2019) - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published (today, September 17, 2019) the following information:

Today, Veterans Health Administration Executive in Charge Dr. Richard Stone announced a number of actions VA is taking in response to recent events at the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s Eagles’ Nest Community Living Center and ongoing issues at other VA facilities in that region.

These actions include:

• Placing the Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 director on immediate administrative leave
• Effective immediately, Charleston, S.C., VAMC director Scott Isaacks will take over as Acting VISN 7 director

• Detailing the VISN 7 Chief Medical Officer to other administrative duties outside the VISN, pending a review of the quality and safety of care issues in the network
• Detailing

...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Modifies Smoke-free Policies at Health Care Facilities to Include Workers aimed at Increasing the Quality of Care for Veterans | site |



(August 21, 2019) - - Today (August 21, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) commitment to a smoke-free health care environment for Veterans, in October, the department will extend its smoke-free policies to include employees at its health care facilities.

This follows the department’s June 10 announcement of a new policy restricting smoking by patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors at its health care facilities. The integration of these two efforts guarantees a fully smoke-free environment for Veterans. “This policy change is consistent with our mission to promote a healthy environment for patients, visitors and employees at our facilities and is an i...

Federal Communications Commission Issues Report on CenturyLink Network Outage | site |


Agency Shares Findings and Recommendations to Bolster Network Reliability and Help Prevent Similar Outages


(August 19, 2019) - - Today (August 19, 2019), the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) published the following information: WASHINGTON, August 19, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today released a report detailing the cause and impact of a nationwide CenturyLink network outage that occurred last December, along with recommendations to help prevent similar outages from occurring in the future. “This massive ‘sunny day’ outage was completely unacceptable and impacted millions of customers across the country. Americans expect and deserve reliable phone and broadband service—especially the ability to call 911,” said FCC Chairman Pai. “It’s important for communications providers to take heed of the lessons learned from this incid...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense Partner to Modernize Department’s Health Care Supply Chain | site |


(August 12, 2019) - - Today (August 12, 2019), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) entered into a strategic partnership Aug. 12 to enhance VA’s supply chain management modernization efforts. This first step gives VA networks across the country increased access to DLA’s broader supply catalog; improving productivity and efficiency. The agreement provides VA access to DLA’s worldwide procurement system to acquire medical and surgical items; cleaning supplies and equipment; construction materials and equipment; and other items needed to support Veterans. “The adoption of a single health care logistics system by VA and DOD highlights the commitment of both organizations to improve...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Releases Launchpad App to Streamline Health Care Access for Veterans and Caregivers| site |


App combines telehealth tools for faster service


(August 13, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched a new mobile application designed to save Veterans and their caregivers time online.

VA Launchpad for Veterans simplifies and organizes several existing tools and resources into one convenient location to help manage health care needs. “VA has developed dozens of apps for Veterans to take charge of their health care,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA Launchpad makes it easier to have these important tools available at your fingertips.” VA Launchpad arranges all of VA’s apps into five categories for Veterans: health management, health care team communication, vital he...

National Transportation Safety Board Calls for Halt to Doors-Off Helicopter Rides Using Supplemental Passenger Restraints| site |

Recommends Closing Regulatory Loophole

(December 10, 2019) - - Today, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information: WASHINGTON (Dec. 10, 2019) — The National Transportation Safety Board Tuesday called for a halt to doors-off helicopter flights that place passengers in supplemental passenger restraints until federal regulators can better evaluate the safety of the restraints, which could interfere with the aircraft and hamper escape. In addition, the NTSB strongly urged the Federal Aviation Administration to close a loophole that allows certain doors-off sightseeing flights to operate under an “aerial photography” exception to the tougher federal regulations and oversight that most commercial air tours operate under. The recommendations, approved during Tuesday’s NTSB board meeti...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Suicide Increasing Among American Workers

Link

Rates highest for males in construction and extraction; females in arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media


(November 15, 2018) - - Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the following information:

The suicide rate among the US working age population increased 34 percent during 2000-2016. A new report published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) examined lifetime occupations of 22,053 people aged 16-64 years old who died by suicide in the 17 states participating in the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) in 2012 and 2015.

In 2012 and 2015, suicide rates were highest among males in the Construction and Extraction occupational group (43.6 and 53.2 per 100,000 civilian noninstitutionalized working...

U.S. Department of State says Global Magnitsky Sanctions imposed on Individuals Involved in the Killing of Jamal Khashoggi

Link

Washington, DC - - (November 15, 2018) - - Today, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo issued the following statement:

Today, the United States imposed sanctions on seventeen Saudi Arabian individuals for serious human rights abuse resulting from their roles in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi at the Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 2. This action was taken under the authority of Executive Order 13818, which implements and builds upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. As a result of this action, all of these individuals’ assets within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. At the time of Khashoggi’s killing, these individuals...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs takes Key Step to Improve its Website to provide Veterans an Enhanced Digital Customer Experience

Link

Washington, DC - - (November 13, 2018) - - This week the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) took a key step in its digital modernization effort by revamping its website accessed by 10 million customers per month who use VA’s tools and content online.

To improve this experience VA’s Veterans Experience Office and VA Digital Service gathered feedback from more than 5,000 Veterans, service members, their families, caregivers and survivors. Many customers said they were having a frustrating experience, encountering a complicated collection of websites, forms, logins and tools. Through feedback, VA learned that many of them struggled to find what they needed. By listening to Veterans and working across VA organizational boundaries, the new VA.gov webs...

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Interim Final Rule will Aid Recall of Defective Takata Airbag Inflators, Protecting the Public and Reducing Costs

Link

Rule Provides Clarity to Auto Dealers and Scrap Recyclers on Proper Disposal


Washington, DC - - (November 14, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an interim final rule to facilitate the urgent removal of defective Takata airbag inflators from vehicles and prevent defective Takata airbag inflators in scrap vehicles from being reused. The rule also advances the safe management of airbag wastes during accumulation, collection, storage and disposal. It is estimated to result in a net cost savings of 1.7 to 13 million dollars annually.

“Today’s action will help auto dealers and scrap recyclers across the country protect public health and properly dispose of these defective...

Congress Passes Legislation Standing Up Cybersecurity Agency in Department of Homeland Security

Link

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) legislation passed


(November 13, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published the following information: On November 13, the United States House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass legislation creating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CISA Act (H.R. 3359), which passed the Senate in October and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law, would reorganize DHS’ National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) into a new agency and prioritize its mission as the Federal leader for cyber and physical infrastructure security. “Today’s vote is a significant step to stand up a federal government...