Statement on Change to Definition of ‘Agricultural Products’ in Reporting Trade Data

Statement on Change to Definition of ‘Agricultural Products’ in Reporting Trade Data | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: February 19, 2021)

Washington, Feb. 19, 2021 - - USDA and the Department of Commerce decided in December 2020 to change the way they define “agricultural products” when reporting international trade data.

Beginning with the release of the January 2021 monthly trade data on March 5, USDA will adopt the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) internationally recognized definition of “agricultural products,” which includes ethanol, distilled spirits and manufactured tobacco products, three product groups not included in the current USDA definition.

The change was first announced by Commerce in the Monthly U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report released on Feb. 5th. The change is meant to harmonize U.S. trade reporting practices with those ...

Victims of Texas Winter Storms get Deadline Extensions and Other Tax Relief | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: February 22, 2021)

Washington - - Victims of this month's winter storms in Texas will have until June 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

Following the recent disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the IRS is providing this relief to the entire state of Texas. But taxpayers in other states impacted by these winter storms that receive similar FEMA disaster declarations will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov. The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on February...

Boeing Statement on United Airlines Flight 328 - - February 21, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in the Boeing Company press release dated: February 21, 2021) Chicago, Feb. 21, 2021—Boeing today released the following statement: "Boeing is actively monitoring recent events related to United Airlines Flight 328. While the NTSB investigation is ongoing, we recommended suspending operations of the 69 in-service and 59 in-storage 777s powered by Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines until the FAA identifies the appropriate inspection protocol. Boeing supports the decision yesterday by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, and the FAA’s action today to suspend operations of 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines. We are working with these regulators as they take actions while these planes are on the ground and further inspections are conducted by Pratt & Whitney. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available."...

Federal and State Financial Regulatory Agencies issue Interagency Statement on Supervisory Practices regarding Financial Institutions affected by Texas Winter Storms | site |



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

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Conference of State Bank Supervisors
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
National Credit Union Administration
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the state regulators, collectively the agencies, recognize the serious impact of Texas Winter Storms on the customers and operations of many financial institutions and will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected institutions subject to ...

U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance to States on Assessing Student Learning During the Pandemic | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: February 22, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is providing guidance to states emphasizing the importance of flexibility in administering assessments this year as a result of the pandemic and supporting the use of assessment data as a source of information for parents and educators to target resources and support, rather than for accountability purposes this year. State assessments and accountability systems play an important role in advancing educational equity, identifying student needs, and targeting the resources to address them. At the same time, some schools and districts may not be able to safely administer statewide summative assessments this spring using their standard practices, while others may wish to prioritize learning time during th...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announces additional Leadership Appointments | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press released dated: February 18, 2021)

Washington - - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the names of the latest key appointees in the department.

James Anderson, special assistant, Office of the Secretary: James Anderson served as a prior-enlisted Air Force intelligence officer at U.S Air Forces Central Command. He founded the University of South Carolina’s Veterans Alumni Council, a 200 plus membership-based organization with an endowed scholarship for military members and their families. Anderson held fellowships with the Center for a New American Security, Truman National Security Project, Veterans in Global Leadership and was a Fulbright scholar in Canada. He continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve assigned to headquarters Department of the Air...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Statement on First Step in Process to Address Individuals in Mexico with Active MPP Cases| site |



Access b-roll of the processing at San Ysidro Port of Entry here.


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: February 19, 2021) Today, DHS began the first step in a phased approach to restore safe and orderly processing at the Southwest Border. DHS and its international partners have now initiated the virtual registration process for individuals who had been forced to return to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and have a pending case before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The United States is continuing to strictly enforce existing immigration laws and border security measures. Individuals should not approach the border, including at designated ports of entry, unless and until they are approved and receive appointment information...

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s Call with Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation Chair Dr. Abdullah | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson press released dated: February 20, 2021)


Readout by Spokesperson Ned Price, U.S. Department of State:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the Chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the United States’ review of its strategy in Afghanistan. The Secretary thanked Dr. Abdullah for his vital work in support of the Afghanistan peace process, and he expressed America’s resolve to support a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Afghanistan....

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen’s Call with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press released dated: February 16, 2021)

Earlier today, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen spoke with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde. Secretary Yellen emphasized their shared priorities, including ending the pandemic, supporting a strong global economic recovery, maintaining financial stability, and forcefully addressing the threat of climate change. The Secretary commended the ECB’s swift and decisive policy response to the pandemic and discussed policy tools to foster growth and job creation in both Europe and the United States. The Secretary emphasized the importance of deepening transatlantic cooperation on economic and financial issues of mutual interest....

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Leadership in Farm Production and Conservation Mission Area | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: February 19, 2021) Washington, Feb. 19, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today the appointment of Gloria Montaño Greene as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) and the appointment of Zach Ducheneaux as Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). They will begin their positions on Monday, Feb. 22. Montaño Greene is a former State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Arizona from 2014-2017, a position she was appointed to by President Obama. With FSA in Arizona, Montaño Greene led implementation of the 2013 Farm Bill programs across the state. Currently, she serves as Deputy Director for Chispa Arizona, a program of the League of Conservation Voters focused on the empowerment of Latino voices in Ari...

U.S. Department of Labor announces OSHA will Investigate Complaints of Whistleblower Retaliation under new Antitrust, Money Laundering Laws | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: February 19, 2021)

Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now overseeing worker retaliation complaints filed under two new whistleblower statutes – the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, OSHA will investigate individual whistleblower’s complaints of retaliation for reporting criminal antitrust violations to their superiors or the federal government; or for showing cause, testifying or participating in, or otherwise assisting an investigation or proceeding related to antitrust law violations. In Anti-Money Laundering Act cases, OSHA will in...

Federal Reserve Board announces Final Rule intended to Reduce Risk and Increase Efficiency in the Financial System by applying Netting Protections to a broader Range of Financial Institutions | site |


(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 18, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced a final rule that is intended to reduce risk and increase efficiency in the financial system by applying netting protections to a broader range of financial institutions. The final rule amends Regulation EE (Financial Institution Netting) to apply netting provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) to certain new entities including swap dealers. The rule would also make minor clarifications to the existing activities-based test in Regulation EE to clarify how the activities-based test applies following a consolidation of legal entities. Sections 401...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’ Call with Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Blair | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: February 19, 2021) Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas spoke with Canadian Federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair to discuss a wide range of security issues, including border safety measures in the COVID-19 environment, domestic violent extremism, cybersecurity, and gun control. Secretary Mayorkas and Minister Blair discussed the shared priority of securing our borders, while ensuring that essential trade and travel remain open to strengthen our economic security. They agreed that our nations must each continue to take steps to address the growing threat of domestic violent extremism, work together to defend our cyber networks, and tackle cr...

HUD announces Extensions and Expansions of COVID-19 Homeowner Relief and Home Retention Measures | site |



Extensions and expansions support the immediate and ongoing needs of homeowners who are experiencing economic impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: February 16, 2021) Washington - - To provide urgent economic relief to homeowners impacted by COVID-19, today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced extensions of the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) foreclosure and eviction moratoriums, as well as an extension of the initial start date of a COVID-19 Forbearance. Forbearance is an option mortgage servicers use to provide homeowners with a pause to their monthly payments for a limited period of time during a COVID-19 induced hardship. The FHA has extended the length of forbearance for some...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Offers Winter Safety Tips | site |



(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: February 17, 2021)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been closely following the extreme weather events across the country and offers these tips to help keep you and your family safe.

Learn how to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by furnaces, vehicles, portable generators, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, or burning wood. You can protect yourself from common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to serious illness or death. For example, don’t ever heat your house with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented. And if your power goes out, remember to never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning...

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, January 26-27, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 17, 2021)

The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday released the attached minutes of the Committee meeting held on January 26-27, 2021.

The minutes for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee ordinarily are made available three weeks after the day of the policy decision and subsequently are published in the Board’s Annual Report. The descriptions of economic and financial conditions contained in these minutes are based solely on the information that was available to the Committee at the time of the meeting.

FOMC minutes can be viewed on the Board's website at http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee January 26-27, 2021: ...

U.S. Department of Labor undertakes several Actions to strengthen Registered Apprenticeship Program, eliminate Duplication | site |



Department will relaunch Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship


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

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced several actions designed to accelerate apprenticeship expansion as it considers halting the duplicative apprenticeship system that may reduce quality, strip protections for apprentices and cause confusion for industry. The steps follow a Biden administration announcement today.

The department will suspend its acceptance and review of new or pending applications for Standards Recognition Entities in the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program. In addition, the department announced its intention to relaunch the federal Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. These actions...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers continued Debt Relief Options to Veterans | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release dated: February 18, 2021)

Washington - - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reaffirms its commitment to extend debt relief for Veterans through Sept. 30.

VA will continue suspension of collection on all Veteran benefit overpayments and medical copayment debts incurred after April 1, 2020. VA is suspending this debt collection to provide Veterans continued financial relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “My top priority right now is to do everything in our power to help our Veterans, caregivers and their families get through this challenging COVID-19 pandemic,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA will continue to find ways to provide real relief to 2 million Veterans and their families as we fight through this health crisis together.” To assist with making inf...

The United States Officially Rejoins the Paris Agreement | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release dated: February 19, 2021)


February 19, 2021
Press Statement
Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today. The Paris Agreement is an unprecedented framework for global action. We know because we helped design it and make it a reality. Its purpose is both simple and expansive: to help us all avoid catastrophic planetary warming and to build resilience around the world to the impacts from climate change we already see. Now, as momentous as our joining the Agreement was in 2016 — and as momentous as our rejoining is today — what we do in the coming weeks, months, and years...

U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook Volume 1: Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: February 12, 2021)

To reopen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and maximize the amount of in-person instruction, schools need sufficient resources as well as adhered-to, strong state and local public health measures. Extraordinary efforts by states, districts, and schools have been underway to support students throughout the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) are providing recommendations and considerations based on the most recent scientific evidence to support school and district leaders and educators in meeting these ever evolving, significant challenges. Consistent implementation of mitigation strategies during all school-related activities is critical fo...