U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) press release dated: October 13, 2022
Washington - - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it is delaying upcoming deployments of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) until June 2023 to address challenges with the system and make sure it is functioning optimally for Veterans and for VA health care personnel.
This decision comes after Secretary Denis McDonough announced in July that VA would delay EHR deployments until January 2023 to ensure that the system’s issues had been resolved. During VA’s subsequent investigation at our current sites, several additional technical and system issues were identified – including challenges with performance, such as latency and slowness, problems with...
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VA extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues
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FCC Inspector General Issues Advisory regarding EBB Enrollment Fraud
Federal Communications Commission Inspector General Issues Advisory regarding EBB Enrollment Fraud site
(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: November 22, 2021) Washington, November 22, 2021 – In an Advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school. The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools. OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to im... -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues A New Memo to Terminate Migrant Protection Protocols
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues A New Memo to Terminate Migrant Protection Protocols | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: October 29, 2021)
Washington - - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today issued a new memorandum announcing and explaining his decision to terminate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program. “This Administration is tackling longstanding problems that have plagued our immigration system for decades in order to achieve needed systemic change. MPP does not help meet this goal,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “MPP had endemic flaws, imposed unjustifiable human costs, pulled resources and personnel away from other priority efforts, and did not address the root causes of irregular migration. MPP not only undercuts the Administration’s ability to implement critically needed and foundational changes to the immigration... -
in FinanceFederal Reserve issues FOMC Statement
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months, but the rise in COVID-19 cases has slowed their recovery. Inflation is elevated, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course o... -
Consumer Alert - - GM Issues New Recall, Safety Instructions for 2017-19 Chevrolet Bolt Vehicles
Consumer Alert: GM Issues New Recall, Safety Instructions for 2017-19 Chevrolet Bolt Vehicles | site |
Owners urged to limit charging capacity, park away from structures, charge after every use
(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: July 23, 2021)
July 23, 2021 | Washington, DC - - This alert applies to all affected vehicles, even if the owner has had the previous recall repairs completed. GM has issued a new recall affecting the 50,932 Model Year 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles covered under the original recall announced in November 2020 and revised in May 2021. NHTSA is aware of one fire with the interim remedy and two fires with the final remedy. Due to the risk of fire, vehicle owners should continue to park these vehicles outside, away from structures, and not charge them overnight. Additionally, GM is instructing owners of these affected vehicles to take the fo... -
DHS Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System -- NTAS -- Bulletin
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: August 13, 2021)
Washington - - On August 13, 2021 the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States. The threat environment to the Homeland is diverse and challenging, especially leading up to and following the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks as well as religious holidays that could serve as catalyst for targeted violence. Threats in the Homeland include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting ... -
in FinanceFederal Reserve issues FOMC Statement
Federal Reserve issues FOMC Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: July 28, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have shown improvement but have not fully recovered. Inflation has risen, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course of the virus. Progress on vaccinations will likely continue to reduce the effects of the public... -
U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Additional COVID-19-related Sanctions Authorizations and Guidance
U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Additional COVID-19-related Sanctions Authorizations and Guidance | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington - - Today, in order to further aid the global fight against COVID-19, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued three general licenses (referred to as the COVID-19-related GLs) to build upon Treasury’s existing authorizations for COVID-19-related transactions and activities. The new COVID-19-related GLs expand upon longstanding humanitarian exemptions, exceptions, and authorizations to cover additional COVID-19-related transactions and activities. These include transactions and activities involving the delivery of face masks, ventilators and oxygen tanks, vaccines and the production of vaccines, COVID-19 tests, air filtration systems, and COVID-19-related field hospitals, ... -
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 16, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. Progress on vaccinations has reduced the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Amid this progress and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have strengthened. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic remain weak but have shown improvement. Inflation has risen, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus. Progres... -
Federal Reserve Board issues Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households
Federal Reserve Board issues Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: May 17, 2021)
In the fourth quarter of 2020, nearly one-fourth of adults said that they were worse off financially compared to a year earlier, reflecting the economic fallout and distress resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve Board's report, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020, which was released on Monday, found a larger share of adults were worse off in 2020 than in previous years of the survey. This change occurred broadly across the population, but not all groups fared similarly. Despite the increase in the share of Americans doing worse off financially, most believed they were still at least doing "okay" financially overall. Seventy-five percent of adults were either doing okay or living comfortably in November, w... -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System - - - NTAS - - - Bulletin
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: May 14, 2021)
Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin after consultation with the Intelligence Community and law enforcement partners. The NTAS Bulletin advises that the United States is facing threats that have evolved significantly and become increasingly complex and volatile. Specifically, the Bulletin details the threats posed by domestic terrorists, individuals, and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or influenced by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. Social media and online forums are increasingly exploited by these actors to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and activity. Such threats als... -
District Court issues Opinion in Public Citizen, et al. v FEC
District Court issues Opinion in Public Citizen, et al. v FEC | site |
(Information contained in Federal Election Commission [FEC] press release dated: March 17, 2021)
Washington - - The United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order in Public Citizen, et al. v. FEC (Case 14-00148), granting the Commission’s and Intervenor-Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and denying Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment. The lawsuit, filed on January 31, 2014, challenged the Commission’s dismissal of the Plaintiffs’ administrative complaint against Crossroads Grassroots Political Strategies (MUR 6396). The complaint had alleged that Crossroads GPS violated the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), by not registering and reporting as a political committee. The Commission lacked the required votes to open an investigation and the matter was dismissed. The Court h... -
IRS issues Guidance on Taxability of Dependent Care Assistance Programs for 2021, 2022
U.S. Internal Revenue Service issues Guidance on Taxability of Dependent Care Assistance Programs for 2021, 2022 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: May 10, 2021) Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance on the taxability of dependent care assistance programs for 2021 and 2022, clarifying that amounts attributable to carryovers or an extended period for incurring claims generally are not taxable. The guidance also illustrates the interaction of this standard with the one-year increase in the exclusion for employer-provided dependent care benefits from $5,000 to $10,500 for the 2021 taxable year under the American Rescue Plan Act. Because of the pandemic, many people were unable to use the money they set aside in their dependent care assistance programs in 2020 and 2021. Generally, under these plans, an employer allows its employees to set aside a certain amount of pre-tax wages... -
CDC Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others | site |
(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: March 8, 2021)
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume.
The new guidance—which is based on the latest science — includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. This guidance represents a first step toward returning to everyday activities in our communities. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available. “We kn... -
Coronavirus COVID-19 Update - - - FDA Issues Authorization for First Molecular Non-Prescription, At-Home Test
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Authorization for First Molecular Non-Prescription, At-Home Test | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: March 5, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Cue COVID-19 Test for Home and Over The Counter (OTC) Use. The product is a molecular nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that is intended to detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 virus present in the nostrils. The test is the first molecular test authorized for at-home use without a prescription. “The authorization of this new diagnostic test underscores FDA’s goal to continue supporting innovation in testing and providing flexibility to test developers with the aim of increasing the availability of accurate and reliable tests for all Americans,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. ...
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) press release dated: October 13, 2022 Washington - - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it is delaying upcoming deployments of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) until June 2023 to address challenges with the system and make sure it is functioning optimally for Veterans and for VA health care personnel. This decision comes after Secretary Denis McDonough announced in July that VA would delay EHR deployments until January 2023 to ensure that the system’s issues had been resolved. During VA’s subsequent investigation at our current sites, several additional technical and system issues were identified – including challenges with performance, such as latency and slowness, problems with...10-22-2022, 11:48 PM -
Federal Communications Commission Inspector General Issues Advisory regarding EBB Enrollment Fraud site
(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: November 22, 2021) Washington, November 22, 2021 – In an Advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school. The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools. OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to im...11-25-2021, 12:11 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues A New Memo to Terminate Migrant Protection Protocols | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: October 29, 2021)
Washington - - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today issued a new memorandum announcing and explaining his decision to terminate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program. “This Administration is tackling longstanding problems that have plagued our immigration system for decades in order to achieve needed systemic change. MPP does not help meet this goal,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “MPP had endemic flaws, imposed unjustifiable human costs, pulled resources and personnel away from other priority efforts, and did not address the root causes of irregular migration. MPP not only undercuts the Administration’s ability to implement critically needed and foundational changes to the immigration...11-08-2021, 04:17 AM -
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months, but the rise in COVID-19 cases has slowed their recovery. Inflation is elevated, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course o...10-13-2021, 12:32 AM -
Consumer Alert: GM Issues New Recall, Safety Instructions for 2017-19 Chevrolet Bolt Vehicles | site |
Owners urged to limit charging capacity, park away from structures, charge after every use
(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: July 23, 2021)
July 23, 2021 | Washington, DC - - This alert applies to all affected vehicles, even if the owner has had the previous recall repairs completed. GM has issued a new recall affecting the 50,932 Model Year 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles covered under the original recall announced in November 2020 and revised in May 2021. NHTSA is aware of one fire with the interim remedy and two fires with the final remedy. Due to the risk of fire, vehicle owners should continue to park these vehicles outside, away from structures, and not charge them overnight. Additionally, GM is instructing owners of these affected vehicles to take the fo...08-16-2021, 05:24 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: August 13, 2021)
Washington - - On August 13, 2021 the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States. The threat environment to the Homeland is diverse and challenging, especially leading up to and following the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks as well as religious holidays that could serve as catalyst for targeted violence. Threats in the Homeland include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting ...08-14-2021, 02:09 AM -
Federal Reserve issues FOMC Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: July 28, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have shown improvement but have not fully recovered. Inflation has risen, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course of the virus. Progress on vaccinations will likely continue to reduce the effects of the public...08-02-2021, 02:31 PM -
U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Additional COVID-19-related Sanctions Authorizations and Guidance | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington - - Today, in order to further aid the global fight against COVID-19, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued three general licenses (referred to as the COVID-19-related GLs) to build upon Treasury’s existing authorizations for COVID-19-related transactions and activities. The new COVID-19-related GLs expand upon longstanding humanitarian exemptions, exceptions, and authorizations to cover additional COVID-19-related transactions and activities. These include transactions and activities involving the delivery of face masks, ventilators and oxygen tanks, vaccines and the production of vaccines, COVID-19 tests, air filtration systems, and COVID-19-related field hospitals, ...06-17-2021, 10:33 PM -
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 16, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. Progress on vaccinations has reduced the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Amid this progress and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have strengthened. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic remain weak but have shown improvement. Inflation has risen, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus. Progres...06-16-2021, 10:28 PM -
Federal Reserve Board issues Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: May 17, 2021)
In the fourth quarter of 2020, nearly one-fourth of adults said that they were worse off financially compared to a year earlier, reflecting the economic fallout and distress resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve Board's report, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020, which was released on Monday, found a larger share of adults were worse off in 2020 than in previous years of the survey. This change occurred broadly across the population, but not all groups fared similarly. Despite the increase in the share of Americans doing worse off financially, most believed they were still at least doing "okay" financially overall. Seventy-five percent of adults were either doing okay or living comfortably in November, w...05-17-2021, 10:20 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: May 14, 2021)
Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin after consultation with the Intelligence Community and law enforcement partners. The NTAS Bulletin advises that the United States is facing threats that have evolved significantly and become increasingly complex and volatile. Specifically, the Bulletin details the threats posed by domestic terrorists, individuals, and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or influenced by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. Social media and online forums are increasingly exploited by these actors to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and activity. Such threats als...05-14-2021, 10:45 PM -
District Court issues Opinion in Public Citizen, et al. v FEC | site |
(Information contained in Federal Election Commission [FEC] press release dated: March 17, 2021)
Washington - - The United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order in Public Citizen, et al. v. FEC (Case 14-00148), granting the Commission’s and Intervenor-Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and denying Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment. The lawsuit, filed on January 31, 2014, challenged the Commission’s dismissal of the Plaintiffs’ administrative complaint against Crossroads Grassroots Political Strategies (MUR 6396). The complaint had alleged that Crossroads GPS violated the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), by not registering and reporting as a political committee. The Commission lacked the required votes to open an investigation and the matter was dismissed. The Court h...05-13-2021, 04:19 AM -
U.S. Internal Revenue Service issues Guidance on Taxability of Dependent Care Assistance Programs for 2021, 2022 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: May 10, 2021) Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance on the taxability of dependent care assistance programs for 2021 and 2022, clarifying that amounts attributable to carryovers or an extended period for incurring claims generally are not taxable. The guidance also illustrates the interaction of this standard with the one-year increase in the exclusion for employer-provided dependent care benefits from $5,000 to $10,500 for the 2021 taxable year under the American Rescue Plan Act. Because of the pandemic, many people were unable to use the money they set aside in their dependent care assistance programs in 2020 and 2021. Generally, under these plans, an employer allows its employees to set aside a certain amount of pre-tax wages...05-10-2021, 08:44 PM -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others | site |
(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: March 8, 2021)
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume.
The new guidance—which is based on the latest science — includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. This guidance represents a first step toward returning to everyday activities in our communities. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available. “We kn...03-08-2021, 08:57 PM -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Authorization for First Molecular Non-Prescription, At-Home Test | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: March 5, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Cue COVID-19 Test for Home and Over The Counter (OTC) Use. The product is a molecular nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that is intended to detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 virus present in the nostrils. The test is the first molecular test authorized for at-home use without a prescription. “The authorization of this new diagnostic test underscores FDA’s goal to continue supporting innovation in testing and providing flexibility to test developers with the aim of increasing the availability of accurate and reliable tests for all Americans,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. ...03-08-2021, 01:06 AM -
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Third COVID-19 Vaccine | site |
FDA says "Action Advances Fight Against COVID-19, Follows Comprehensive Evaluation of Available Safety, Effectiveness and Manufacturing Quality Information by FDA Career Scientists, Input from External Experts"
(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press released dated: February 27, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the third vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The EUA allows the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. “The authorization of this vaccine expands the availability of vaccines, the best medical prevention method for COVID-19, to help us in the fight against...03-02-2021, 10:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release dated: January 27, 2021) Washington - - The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin today after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners. There is currently a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks. DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to i...01-27-2021, 10:57 PM -
Federal Reserve issues FOMC Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: January 27, 2021)
The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing tremendous human and economic hardship across the United States and around the world. The pace of the recovery in economic activity and employment has moderated in recent months, with weakness concentrated in the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic. Weaker demand and earlier declines in oil prices have been holding down consumer price inflation. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy will depend significant...01-27-2021, 07:07 PM -
Commerce Department Issues Interim Rule to Secure the ICTS Supply Chain | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: January 14, 2021)
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain,” today U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an interim final rule to address the national security, economic security, and public health and safety concerns related to ICTS Transactions. The rule will ensure the resilience of, and trust in, our Nation’s ICTS supply chain, and, for the purposes of this rule, identifies six foreign governments or foreign non-government persons as foreign adversaries: the People’s Republic of China (China), the Russian Federation (Russia), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), the Republic of Cuba (Cuba),...01-20-2021, 04:51 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Two Wage and Hour Opinion Letters | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: January 8, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced two opinion letters that address compliance issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). An opinion letter is an official, written opinion by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) on how a particular law applies in specific circumstances presented by the person or entity that requested the letter.
The opinion letters issued today are:- FLSA2021-1: Addressing whether account managers at a life science products manufacturer qualify for the administrative employee exemption under the FLSA.
- FLSA2021-2: Addressing whether the ministerial exception allows a private religious daycare and preschool to pay its teachers on a salary basis that would not otherwise conform with the requirements of the
01-12-2021, 01:43 AM -
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issues Over $1.1 Million to Multiple Whistleblowers | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: January 7, 2021)
Washington D.C., Jan. 7, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today announced awards totaling more than $1.1 million to five whistleblowers who provided high-quality information that led to successful enforcement actions. In the first order, the SEC awarded three whistleblowers almost $500,000 in connection with two related enforcement actions. The first whistleblower provided information that prompted the opening of an investigation. The second and third whistleblowers provided information that significantly contributed to the success of the actions, and contributed additional, helpful assistance to the investigative staff. In the second order, the SEC awarded nearly $600,000 to a whistleblower whose information cause...01-09-2021, 06:11 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Guidance supporting Workplace Flexibilities through Virtual Communication | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 29, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today announced new guidance in its ongoing efforts to support the American workforce through the pandemic recovery. As employers continue to meet the challenges presented to their businesses by the coronavirus, and as telework arrangements and virtual communication increasingly provide solutions, the agency provides additional guidance to maximize the benefits of these arrangements for employers and workers alike.
Today’s guidance comes in the form of two new Field Assistance Bulletins (FABs):- FAB 2020-7 addresses when, as a matter of enforcement policy, WHD will consider electronic posting by employers by email or an internet or intranet
12-31-2020, 12:02 AM -
U.S. Department of Energy Issues Report on Management and Beneficial Reuse of Used Lubricating Oil | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Energy press release dated: December 23, 2020) Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy issued a report to Congress including recommendations for increasing the beneficial reuse of used oils and lubricants. Beneficial reuse includes turning waste lubricants like used motor oil into more valuable base oils, fuels, and other commodity products. This report examines the current status of the used oil industry and stakeholder perspectives and provides Congress with updates on market challenges and opportunities both domestically and abroad. “The Trump Administration is committed to promoting the safety and environmental sustainability of oil and natural gas,” said Deputy Secretary Mark W. Menezes. “This report will help inform federal policies...12-28-2020, 07:56 PM -
U.S. Internal Revenue Service issues Standard Mileage Rates for 2021 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: December 22, 2020)
Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:- 56 cents per mile driven for business use, down 1.5 cents from the rate for 2020,
- 16 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for qualified active duty members of the Armed Forces, down 1 cent from the rate for 2020, and
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2020.
12-26-2020, 09:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to Amend Tipped Employee Regulations | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 22, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule protecting the tips of employees. This rule addresses amendments made to Section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2018. The CAA prohibits employers from keeping tips received by their employees, regardless of whether the employer takes a credit for tips earned by workers toward its minimum wage obligation to those employees under the FLSA (a “tip credit”). The rule also prohibits employers from allowing managers or supervisors to keep any portion of employees’ tips. “This final rule provides clarity and flexibility for employers and could increase pay for back-of-the house workers, like cooks and dishwashers, who have been excluded fr...12-26-2020, 08:34 PM -
President’s Working Group on Financial Markets Releases Statement on Key Regulatory and Supervisory Issues Relevant to Certain Stablecoins | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release: December 23, 2020)
Washington - - The President’s Working Group on Financial Markets (PWG) today released a statement providing an initial assessment of key regulatory and supervisory considerations for participants in significant stablecoin arrangements with a U.S. nexus that are primarily used for retail payments. PWG Members welcome dialogue as U.S. authorities continue to assess the evolving technological and market landscape and U.S. regulatory framework with respect to stablecoins. “The statement reflects a commitment to both promote the important benefits of innovation and to achieve critical objectives related to national security and financial stability. Regulators will continue to look closely at stableco...12-24-2020, 03:04 AM -
Federal Reserve issues FOMC Statement | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release: December 16, 2020) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing tremendous human and economic hardship across the United States and around the world. Economic activity and employment have continued to recover but remain well below their levels at the beginning of the year. Weaker demand and earlier declines in oil prices have been holding down consumer price inflation. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus. The ongoing public health crisis will continue ...12-16-2020, 08:33 PM -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Issues Draft Guidance Clarifying Wastewater Permit Requirements Under Maui Decision | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency press release: December 8, 2020)
Washington (December 8, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced draft guidance that clarifies how the Supreme Court’s County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund decision should be applied under the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. This guidance will help clarify when a NPDES permit is necessary under the Clean Water Act. “EPA’s guidance will address several questions that the regulated community and others have raised since the Supreme Court issued its decision earlier this year,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. “NPDES permits are essential tools that help protect our nation’s water resources. Understandi...12-09-2020, 05:12 PM -
U.S. Department of State issues Statement addressing Treaty on Open Skies | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release: November 22, 2020)
Statement attributed to Cale Brown, Deputy Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State:
On May 22, 2020, the United States exercised its right pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article XV of the Treaty on Open Skies by providing notice to the Treaty Depositaries and to all States Parties of its decision to withdraw from the Treaty, effective six months from the notification date. Six months having elapsed, the U.S. withdrawal took effect on November 22, 2020, and the United States is no longer a State Party to the Treaty on Open Skies....11-24-2020, 02:18 AM -
Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement | site |
(November 5, 2020) - - On November 5, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing tremendous human and economic hardship across the United States and around the world. Economic activity and employment have continued to recover but remain well below their levels at the beginning of the year. Weaker demand and earlier declines in oil prices have been holding down consumer price inflation. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus. The ongoing pu...11-06-2020, 03:48 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to update Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology to protect American Workers and Help American Farmers | site |
(November 2, 2020) - - Today, November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) in the H-2A visa program. The AEWR is a minimum wage rate that provides a floor below which the wages of agricultural workers cannot be negotiated. Requiring employers to pay the AEWR when it is the highest applicable wage is the primary way the Department meets its statutory obligation to certify that the employment of foreign workers will not adversely affect workers in the United States similarly employed. The new rule improves the consistency of the AEWRs, provides stronger protections for workers, and establi...11-05-2020, 01:27 PM -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues Framework for Resuming Safe and Responsible Cruise Ship Passenger Operations| site |
(October 30, 2020) - - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published today, October 30, 2020, the following information: Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order that introduces a phased approach for the safe and responsible resumption of passenger cruises. The Order establishes a framework of actionable items for the cruise line industry to follow so they can resume passenger operations with an emphasis on preventing the further spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships and from cruise ships into communities, and to protect public health and safety. The Order applies to passenger operations on cruise ships with the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Recent outbreaks on cruise ships overseas provide current evidenc...11-04-2020, 04:04 PM -
Federal Trade Commission Issues Annual Report to Congress on Protecting Older Adults| site |
(October 19, 2020) - - Today, October 19, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the following information:
The Federal Trade Commission’s annual report to Congress on protecting older adults, issued today, provides a detailed look at the scams that most often affect adults over 60, as well as the FTC’s research, law enforcement, and education efforts aimed at protecting older consumers—a top priority for the agency.
As part of the FTC’s efforts to understand how fraud is affecting older adults, the report, Protecting Older Consumers 2019-2020: A Report of the Federal Trade Commission, includes analysis of FTC consumer complaint data. In 2019, as in prior years, older adults (aged 60 and older) were less likely than younger adults (aged 20 to 59) to report losing money to fraud, but reported much higher individual dollar losses. In...10-22-2020, 12:58 PM -
U.S. General Services Administration Issues Award for Regulatory Workflow Modernization | site |
(September 16, 2020) - - Today, September 16, 2020, the U.S General Services Administration (GSA) published the following information:
WASHINGTON - The U.S. General Services Administration today announced the award of its multiple year, $9.9 million contract to Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Esper, Inc., through GSA's Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) authority.
The Centers of Excellence (CoE), housed within GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service Technology Transformation Services (TTS) office, and GSA’s assisted acquisition services provider Federal Systems Integration and Management Center (FEDSIM) worked to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technology solutions to conduct regulatory review and improve the rule-making process for federal agencies. This award supports the White House’s Executive Order on Regulatory...09-21-2020, 12:07 PM -
Federal Reserve Board issues Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households | site |
(September 18, 2020) - - Today, September 18, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board published the following information:
Data collected to supplement the Federal Reserve Board's seventh annual Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking showed that U.S. families were faring better financially in July than in April, but many still faced uncertainty regarding layoffs and prospects for returning to work.
Recognizing the unprecedented financial disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve conducted a pair of supplemental surveys to monitor changes in the financial well-being of Americans. The first of these surveys was conducted in April, at the onset of the pandemic and before most financial relief efforts were in place. The April results were described in the Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households...09-21-2020, 07:58 AM -
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Issues Flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs to Combat COVID-19 | site |
(March 20, 2020) - - Today (March 20, 2020), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has delegated authority to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue dual compensation reduction waivers, enabling the VA to quickly reemploy retired subject matter experts and deploy them to where they are needed most to combat COVID-19. The delegation of dual compensation reduction waivers allows the reemployment of civilian retirees to meet the needs of this public health emergency. The VA must respond to patient needs at numerous medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, cemeteries, community living centers, spinal cord injury units, Veterans Benefits Administration offices, headquarters, and miscellaneous VA program ...03-23-2020, 11:31 PM -
Coronavirus COVID-19 Update - - - FDA Issues first Emergency Use Authorization for Point of Care Diagnostic | site |
(March 21, 2020) - - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published today (March 21, 2020) the following information:
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization for a point-of-care COVID-19 diagnostic for the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test. “The test we’re authorizing today will be able to provide Americans with results within hours, rather than days like the existing tests, and the company plans to roll it out by March 30, which is an incredibly rapid timeline for such an effort. With new tools like point-of-care diagnostics, we are moving into a new phase of testing, where tests will be much more easily accessible to Americans who need them,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “With the development of point of care diagnostics, Americans who need tests will be able to ...03-23-2020, 09:48 PM -
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |
(March 23, 2020) - - Today, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: The Federal Reserve is committed to use its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time and thereby promote its maximum employment and price stability goals. The Federal Open Market Committee is taking further actions to support the flow of credit to households and businesses by addressing strains in the markets for Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities. The Federal Reserve will continue to purchase Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning and effective transmission of monetary policy to broader financial conditions. The Committee will include purchases of agency commercial mortgage-backed securities in its agency mortgage-backed securit...03-23-2020, 04:42 PM -
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Issues Further Coronavirus Guidance to Agencies| site |
(February 7, 2020) - - Today (February 7, 2020), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released additional guidance to assist agencies and employees in responding to any concerns about exposure to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The memo provides information on various human resources (HR) flexibilities that agencies and employees may use during periods when employees are subject to quarantine or isolation in connection with 2019-nCoV. OPM has convened a working group of key agencies to determine what HR guidance is needed in response to 2019-nCoV. OPM will continue to coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the agency working group to identify federal workforce impacts, direct agencies to the latest informati...02-14-2020, 12:04 AM -
World Health Organization issues Coronavirus Scam Alert| site |
(February 12, 2020) - - The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a Coronavirus scam alert. The content of the alert may be viewed at https://www.who.int/about/communications/cyber-security
or
Please press HERE...02-12-2020, 12:20 AM -
Red Cross issues Statement on 2019 Novel Coronavirus| site |
(February 11, 2020) - - Today, the Red Cross issued the following statement: The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the evolving outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. We are currently supporting government agencies and state officials to assist evacuees returning to the U.S. from China. When requested, our role is to provide blankets, comfort kits, snacks, stuffed animals and other support items for those who have been quarantined at government facilities. The American Red Cross will continue to work with U.S. officials to determine what additional support may be needed in the coming days and weeks. Overseas, the Red Cross of China is supporting its government to help meet the huge and sudden demand for ambulance services and medical items including masks and gowns. In China, thousands of volunteers have mobilized to distribute lifesaving health information to communities—many are visiting peo...02-11-2020, 04:19 PM -
National Transportation Safety Board Issues Investigative Update on Sikorsky Helicopter Crash| site |
(February 7, 2020) - - Today (February 7, 2020), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information: The National Transportation Safety Board issued an investigative update Friday for its ongoing investigation of the fatal, Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash near Calabasas, California. The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter collided with hilly terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and fire. The pilot and eight passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter operated by Island Express Helicopters Inc., was on an on-demand passenger visual flight rules flight from John Wayne-Orange County Airport, in Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport, in Camarillo, California. "Our investigators have already developed a substantial amount of evidence about the circumstances of this tragic crash," said NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt. "And we...02-11-2020, 01:39 AM -
Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee statement| site |
(January 29, 2020) - - Today (January 29, 2020), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in December indicates that the labor market remains strong and that economic activity has been rising at a moderate rate. Job gains have been solid, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Although household spending has been rising at a moderate pace, business fixed investment and exports remain weak. On a 12‑month basis, overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy are running below 2 percent. Market-based measures of inflation compensation remain low; survey-based measures of longer-term inflation expectations are little changed. Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. Th...01-31-2020, 01:07 AM -
Federal Trade Commission announces Agenda for Jan. 9 Workshop, Non-Competes in the Workplace: Examining Antitrust and Consumer Protection Issues| site |
(January 3, 2020) - - - Today (January 3, 2020), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the following information:
The Federal Trade Commission has announced an agenda for its upcoming workshop in Washington, DC regarding non-compete agreements in the workplace. First announced on Dec. 5, 2019, the workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2020 in the FTC’s Headquarters Building, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, and will be webcast live. Non-compete clauses are covenants in employment contracts that limit the ability of an employee to join or start a competing firm after a job separation. Panelists at the workshop include legal scholars, economists, and policy experts, who will evaluate the effects of non-compete clauses on labor market participants and...01-09-2020, 04:55 AM -
Boeing issues Statement on 737 MAX Simulator Training| site |
(January 7, 2020) - - Today, the Boeing Company issued the following statement concerning 737 MAX simulator training:
Boeing is recommending 737 MAX simulator training in addition to computer based training for all MAX pilots prior to return to service of the 737 MAX. This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators.
“Safety is Boeing’s top priority," said interim Boeing CEO Greg Smith. "Public, customer and stakeholder confidence in the 737 MAX is critically important to us and with that focus Boeing has decided to recommend MAX simulator training combined with computer-based training for all pilots prior to returning the MAX safely to service.”
Information source: The Boeing Company01-09-2020, 02:46 AM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Proposed Rule on Remote ID for Drones| site |
(December 31, 2019) - - Today (December 31, 2019), the U.S. Department of Transportation published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a proposed rule https://www.federalregister.gov/docu...rcraft-systems that would continue the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, into the nation’s airspace by requiring them to be identifiable remotely. “Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The FAA seeks input on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Remote Identification (Remote ID) of UAS that today was published in the Federal Register. I...01-03-2020, 05:22 AM -
U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo issues Remarks December 11, 2019| site |
Washington, DC - - (December 11, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State provided the following transcript of remarks U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo issued in the Press Briefing Room on December 11, 2019:
SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone.
QUESTION: Good morning.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Thanks for joining me so bright and early today.
QUESTION: Lovely day you picked for – (laughter) —
SECRETARY POMPEO: Beautiful day. Before I begin my formal remarks, two thoughts. I want to acknowledge the Navy personnel who were gunned down last week in Pensacola and extend my personal condolences to their families and to the community around Pensacola. I’ve spoken with both the governor and – I’ve spoken with Senator Scott as well. We’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re taking care of that community...12-11-2019, 11:32 PM -
Financial Stability Oversight Council Issues Final Guidance on Nonbank Designations | site |
(December 4, 2019) - - Today (Decemberr 4, 2019), the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information: WASHINGTON – The Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council) today voted unanimously to issue final guidance regarding nonbank financial company designations. The guidance implements an activities-based approach for identifying and addressing potential risks to financial stability. The guidance also enhances the analytical rigor and transparency of the Council’s process for designating nonbank financial companies. “The guidance announced today enhances the Council’s ability to identify, assess, and respond to potential risks to U.S. financial stability,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “These changes will help the Council achieve its mission by promoting careful analysis and creating a more streamlined process. I would like t...12-09-2019, 07:18 AM -
IRS Advisory Council issues 2019 Annual Report | site |
(November 20, 2019) - - Today (November 20, 2019), the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) today issued its annual report for 2019, including recommendations to the IRS on new and continuing issues in tax administration.
The IRSAC is a federal advisory committee that provides an organized public forum for discussion of relevant tax administration issues between IRS officials and representatives of the public. IRSAC members offer constructive observations regarding current or proposed IRS policies, programs and procedures.
The 2019 Public Report includes recommendations on over 20 issues, which cover a broad range of topics and concerns including:- Accelerating the use of e-Signatures in Federal Tax Administration
- Guidance Relating to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
- Establishing
11-29-2019, 11:42 PM -
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Issues Statement Upon the Release of the 2019 Census Test Preliminary Results| site |
(October 31, 2019) - - The U.S. Department of Commerce published today (October 31, 2019), the following information:
Today, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross issued the following statement upon the release of the preliminary results of the 2019 Census Test:
The U.S. Census Bureau conducted the 2019 Census Test this summer to study the operational effects on self-response of including a citizenship question on the 2020 Census questionnaire. The major finding of the test was that there was no difference in self-response rates between forms with and forms without a citizenship question, with only small differences for some areas and subgroups. While there is no question on the 2020 Census related to citizenship, this is gratifying news to those who supported its inclusion. Per the President’s EO, we will produce this data t...11-15-2019, 06:12 PM -
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...11-09-2019, 11:56 PM -
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...08-26-2019, 12:04 PM -
Federal Housing Administration Issues new Condominium Approval Rule| site |
Comprehensive policy revisions include ability to approve individual units in nonapproved condo projects
(August 14, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the following information: WASHINGTON - In an effort to promote affordable and sustainable homeownership, especially among credit-worthy first-time buyers, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today published a long-awaited final regulation, and policy implementation guidance, which establish a new condominium approval process. Designed to be flexible and responsive to market conditions, FHA's new condo rule and the new Condominium Project Approval section of the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, provide a comprehensive revision to FHA condominium project approval policy. In particular, the new policy will allow certain individual condominium units to be eligible fo...08-14-2019, 06:42 PM -
Acting Attorney General Whitaker issues Statement on Veterans Day
(November 11, 2018) - - Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker issued the following statement on Veterans Day:
"This is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave," Acting Attorney General Whitaker said. "At the Department of Justice, we recognize that our rights depend upon public safety. Our troops risk their lives for that mission, and each of us owes them a debt of gratitude. Today, on the centennial of the Armistice, we stop as a nation to honor those who have taken up that noble mission and kept us safe and free. I hope that all Americans will join me in thanking a veteran today and honoring their heroic service not just today but every day."
Credit: U.S. Department of Justice11-12-2018, 10:02 PM -
Trump Administration Issues Final Rules Protecting Conscience Rights in Health Insurance
(November 7, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information:
Today, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor released two final rules to provide conscience protections for Americans who have a religious or moral objection to health insurance that covers contraception methods. Under the Affordable Care Act, employer-provided health insurance plans are required to cover certain “preventative services” – which were defined through guidance by the Obama Administration as including all contraception methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including methods viewed by many as abortifacients, and sterilization procedures. In October 2017, the Trump Administration issued two interim final rules...11-10-2018, 04:09 AM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservation Payments
Total Exceeds $4.8 Billion
Washington, DC - - (October 12, 2018) - - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to invest in rural America with more than $4.8 billion in payments being made, starting this month, to agricultural producers through the Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. Approximately $3 billion in payments will be made under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2017 crop year, and approximately $1.8 billion in annual rental payments under CRP for 2018. “Despite a temporary lapse of Farm Bill authorities, farmers and ranchers can rest assured that USDA continues to work within the letter of the law to deliver much needed...10-13-2018, 03:05 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues Waiver to Expedite Border Wall Gate Construction Project in Texas
Washington, DC - - (October 10, 2018) - - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a waiver to ensure the expeditious construction of gates in existing wall structure near the international border in the state of Texas. The waiver was published in the Federal Register Oct. 10, 2018. This waiver is issued pursuant to authority granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security by Congress. Congress has provided the Secretary of Homeland Security with a number of authorities necessary to carry out DHS’s border security mission. One of these authorities is found at section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, as amended (“IIRIRA”). Section 102(a) of IIRIRA provides that the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions as ...10-13-2018, 02:51 PM -
Attorney General Sessions Issues Statement in Support of the Administration’s National Counterterrorism Strategy
Washington, DC - - (October 4, 2018) - - Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement in support of the Administration’s release of a National Counterterrorism Strategy: “The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “The terrorist threat to this nation remains serious, but under President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice has done its part to protect the American people. Every day, our officers are working around the clock and around the world to identify, disrupt, and investigate terrorists and their enablers. This past Christmas we successfully thwarted an alleged planned attack on San Francisco. Today, the Trump administration takes an historic next step by releasing its National Co...10-08-2018, 05:08 AM -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the Associated Press Issues Correction To False Reporting
(October 3, 2018) - - Yesterday, the Associated Press (AP) falsely reported that the Trump EPA was proposing a new rule to “weaken U.S. radiation regulations.” The headline of the story, “EPA says a little radiation may be healthy,” was not only wrong, but contrary to information provided to the reporter by the EPA press office in response to her inquiries. EPA immediately requested a retraction of the story as it used a regulation unrelated to radiation as the foundation of its reporting. The AP finally provided a correction to their article over 20 hours later and after numerous outlets used their false wire report. EPA’s press office provided numerous statements to the AP reporter regarding her inquiries on the subject and made abundantly clear that the regulation she was ...10-05-2018, 04:14 PM -
National Transportation Safety Board Issues 11 Safety Recommendations to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Washington, DC - - (September 15, 2018) - - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are the recipients of 11 safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Tuesday in its Pedestrian Safety Special Investigation Report.
Following the NTSB’s Pedestrian Safety Forum in 2016, the Office of Highway Safety investigated a series of 15 highway crashes in which vehicles struck and killed pedestrians between April 24 and Nov. 3, 2016. While not a representative sample of pedestrian crashes (that could be generalized for all pedestrian crashes), the NTSB selected cases for investigation that cover the range of pedestrian crash characteristics. The number,...09-29-2018, 09:08 AM -
Federal Communications Commission Issues Hurricane Florence Communications Status Report for September 21, 2018
Washington, DC - - (September 21, 2018) - - The Federal Communications Commission has issued a report on the status of communications services in the geographic areas impacted by Hurricane Florence as of September 21, 2018 at 10:30 AM EDT.
The report may be reviewed HERE .
Courtesy: Federal Communications Commission09-22-2018, 08:15 AM -
HHS Office for Civil Rights Issues Guidance to Help Ensure Equal Access to Emergency Services and the Appropriate Sharing of Medical Information During Hurricane Florence
Editor's note: On September 13, 2018 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
As Hurricane Florence makes landfall, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and its federal partners remain in close coordination to help ensure that emergency officials effectively address the needs of at-risk populations as part of disaster response. To this end, emergency responders and officials should consider adopting, as circumstances and resources allow, the following practices to help make sure all segments of the community are served:- Employing qualified interpreter services to assist individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals who are deaf or hard
09-17-2018, 01:34 AM -
U.S. General Services Administration Issues Request for Proposal for Entity Identification and Validation Services
Washington, DC - - (August 31, 2018) - - The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for governmentwide entity validation services. All proposals are due back to GSA by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 1, 2018. This procurement is for entity validation services to protect the integrity of taxpayer dollars throughout the federal award process. Prior to entering into a business relationship with the government, the identity of each entity wishing to do business with or receive assistance from the government must be validated. Currently, these services are provided by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), whose contract with GSA expires in 2018. This procurement will ensure individual agencies don’t have to separately contract for entity ...09-14-2018, 10:51 PM -
Federal Trade Commission Announces Opening Session of Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century September 13-14 at Georgetown University Law Center
(August 24, 2018) - - The Federal Trade Commission will begin its Hearings Initiative with two full-day sessions, co-sponsored with and held at the Georgetown University Law Center, on September 13 and 14, 2018. The event will be webcast live. The Georgetown event will be the first in a series of hearings that will examine whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection enforcement priorities of the Commission. These public events, in conjunction with the public comment process, will provide the FTC with a broad and diverse range of viewpoints and stimulate evaluation of key enforcement...09-07-2018, 09:33 PM -
Federal Reserve Board Issues Interim Final Rule Expanding the Applicability of the Board's Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement
(August 28, 2018) - -The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday issued an interim final rule expanding the applicability of the Board's small bank holding company policy statement, as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. The policy statement facilitates the transfer of ownership of small community banks by allowing their holding companies to operate with higher levels of debt than would normally be permitted. While holding companies that meet the conditions of the policy statement are excluded from consolidated capital requirements, their depository institutions continue to be subject to minimum capital requirements. The interim final rule raises the statement's asset threshold from $1 billion to $3 b...09-03-2018, 07:18 PM -
U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Proposed Regulations on New 20 Percent Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses
Washington, DC - - (August 8, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations today implementing a significant provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which allows owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts, and S corporations to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income. The proposed rules ensure that this historic tax cut will be available to the broadest spectrum of American businesses, consistent with the law, while minimizing compliance costs and streamlining the process for claiming the deduction. “The pass-through deduction is an important tax cut for small and mid-size businesses, reducing their effective tax rates to their lowest levels since the 1930s,” said Secretary S...08-09-2018, 08:27 PM -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Issues List of Banks Examined for CRA Compliance
(August 3, 2018) - - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today issued its list of state nonmember banks recently evaluated for compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The list covers evaluation ratings that the FDIC assigned to institutions in May 2018. The CRA is a 1977 law intended to encourage insured banks and thrifts to meet local credit needs, including those of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations. As part of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), Congress mandated the public disclosure of an evaluation and rating for each bank or thrift that undergoes a CRA examination on or after July 1, 1990. A consolidated list of all state nonmember banks whose evaluations have been made publicly...08-08-2018, 09:01 AM -
Education is not just for the rich and the wealthy. Education is for everyone.
In America, education is expensive. The lack of adequate financial resources can limit a person's education options and hinder his or her advancement.
Let's discuss ways of getting an education (even when dealing with limited financial resources).
Note: Please become familiar with MOOCs.
Pastor CWmPage08-05-2018, 05:52 PM -
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Antidumping Duty Determination on Forged Steel Fittings from Taiwan
July 24, 2018
(July 24, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of imports of forged steel fittings from Taiwan. Commerce determined that exporters from Taiwan have sold forged steel fittings in the United States at 116.17 percent less than fair value. As a result of the decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to continue to collect cash deposits from importers of forged steel fittings from Taiwan based on these final rates. In 2017, imports of forged steel fittings from Taiwan were valued at an estimated $18.9 million. The petitioners are Bonney Forge Corporation (Mount Union, PA), and the United Steel, Paper and For...07-24-2018, 11:47 PM -
U.S. General Services Administration Issues Request for Information on Technology Business Management
Transparency in IT spending will improve outcomes and save taxpayer dollars
Washington, DC - - (June 18, 2018) - - The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking feedback from industry on how it can adopt Technology Business Management (TBM) across the federal government. Adopting the TBM Taxonomy will provide a standardized view of IT spend and provide greater transparency into how the federal government invests in IT products and services. This is an important milestone for the Cross Agency Priority Goal for Improving Outcomes in Federal IT Spending Transparency, a component of the President’s Management Agenda (PMA) that seeks to adopt TBM governmentwide by 2022. GSA, in partnership with the Office ...06-22-2018, 06:10 AM -
U.S. Small Business Administrator McMahon’s Statement on Association Health Plans
Washington, DC - - (June 19, 2018) - - U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda E. McMahon today issued the following statement in response to a U.S. Department of Labor rule expanding access to Association Health Plans (AHP): The President’s decision to expand access to affordable, quality health care through Association Health Plans (AHPs) is welcome news to tens of thousands of small businesses. This reform will help empower small businesses with the kind of buying power that has long been available to large employers, and as a result, many more small businesses will be able to gain access to coverage. It’s an important step in reversing a multi-year downward trend in the number of small business owners offering health insurance to their employees as a result of rising premiums and increasing ...06-22-2018, 05:44 AM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Issues New Policy to Protect Veteran Homeowners from Predatory Lending
Washington, DC - - (June 15, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a new policy implementing the May 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, to protect Veteran homeowners from predatory lending practices when obtaining a VA-guaranteed refinance loan. The act helps protect Veterans and service members from the dangers associated with repeatedly refinancing their home loans, requiring, among other things, the seasoning of the original loan and a recoupment period for fees, closing costs, and expenses related to the refinance. “We want to ensure Veterans have the informed ability to take advantage of economic opportunities and make sound decisions that enable them to prosper when using their benefits,” said Acting VA Secretar...06-19-2018, 03:40 AM -
Court of Appeals Issues Opinion in CREW, et al., v. FEC
Washington, DC - - (June 15, 2018) - - The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today issued a Memorandum Opinion and Per Curiam Judgment affirming the District Court’s decision in CREW, et al., v. FEC (17-5049),, granting the Commission’s motion for summary judgment and denying the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment. The D.C. Circuit found that the Commission’s dismissal of CREW's administrative complaint against the Commission on Hope, Growth and Opportunity in Matter Under Review 6471 was not contrary to law.
Courtesy: Federal Election Commission
06-18-2018, 05:41 AM -
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Determination on Imports of Certain Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China
(May 30, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of certain plastic decorative ribbon from China, finding that exporters in China received countervailable subsidies ranging from 12.81 percent to 94.67 percent. Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of certain plastic decorative ribbon from China based on these preliminary rates. In 2017, imports of certain plastic decorative ribbon from China were valued at an estimated $22.5 million. The petitioner is Berwick Offray, LLC (Berwick, PA). Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump Administratio...06-05-2018, 12:22 AM -
U.S. General Services Administration Issues Pre-solicitation Notice for Solutions to Modernize Federal Payroll
A consolidated payroll will benefit over two million federal civilian employees
Washington, DC - - (May 18, 2018) - - The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) issued a pre-solicitation notice to secure solutions to modernize the federal government’s current payroll systems. The NewPay initiative is in line with the key tenants of the President’s Management Agenda, specifically the Cross Agency Priority Goals for Sharing Quality Services and IT Modernization. GSA, in partnership with Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) and the current shared services providers, is working to use governmentwide standards to shift operations and maintenance of payroll functions to innovative commercial solutions using the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This will ena...05-23-2018, 11:29 PM -
U. S. Securities and Exchange Chairman Clayton Issues Statement on NASAA Announcement of Enforcement Sweep Targeting Fraudulent ICOs and Crypto-asset Investment Products
SEC Chairman Clayton
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) targets investment fraud
(May 22, 2018) - - In a public statement, Jay Clayton, Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), commented on the North American Securities Administrators Association's (NASAA) announcement of enforcement sweep targeting fraudulent ICOs and crypto-asset investment products. In his statement, SEC Chairman Clayton said the following: I applaud our fellow regulators in the United States and Canada who are coordinating and participating in efforts to police fraud in the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) markets. These state and provincial regulators play a...05-22-2018, 07:05 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration Issues Field Assistance Bulletin
Editor's note: Also addressed is a temporary enforcement policy related to the Department of Labor’s rule defining who is a “fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), etc.
Washington, DC - - (May 7, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration today announced Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) 2018-02, “Temporary Enforcement Policy on Prohibited Transaction Rules Applicable to Investment Advice Fiduciaries.” The FAB may be viewed here ....05-07-2018, 10:14 PM -
Joint Statements to the Press With Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray
Washington, DC - - (May 7, 2018) - - Remarks of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo:
SECRETARY POMPEO: Good afternoon. Today it is my pleasure and a great honor to welcome the Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray to the State Department. Welcome. We had a great discussion and we had so because Mexico is one of the United States’ closest partners. Together we are working to build a more secure, prosperous, and democratic hemisphere. We are neighbors, allies, and friends. The conversation, as I said, was forthright. We talked about a range of issues. In particular, we spoke of four vital areas in which we...05-07-2018, 09:14 PM -
National Transportation Safety Board Issues Investigative Update on Engine Failure
Washington, DC - - (May 3, 2018) - - The National Transportation Safety Board issued an investigative update Thursday for its ongoing investigation of the fatal, April 17, engine failure on Southwest Airlines flight 1380. The Boeing 737, powered by CFM International engines, experienced a failure of the left CFM-56-B engine after departing New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The engine experienced a failure of a fan blade, which resulted in the loss of the engine inlet and cowling. Fragments from the cowling and engine inlet struck the fuselage, causing a rapid depressurization. The crew conducted an emergency descent and diverted to Philadelphia International Airport. There were 144 passengers and five crewmembers onboard. One passenger suffered fatal injuries and eight passengers suffered minor injuries. The airplan...05-07-2018, 04:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Polyetrafluoroethylene Resin from China and India
(May 1, 2018) - - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from China and India. “The dumping of goods below market value in the United States is something the Trump Administration takes very seriously,” said Secretary Ross. "The Department of Commerce will continue to stand up for American workers and business’s in order to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field.” Commerce preliminarily determined that exporters from China and India have sold PTFE resin in the United States at 69.34 to 208.16 percent and 18.49 percent less than fair value, respectively. As a result of today’s ...05-04-2018, 05:39 AM -
Securities and Exchange Commission Enforcement Division Issues FAQs for Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative
Washington, DC - - (May 1, 2018) - - The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement today issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative, providing additional information about adviser eligibility, disgorgement, and the distribution of funds to clients.
The Share Class Selection Disclosure (SCSD) Initiative, announced on February 12, seeks to protect advisory clients from and return money to those affected by undisclosed conflicts of interest. “It appears that many investment advisers are working diligently to evaluate whether they can take advantage of the initiative and we believe that providing these FAQs will help them make that determination,” said C. Dabney O’Riordan, Co-Chief of the Divi...05-03-2018, 03:11 PM -
Federal Reserve Issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement
(May 2, 2018) - - Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in March indicates that the labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has been rising at a moderate rate. Job gains have been strong, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has stayed low. Recent data suggest that growth of household spending moderated from its strong fourth-quarter pace, while business fixed investment continued to grow strongly. On a 12-month basis, both overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy have moved close to 2 percent. Market-based measures of inflation compensation remain low; survey-based measures of longer-term inflation expectations are little changed, on balance. Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum emp...05-02-2018, 09:21 PM -
Securities and Exchange Commission issues Fee Rate Advisory #3 for Fiscal Year 2018
Washington, DC - - (April 17, 2018) - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that starting on May 22, 2018, the fee rates applicable to most securities transactions will be set at $13.00 per million dollars. Consequently, each SRO will continue to pay the Commission a rate of $23.10 per million for covered sales occurring on charge dates through May 21, 2018, and a rate of $13.00 per million for covered sales occurring on charge dates on or after May 22, 2018. The reduction in the fee rate for fiscal year 2018 is due, in part, to the substantially higher dollar amount of covered sales in recent months. The Commission notes that if the dollar amount of covered sales deviates from current levels when the fee rate is next adjusted, a large reduction or increase in the fee rate may aga...04-28-2018, 10:41 PM -
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Determination on Stainless Steel Flanges from the People's Republic of China
(April 6, 2018) - - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of stainless steel flanges from China, finding that exporters from China received countervailable subsidies of 174.73 percent. “President Trump made it clear from the beginning that we will vigorously administer our trade laws to provide U.S. industry with relief from unfair trade practices,” said Secretary Ross. “Today’s decision follows an open and transparent investigation in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, and administrative practices that ensured a full and fair review of the facts.” As a result of these decisions, the Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Cust...04-09-2018, 07:49 AM -
Secretary Perdue Issues USDA Statement on Plant Breeding Innovation
March 29, 2018
Washington, DC - - (March 28, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued a statement providing clarification on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oversight of plants produced through innovative new breeding techniques which include techniques called genome editing. Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not regulate or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are not plant pests or developed using plant pests. This includes a set of new techniques that are increasingly being used by plant breeders to produce new plant varieties that are indistinguishable from those developed through traditional breeding methods. The newest of these methods, such as genome e...03-29-2018, 07:20 AM -
Federal Reserve Issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement
The Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 3/4 to 1 percent
Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2017) - - Today, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following: Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in February indicates that the labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has continued to expand at a moderate pace. Job gains remained solid and the unemployment rate was little changed in recent months. Household spending has continued to rise moderately while business fixed investment appears to have firmed somewhat. Inflation has increased in recent quarters, moving close to the Committee's 2 percent longer-run objective; excluding energy and food prices, inflation was little changed and continued to run somewhat below 2 percent. Market-based measures of inflatio...03-16-2017, 03:01 AM -
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Issues Proposed Rule to Increase Patients’ Health Insurance Choices for 2018
March 1, 2017
(February 15, 2017) - - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a proposed rule for 2018, which proposes new reforms that are critical to stabilizing the individual and small group health insurance markets to help protect patients. This proposed rule would make changes to special enrollment periods, the annual open enrollment period, guaranteed availability, network adequacy rules, essential community providers, and actuarial value requirements; and announces upcoming changes to the qualified health plan certification timeline. “Americans participating in the individual health insurance markets deserve as many health insurance options as possible,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “This proposal will take steps ...03-01-2017, 12:44 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary John Kelly Issues Implementation Memoranda on Border Security and Interior Enforcement Executive Orders
Washington, DC - - (February 21, 2017) - - Today, Secretary John Kelly issued two memoranda to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce providing further direction to implement the recent executive orders on border security and enforcement of the immigration laws.
In accordance with the Department’s commitment to be transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest and protect the homeland, consolidated information regarding DHS operations in relation to the executive orders is available at https://www.dhs.gov/executive-orders...cting-homeland.
Information source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security...02-21-2017, 08:40 PM -
U.S. General Services Administration Issues Request for Information for Entity Identification and Validation Services
February 16, 2017
Washington, DC - - (February 13, 2017) - - The General Services Administration (GSA) has released a Request for Information for government-wide entity identification and validation services. The government has a need for assignment and maintenance of a unique numbering system to consistently identify specific commercial, nonprofit, or government entities. The overarching government requirement is for business identification and validation services associated with that unique number. Currently, these services are provided by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), whose contract with GSA expires in 2018. The government is exploring all viable means of continuing to meet its ongoing need for entity identification and validation services after the contract’s expiration. Additionally, both the FAR and...02-16-2017, 09:05 PM -
U.S. Education Secretary DeVos Issues Letter to Chief State School Officers
February 14, 2017
Washington, DC - - (February 10, 2017) - - In a letter delivered today to chief state school officers, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos provided clarity on Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) implementation, in light of the actions related to the postponement of the accountability regulations and the Congressional Review Act. The letter emphasizes that states should continue to move forward and that the Department will work to ensure that state education leaders have the state and local flexibility that Congress intended. States should continue to follow the timeline for developing and submitting their plans for review and approval, building on the work they have already completed. The Department will provide further guidance on the state plan requirements by March 13, 2017. "States have been working diligently on ESSA plans," says Secret...02-14-2017, 01:00 AM