5 State Transportation Departments Issue Public Comment to DOT
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The transportation departments of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming have issued a public comment to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The comment was written on April 14, 2024, and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was on Docket No. FHWA-2023-0045.
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Comments of the Transportation Departments of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming to the Federal Highway Administration in Docket No. FHWA-2023-0045 Highway Safety Impr more
Ballad Health Issues Public Comment to FTC
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Ballad Health, Johnson City, Tennessee, has issued a public comment to the Federal Trade Commission. The comment was written and posted on April 8, 2024.
The comment was signed by Trish Tanner, VP/Chief Pharmacy Officer.
The comment was on Docket No. FTC-2024-0018-0001.
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To: The Honorable Lina Kahn
Chair
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
*
The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human S more
Mid-Size Bank Coalition Issues Public Comment to Treasury Dept.
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America has issued a public comment to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The comment was written and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was signed by Brent Tjarks, Executive Director.
The comment was on Docket No. OCC-2023-0017.
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To: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
400 7th Street, SW, Suite 3E-218
Washington, DC 20219
Re: Business Combinations under the Bank Merger Act (Docket ID OCC-2023-0017)
Ladies and Gentlem more
N.Y. State Office of Children & Family Services Issues Public Comment to HHS
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Rensselaer, has issued a public comment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The comment was written on April 12, 2024, and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was signed by Gail Geohagen-Pratt, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Child Welfare and Community Services.
The comment was on Docket No. ACF-2024-0001-0001.
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To: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Chil more
National Association of Disability Representatives Issues Public Comment to Social Security Administration
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The National Association of Disability Representatives, Houston, Texas, has issued a public comment to the Social Security Administration. The comment was written on April 12, 2024, and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was signed by Christopher M. Mazzulli, President.
The comment was on Docket No. SSA-2016-0039.
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To: The Honorable Martin O'Malley
Commissioner
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Submitted via w more
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates Issues Public Comment to VA
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The National Organization of Veterans' Advocates Inc. has issued a public comment to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The comment was written on April 12, 2024, and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was signed by Diane Boyd Rauber, Executive Director.
The comment was on Docket No. VA-2024-VBA-0006-0001.
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To: Robert Park
Chief
Regulations Staff (211C)
Compensation Service (21C)
Veterans Benefits Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 V more
Ute Indian Tribe Issues Public Comment to FTC
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The Ute Indian Tribe, Fort Duchesne, Utah, has issued a public comment to the Federal Trade Commission. The comment was written on April 11, 2024, and posted on April 15, 2024.
The comment was on Docket No. FTC-2024-0023-0001.
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Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation
Comments on Federal Trade Commission [Docket No. C-4760] Petition for Prior Approval of XCL Resources Holdings, LLC's Proposed Acquisition of Altamont Energy, LLC
April 11, 2024
The Ut more
GOVERNMENT - Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Niger
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12464) on April 10, 2024, by African affairs specialist Alexis Arieff.
Here are excerpts:
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Niger
A military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former Presidential Guard commander, seized power in July 2023, part of a wave of coups in Africa. In March 2024, the junta rescinded Niger's status of forces agreement (SOFA) with the United States, which underpins one of the la more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Senegal
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10164) on April 10, 2024, by African affairs specialist Alexis Arieff.
Here are excerpts:
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Senegal
The March 2024 election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an opposition activist who has never held elected office, curtailed a constitutional crisis in Senegal while signaling potentially major shifts in economic policy and foreign relations. President Diomaye Faye, sworn in April more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Evergrande Group & China's Debt Challenges
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11953) on April 8, 2024, by Michael D. Sutherland, international trade and finance analyst, and Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist.
Here are excerpts:
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Evergrande Group and China's Debt Challenges
Since 2021, some Members of Congress have raised concerns about the People's Republic of China (PRC or China)'s debt levels and the solvency of PRC property developers. more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on IRS Appropriations, FY2024
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12440) on April 8, 2024, by public finance analyst Gary Guenther.
Here are excerpts:
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Internal Revenue Service Appropriations, FY2024
Overview of the IRS Budget
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for (1) collecting most of the revenue to fund federal government agencies and programs and (2) enforcing taxpayer compliance with federal tax laws through activities like more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Proposals to Regulate U.S. Outbound Investment to China
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12629) on April 8, 2024, Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs, international trade and finance specialist, and Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist:
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Proposals to Regulate U.S. Outbound Investment to China
Introduction
The U.S. government has generally supported an open investment environment at home and abroad to promote U.S. economic growth, sustain the U.S. position as a p more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests - FDA's Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12628) on April 8, 2024, by health policy specialist Amanda K. Sarata:
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Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests: FDA's Proposed Rule
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as a class of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device that is designed, manufactured, and used within a single clinical laboratory. LDTs are an important part of personalized m more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Supplemental Security Income
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10482) on April 10, 2024, by social policy analyst Emma K. Tatem and income security analyst William R. Morton.
Here are excerpts:
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Overview
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to older adults and individuals with qualifying disabilities who have income and resources (i.e., asset more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Credit Rating Agencies
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11916) on April 9, 2024, by financial economics specialist Rena S. Mille.
Here are excerpts:
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Credit Rating Agencies: Background and Regulatory Issues
Credit rating agencies (CRAs) provide investors with evaluations of the creditworthiness of debt (i.e., how likely a debt is to be repaid in full) issued by a wide spectrum of entities, including corporations, sovereign nations, an more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Optional Practical Training for Foreign Students in U.S.
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12631) on April 9, 2024, by immigration policy analyst Jill H. Wilson.
Here are excerpts:
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Foreign Students in the United States
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment established through regulation for foreign students and recent graduates in the United States in F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant (i.e., temporary) status. In calendar more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on Possible Elimination of Chevron Deference
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12630) on April 8, 2024.
The white paper is written by economic policy senior specialist Jane G. Gravelle, public finance specialist Donald J. Marples and legislative attorney Benjamin M. Barczewski:
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The Possible Elimination of Chevron Deference: Potential Implications for Tax Revenue and Administration
The Supreme Court has heard oral argument in the cases Loper Bright Enterpris more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10597) on April 9, 2024, by international relations specialist Luisa Blanchfield.
Here are excerpts:
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping
The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such fundin more
Congressional Research Service Issues In Focus White Paper on U.S. Funding to U.N. System
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11916) on April 9, 2024, by international relations specialist Luisa Blanchfield.
Here are excerpts:
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System
The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. funding to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. contributions are u more
Congressional Research Service Issues Insight White Paper on Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises & Minority Business Enterprises
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12266) on April 8, 2024, by R. Corinne Blackford, small business and economic development policy analyst:
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Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Minority Business Enterprises: Definitions and Differences in Terms Used by Government Programs
Government contracting programs that promote small business contracting opportunities support certain types of more
Congressional Research Service Issues Legal Sidebar White Paper on Lindke V. Freed & Government Officials' Use of Social Media
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11146) on April 9, 2024, by legislative attorney Valerie C. Brannon:
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Lindke v. Freed and Government Officials' Use of Social Media
The First Amendment's Free Speech Clause limits the government's ability to exclude constituents from public forums, both offline and online. In March 2024, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Lindke v. Freed opining on when a government officia more
Congressional Research Service Issues Insight White Paper on Government Spending Oversight Act & Future of Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12346) on April 5, 2024, by Ben Wilhelm, government organization and management analyst:
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The Government Spending Oversight Act and the Future of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
On March 21, 2024, Chairman Gary Peters and Senator Mitt Romney of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs introduced S. 4036, the Government Spending Oversight Act o more
Congressional Research Service Issues Legal Sidebar White Paper on Fifth Amendment Takings Claims for Alleged Disclosures of Trade Secrets & Confidential Information
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11143) on April 8, 2024, by legislative attorney Dorothy C. Kafka and section research manager Christina L. Shifton:
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Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. United States: Fifth Amendment Takings Claims for Alleged Disclosures of Trade Secrets and Confidential Information
On January 18, 2024, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied, in part, the government's motion to dismiss a lawsui more
Congressional Research Service Issues Legal Sidebar White Paper on Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers, April 1 - April 7, 2024
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11144) on April 8, 2024, by deputy assistant director Michael John Garcia:
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Congressional Court Watcher: Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (April 1-April 7, 2024)
The federal courts issue hundreds of decisions every week in cases involving diverse legal disputes. This Sidebar series selects decisions from the past week that may be of particular interest to fe more
Congressional Research Service Issues Legal Sidebar White Paper on Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Drug Offense Sentencing Relief Under First Step Act
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11145) on April 4, 2024, by legislative attorney Dave S. Sidhu:
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Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Drug Offense Sentencing Relief Under the First Step Act
In Pulsifer v. United States, the Supreme Court resolved a question that had divided federal courts of appeals: what is the scope of eligibility for certain federal drug defendants seeking a sentence below a mandatory minimum more
Ariz. U.S. Attorney: Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Drug Smuggling and Bribery
TUCSON, Arizona, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona issued the following news release:
Carlos Victor Passapera Pinott, 56, of Buckeye, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Passapera pleaded guilty to Bribery of a Public Official and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin on June 23, 2023.
On August 9, 2020, while more
BLM Ensures Fair Taxpayer Return, Strengthens Accountability for Oil and Gas Operations on Public Lands
WASHINGTON, April 13 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management issued the following news release on April 12, 2024:
The Department of the Interior today announced a final rule to revise the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) oil and gas leasing regulations, which will ensure a balanced approach to development, provide a fair return to taxpayers, and help keep drilling activities from conflicting with the protection of important wildlife habitat or cultural sites. more
D.C. U.S. Attorney: Physician Charged With 28 Additional Counts in Selling Opioid Prescriptions for Cash
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release on April 12, 2024:
Ndubuisi Joseph Okafor, M.D., 64, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was charged in U.S. District Court yesterday on a 29-count count superseding indictment for illegally distributing prescriptions for narcotics in exchange for cash. According to court documents, Okafor allegedly distributed oxycodone and promethazine with codeine to individuals outside the usual c more
N.J. U.S. Attorney: Justice Department's Procurement Collusion Strike Force Continues Strategic Growth, Adds Four National Partners
NEWARK, New Jersey, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey issued the following news release on April 12, 2024:
The Justice Department announced today that the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is adding four new national partners, for a total of 38 agencies and offices committed to deterring, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting antitrust crimes and related schemes that target government procurement, grants, and program funding at all levels of more
PETA Urges Inspector General to Investigate Botched NIH-Funded Animal Experiments at Cleveland Clinic
CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 13 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General now that the federal agency charged with policing animal experimentation facilities has failed to adequately address a string of alarming violations of the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) in laboratories at Clevel more
PETA Urges Inspector General to Investigate Botched NIH-Funded Animal Experiments at JHU
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 13 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General now that the federal agency charged with policing animal experimentation facilities has failed to adequately address a string of alarming animal welfare violations--including the deaths of a dog and a rabbit in laboratories at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and re more
PETA Urges Inspector General to Investigate Botched NIH-Funded Animal Experiments at Pitt
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, April 13 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General now that the federal agency charged with policing animal experimentation facilities has failed to adequately address a string of alarming animal welfare violations--including the deaths of mice in laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and repeat more
PETA Urges Inspector General to Investigate Botched NIH-Funded Animal Experiments at The Jackson Laboratory
BAR HARBOR, Maine, April 13 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General now that the federal agency charged with policing animal experimentation facilities has failed to adequately address a string of alarming violations of the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) at The Jackson Laborato more
PETA Urges Inspector General to Investigate Botched NIH-Funded Animal Experiments in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wisconsin, April 13 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General now that the federal agency charged with policing animal experimentation facilities has failed to adequately address a string of alarming animal welfare violations--including the deaths of mice in laboratories at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), vi more
Rep. Van Drew Meets With HUD Inspector General
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 12, 2024:
This week, Congressman Van Drew met with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Inspector General (IG) Rae Oliver Davis to discuss their focus on the ongoing health and safety crisis at Stanley Holmes Village. The Office of the Inspector General safeguards HUD's programs from fraud, waste, and abuse and identifies opportunities for HUD programs to progress and more
S.C. U.S. Attorney: Former SCDC Captain and SCDC Inmate Indicted for Bribery, Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Money Laundering
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina issued the following news release:
A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 15-count indictment against Christine Mary Livingston, 46, of Gaston, and Jerell Reaves, 33, for bribery, conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering.
During the alleged crimes, Livingston was a correctional officer and supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), where she more
V.I. U.S. Attorney: National Park Service Deputy Superintendent Sentenced in Fraud Case
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Virgin Islands issued the following news release on April 11, 2024:
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Gregory Camacho, 43, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to nine months of home detention with electronic monitoring and four years of probation after pleading guilty to Converting Property of Another. Judge Lewis also imposed a fine of $6,000.00, a s more
At Hearing Focused on Women Veterans, Sen. Tester Stresses Need to Improve Care, Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release:
During a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing yesterday on improving care and resources for women veterans, Chairman Jon Tester questioned a panel of woman veterans and advocates, including Dr. Alissa Engel, a Montana veteran and mental health provider, on his Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act--bipartisan legislation that would expand the evidentiary standard for military sexual tr more
At Hearing Focused on Women Veterans, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Tester Stresses Need to Improve Care, Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news:
During a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing yesterday on improving care and resources for women veterans, Chairman Jon Tester questioned a panel of woman veterans and advocates, including Dr. Alissa Engel, a Montana veteran and mental health provider, on his Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act--bipartisan legislation that would expand the more
Conduent Implements Technologies to Help South Carolina EBT Cardholders Protect SNAP and Other Benefits From Fraud
FLORHAM PARK, New Jersey, April 12 -- Conduent, a business process services and solutions company, issued the following news release:
Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, has implemented technologies for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to help combat fraud and further enhance the security of the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. In South Carolina and other states, EBT fraud targeting the more
Conn. U.S. Attorney: California Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine to Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, April 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut issued the following news release on April 11, 2024:
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR RODRIGUEZ-GOMEZ, also known as "Calami," 49, of Desert Hot Springs, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking l more
EPA Receives Public Communication From National Propane Gas Association
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency received the following public communication dated March 22, 2024:
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To: Timothy Thomas
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Re: Comment Request: Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program (Renewal)
Dear Mr. Thomas:
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) respectfully submits this comment in response to the Environmental Protection Agency more
FAA Receives Public Communication From Airlines for America
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration received the following public communication dated April 8, 2024:
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BEFORE THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
In the Matter of: Falsification, Reproduction, Alteration Omission, or Incorrect Statements
Docket No.: FAA-2024-0021
COMMENTS OF AIRLINES FOR AMERICA
Airlines for America ("A4A"), on behalf of its members,1 submits these comments in r more
Fla. A.G. Moody Announces Arrest of Escambia Man for Exploiting More Than $17,000 From Florida Senior
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 12 -- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued the following news release on April 11, 2024:
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit today announced the arrest of Ira Roberts for financially exploiting an elderly Escambia resident. According to the MFCU investigation, Roberts systematically took more than $17,000 from the senior's bank account over an 18-month period, spending the funds on personal bills and purchases from DoorDash, Netflix, A more
Fla. U.S. Attorney: Sober Home Owner Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Defrauding Over $4M From Federal Employee Health Benefits Program to Fund Lavish Lifestyle
MIAMI, Florida, April 12 -- The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Markenzy Lapointe, issued the following news release:
On April 10, a substance abuse facility owner was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,444,417.65 in restitution, for defrauding the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) of over $4 million. The sentence comes after the defendant entered a guilty plea in February.
Joseph T more
HHS IG Issues Advisory Opinion No. 24-02
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General posted the following advisory opinion (No. No. 24-02) on April 11, 2024:
* * *
Favorable opinion regarding patient assistance funds operated by a nonprofit, tax exempt charitable organization.
* * *
[We redact certain identifying information and certain potentially privileged, confidential, or proprietary information, unless otherwise approved by the requestor(s).]
Issued: April 8, 2024
Posted: April 11, 2024
[Addres more
House Appropriations Subcommittee Sets April 17 Hearing on FY 2025 Request for U.S. House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the United States House of Representatives" at 9 a.m. on April 17, 2024, at HT-2 Capitol:
Witnesses
* Mr. E. Wade Ballou Jr., Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
* Mr. Matthew Barry, General Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
* The Honorable Kevin F. McCumber, Acting Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
* more
Ill. Senate Democrats: Fine Legislation to Increase Patient Safety at Mental Health Facilities Passes the Senate
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news:
In an effort to increase patient safety at state run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine passed Senate Bill 857. This legislation increases the Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) ability to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.
"Since 2022, I have visited state-operated mental health and developmental disability facilities across the state to recei more
Mass. U.S. Attorney: Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner Sentenced for $7.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release on April 11, 2024:
A Virginia-based nurse practitioner was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a $7.8 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces.
Daphne Jenkins, 64, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorto more
Oversight Committee Advances Legislation to Require Census Bureau to Include Citizenship Question, Minimize the Risk of Waste, Fraud, Abuse of Taxpayer Dollars
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, issued the following news release:
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a markup yesterday to consider a series of bills that require the Census Bureau to include a citizenship question on the decennial census questionnaire, minimize the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, and instruct the Office of Management and Budget to set an annual, gover more
Postal Service IG: 'Mail Conditions at South Houston Local Processing Center'
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-050-1-R24) on April 10, 2024, entitled "Mail Conditions at South Houston Local Processing Center."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Background
Our objective for this alert was to determine facility opening procedures and mail conditions at the South Houston Local Processing Center.
Each year, increased mail volume during the Postal Service's peak mailing season - Thanksgiving through New Year more
Rep. Loudermilk Demands Answers From USPS on Mail Delivery Breakdowns Across Georgia
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Georgia, issued the following statement on April 11, 2024:
* * *
Today, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) released the following statement demanding answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on mail service delivery breakdowns occurring across Georgia:
"Mail delays and USPS operational breakdowns occurring throughout the state are deeply troubling and require both rigorous oversight and additional transparency from USPS to all those affe more
Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee Sets April 16 Hearing on Oversight of U.S. Postal Service
WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Oversight of the United States Postal Service" at 10 a.m. on April 16, 2024, at 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building:
Witnesses:
* LOUIS DEJOY, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, United States Postal Service
* THE HONORABLE ROMAN MARTINEZ IVm Chairman, Board of Governors United States Postal Service
* THE HONORABLE MICHAEL KUBAYANDA, Chai more
Texas U.S. Attorney: DHS Employee Indicted for Money Laundering
HOUSTON, Texas, April 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release:
A deportation officer has been taken into custody on allegations he transported nearly $700,000 in what he believed to be drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Christopher Washington Toral, 48, Spring, is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment Ap more
W.Va. U.S. Attorney: Federal Jury Convicts Putnam County Man for FHA Fraud Scheme
HUNTINGTON, West Virginia, April 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia issued the following news release:
After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Jason Trador, 46, of Scott Depot, on April 10, 2024, of making a false statement to federal agents, willfully overvaluing property on a loan application, and three counts of making a false statement to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Evidence at trial proved that more
Back to Basics: House Republican Appropriations Committee Offers Reform Bills Following Budget Hearings
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release:
Members of the House Appropriations Committee joined House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) to discuss a bill package called "Back to Basics." These bills aim to assist state government in performing its basic and essential tasks.
"Throughout the 2024 budget hearings, we heard from many agencies who are failing at their basic tasks," Grove said. "Our committee kept more
Bipartisan Legislation Overhauling Prison Oversight Led by McBath, Armstrong Approved By House Committee with Overwhelming Support
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
Legislation led by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL) overhauling the federal prison system was marked up and approved yesterday by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The Federal Prison Oversight Act establishes new, independent oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL more
Castro, Fitzpatrick Launch Bipartisan Push to Protect U.S. Development Finance Programs from Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following news release:
Devex: New bill aims to give DFC watchdog law enforcement power
Today, Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Enhancing Development Finance Corporation Oversight Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation that would grant law enforcement authority to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in order to improve more
CFTC Appoints Christopher Skinner as Inspector General
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced Christopher L. Skinner has been appointed CFTC's Inspector General (IG). Mr. Skinner brings 15 years of IG experience, including leading and managing Offices of Inspector's General (OIG), and conducting investigations, inspections, and audits.
Mr. Skinner comes to the CFTC from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) where more
Collins, King Co-Sponsor Bipartisan Bill to Protect Service Members from Shockwave Trauma Produced by Explosive Weapons
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release:
Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)
Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are cosponsoring a bipartisan bill to better protect service members from the physical and cognitive dangers of shockwaves produced by explosive weapons used both in combat and in training. The Blas more
Commerce IG Issues Memorandum on Status Report on Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act Programs
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of the Inspector General issued the following memorandum on April 9, 2024, regarding the status report on the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act Programs:
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Laurie E. Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Nationa more
DOT IG: Audit Initiated of the National Transportation Safety Board's Financial Statements for FY 2024 & 2023
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Transportation Inspector General issued the following audit announcement on April 9, 2024, entitled "Audit Initiated of the National Transportation Safety Board's Financial Statements for Fiscal 2024 and 2023:"
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To: The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, Chair, National Transportation Safety Board, 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20594
Dear Chair Homendy:
In accordance with the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002, we are initiating an audit of the Natio more
DOT IG: FRA's Oversight of Roadway Worker Protection Regulation
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Transportation Inspector General issued the following audit announcement on April 10, 2024, entitled "FRA's Oversight of the Roadway Worker Protection Regulation:"
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From: David Pouliott, Assistant Inspector General for Surface Transportation Audits
To: Federal Railroad Administrator
In August 2023, a railroad track maintenance machine struck and killed a roadway worker blowing leaves on the same track in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. As there are tens of t more
Fitzpatrick, Castro Launch Bipartisan Push to Protect U.S. Development Finance Programs from Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
Today, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced the Enhancing Development Finance Corporation Oversight Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation that would grant law enforcement authority to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in order to improve oversight and accountability of U.S. foreign aid progra more
House Energy Subcommittee on Health Chair Guthrie Issues Opening Remarks on Supporting Patient Access to Telehealth Services
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) delivered the following opening remarks at today's subcommittee hearing on ensuring patients continue to have the choice whether to go to a doctor in person or use telehealth when appropriate and more convenient for them.
"Today we're here to examine l more
House Oversight Committee Passes Waltz Bill to Stop FEHB Fraud and Government Waste
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Florida, issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
On Wednesday, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability passed the FEHB Protection Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06) to stop fraud within the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the country - the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
The FEHB Protection Act of 2024 codifies recommendations from the Government Accou more
Justice Dept.: False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for Fraudulent Drug Pricing Reporting
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act (FCA) against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Regeneron), a New York-based pharmaceutical company. Regeneron manufactures and sells Eylea, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat, among other conditions, neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a prevalent, usually age-rela more
Justice Dept.: Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras Arrested and Extradited for Racketeering, Narcotics, Firearms Offenses
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
An indictment was unsealed today charging David Campbell, also known as Viejo Dan and Don David, 57, of Honduras, one of the principal narcotics and weapons suppliers to MS-13 in Honduras, with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.
Campbell was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court after being extradited yesterday from Honduras.
more
Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Blast Overpressure and Protect Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined twelve of his colleagues, led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), in introducing the Blast Overpressure Safety Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would direct the Department of Defense (DOD) to enact new measures to help mitigate and protect se more
King, Collins Co-Sponsor Bipartisan Bill to Protect Service Members from Shockwave Trauma Produced by Explosive Weapons
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, issued the following news release:
Senators Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, are cosponsoring a bipartisan bill to better protect service members from the physical and cognitive dangers of shockwaves produced by explosive weapons used both in combat and in training. The Blast Overpressure Safety Act would di more
Mass. U.S. Attorney: Brockton Man Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $1.5 Million in COVID-Relief Funds
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a scheme to submit false applications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) funds through the Small Business Administration (SBA) that were made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) more
Mass. U.S. Attorney: Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Charged With Defrauding U.S. Small Business Administration
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release:
The owner of Stash's Pizza, who is currently facing alleged federal forced labor charges, has been indicted by a grand jury in Boston for allegedly submitting false information to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain a loan on behalf of a business he no longer owned.
Stavros Papantoniadis, a/k/a "Steve Papantoniadis," 49, of Westwood, was in more
Mass. U.S. Attorney: United States Files Complaint Against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Alleging Fraudulent Drug Price Reporting
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release:
The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act (FCA) against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron), a New York-based pharmaceutical company. The complaint alleges that Regeneron fraudulently manipulated Medicare reimbursement for its drug, Eylea, by knowingly submitting false average sales price (ASP) reports to Medicare. Medicare uses more
N.Y. U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest and Extradition of David Campbell, Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras
NEW YORK, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; John J. Durham, the Director of Joint Task Force Vulcan ("JTFV"); Anne Milgram, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA"); Katrina W. Berger, the Executive Associate Director of Homelan more
NEWS: Sen. Ossoff's Bipartisan Bill to Overhaul Federal Prison Oversight Passes Key U.S. House Committee
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
Sen. Ossoff's bipartisan bill requires DOJ Inspector General to conduct vigorous oversight & creates a new independent Ombudsman to investigate health & safety of staff & incarcerated people in Federal prisons
Bipartisan bill comes after Sen. Ossoff led multiple investigations into U.S. prison system
Senator Jon Ossoff's bipartisan bill to strengthen Federal prison oversight has passed a key House Committee more
Ohio U.S. Attorney: Cincinnati Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Crimes Related to COVID-19 Relief Fraud
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
A Cincinnati woman convicted at trial last summer of fraud crimes was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 84 months in prison.
Kelli Prather, 52, fraudulently requested more than $1.2 million in pandemic relief loans. She was convicted on all 14 counts following a trial in July 2023 before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland.
According to more
Ohio U.S. Attorney: Defendant Who Admitted to Filing Thousands of COVID-Relief Applications Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
A Columbus man who estimated he filed more than 3,000 fraudulent COVID-relief applications was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 72 months in prison.
The fraud scheme perpetuated by Ousmane Diane, 24, caused a loss of more than $908,000. He submitted applications for more than $2 million in funding.
Diane pleaded guilty in October 2023 to wi more
Pa. House Republicans: Mako Introduces Legislation to Bring Accountability to Department of Corrections
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) today announced he is introducing legislation to bring accountability to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) as part of a "Back to Basics" government reform package.
"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee for two legislative sessions, I have listened as representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Cor more
Rep. Ciscomani Introduces Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., introduced the "Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act" on March 15, 2024. The text and summary of the bill was released on April 10.
H.R. 7684. A bill to reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such p more
Right On Crime Supports Bipartisan Policies of the Federal Prison Oversight Act - "Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant"
AUSTIN, Texas, April 11 -- Right on Crime, a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation that supports conservative solutions for reducing crime, restoring victims, reforming offenders and lowering taxpayer costs, issued the following news release:
Right On Crime, a national conservative criminal justice organization, supports the bipartisan and bicameral policies of the Federal Prison Oversight Act, H.R. 3019, which will increase transparency and accountability within the Bureau of more
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Whitehouse: Offshore Tax Evasion by Big Corporations, Wealthy Cheats American People
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following news release on April 10, 2024:
In advance of Tax Day on Monday, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing, titled "Sunny Places for Shady People: Offshore Tax Evasion by the Wealthy and Corporations."
Chairman Whitehouse's remarks, as prepared for delivery:
On Tax more
Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Grassley Provides Insight on Efforts to Snuff Out Tax Evasion
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following opening statement at a hearing on offshore tax evasion by the wealthy and corporations, on April 10, 2024:
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Mr. Chairman,
I appreciate your holding today's hearing on offshore tax evasion and closing the tax gap.I have some experience in this area.
Talking about the tax gap, I remember how my late friend and former Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch used to more
Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peters, Sens. Durbin, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Fraud, Recover Stolen Pandemic Funds, Protect Taxpayer Dollars
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced legislation to address historic levels of fraud within federal funds that were passed to help more
Senators Announce Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Blast Overpressure and Protect Service Members
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:
Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act - bipartisan legislation that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a variety of measures to help mitigate and p more
Texas U.S. Attorney: Former Corrections Officer Charged With Accepting Bribes
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, April 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release:
A Three Rivers resident and former Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employee is expected to appear in federal court on two counts of bribery of a public official, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Justin Matthew Gonzalez, 26, is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie K. Hampton at 9:45 a.m.
According to the indictment, returned April 4 and u more
Warren, Ernst, Khanna, Senators Announce Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Blast Overpressure and Protect Service Members
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act - bipartisan legislation that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a variety of measures to help mitigate and protect service more
CFTC Appoints Christopher Skinner as Inspector General
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following enforcement news release:
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced Christopher L. Skinner has been appointed CFTC's Inspector General (IG). Mr. Skinner brings 15 years of IG experience, including leading and managing Offices of Inspector's General (OIG), and conducting investigations, inspections, and audits.
Mr. Skinner comes to the CFTC from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) where he se more
Dirty Dozen: IRS Warns Tax Pros, Businesses to Be Cautious of Ongoing Spearphishing Attacks to Gain Sensitive Information
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
* * *
Warns Of Surge In "New Client" Scams
* * *
As part of the Dirty Dozen tax scams effort, the Internal Revenue Service today urged tax professionals and other businesses to remain vigilant and protect themselves against a continuing barrage of email spearfishing attempts designed to steal valuable information.
Tax professionals and businesses present more
Duckworth Secures Support from Defense Secretary Austin on Her Proposal to Improve Access to Quality Patient Care for Servicemembers and Their Families in the Indo-Pacific
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)--a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)--secured support from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin for a proposal she plans to push strongly to be included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at improving DoD medical re more
Durbin, Peters, and Wyden Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Fraud, Recover Stolen Pandemic Funds, and Protect Taxpayer Dollars
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Gary Peters?(D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced legislation to address historic levels of fraud within federal funds that were passed to help Americans through the COVID-19 pandemi more
Ernst to Biden's Bureaucrats: You're Busted!
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release:
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is asking anyone having difficulty getting timely assistance or even a callback from government agencies, including civil servants themselves, to share their stories with her. In a speech on the Senate floor today, she highlighted a number of whistleblower stories exposing how President Biden has turned D.C. into a ghost town and what she is doing to get bureaucrats back to their old more
Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Chair Lewis Announces Historic Financing for Ukrainian Railways During Visit to Ukraine
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair of the Board of Directors Reta Jo Lewis today announced that the EXIM Board of Directors of the United States (EXIM) last week approved a historic $156.6 million loan to Ukrainian Railways to support the potential acquisition of 40 Wabtec diesel locomotives during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukra more
Filing False FEMA Applications May Lead to Criminal Charges
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
Filing False FEMA Applications May Lead to Criminal Charges
LANSING, Mich. - If you apply for FEMA Assistance and purposely claim disaster damage that never happened, you you may be charged with a serious crime.
FEMA must make sure taxpayer dollars go only to Michigan homeowners and renters in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland more
Justice Dept.: Central States Pension Plan Agrees to Repay Excess Special Financial Assistance Funds
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
The Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (Central States) has entered into a civil settlement agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to repay more than $126.5 million in excess funds that it received from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in connection with the PBGC's Special Financial Assistance Program.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Special F more
Justice Dept.: Central States Pension Plan Agrees to Repay Excess Special Financial Assistance Funds
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
The Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (Central States) has entered into a civil settlement agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to repay more than $126.5 million in excess funds that it received from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in connection with the PBGC's Special Financial Assistance Program.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Special F more
Justice Dept.: COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Releases 2024 Report
WASHINGTON, April 10 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
The Justice Department's COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) today released its 2024 report detailing the efforts of the task force and its member agencies in response to widespread fraud involving many COVID-19 relief programs targeted by fraudsters and other criminals who sought to exploit the government's relief efforts for their personal gain.
"Since I established t more
Justice Dept.: Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft and Misappropriation of COVID-19 Funds
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to theft of public money in connection with a scheme to misappropriate over $780,000 from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
According to court documents, Melissa J. Watson, of Slidell, operated a primary care clinic. Following the onset of the COVID-19 more
Md. U.S. Attorney: Holy Health Care Services, LLC Owner Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud Scheme
GREENBELT, Maryland, April 10 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland issued the following news release:
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Julius Bakari, age 46, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 3 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid. The defendant's conviction stems from a scheme involving services purportedly provided by Holy Health more
Rep. Eshoo's Opening Remarks at Health Subcommittee Legislative Hearing on Telehealth Services
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-California, issued the following news release:
Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) made the following opening statement at the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on telehealth services:
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the witnesses and thank you for being here. We all are looking forward to hearing from you. Today, our Subcommittee will consider 15 bills to expand access to tel more
Rep. Mike Levin Weighs in on Congressional Hearing Regarding Nuclear Waste Management in the United States
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Rep. Mike Levin, D-California, issued the following news release:
Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) and Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01) regarding the Subcommittee's hearing today on spent nuclear fuel. The letter details potential solutions for the approximately 90,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel stranded at nuclear power plants across the more
Sen. Cruz Probe Reveals U.S. Coast Guard Unlawful Use of NDAs to Silence Sexual Assault Victims
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on April 8, 2024:
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today revealed that his investigation into past sexual assaults at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has uncovered new information. According to records obtained by the Committee, the U.S. Coast Guard illegally prohibited sexual assault victims from disclosing i more
Senator Murray Asks DHS Secretary to Commit to Independent Investigation of Conditions at Tacoma ICE Facility, Presses Mayorkas on Overuse of Solitary Confinement at ICE Facilities
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
Senator Murray: "I really strongly caution that ICE needs to take these unsafe, inhumane conditions we have seen documented actually over the last two decades very seriously when you consider renewing the contract at that facility. It expires in 2025, and I will continue to talk with you about that."
***WATCH: Senator Murray's opening remarks and questioning of Secretary Mayorkas***
Today--at a Senate more
Tech Mod House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Chairman Rosendale During Hearing on VA Supply Chain: 'There is Waste & Dysfunction in Every Step of the Process.'
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana, chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
Today, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, at the start of the subcommittee's hearing on VA's broken medical supply chain modernization project:
Good afternoon. more
Va. U.S. Attorney: FCC Petersburg Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 10 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the following news release on April 9, 2024:
The final defendant in a bribery conspiracy within the Federal Correctional Complex at Petersburg, Virginia (FCC Petersburg), pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to solicit and accept a bribe by a public official.
According to court documents, Daniel Thomas, 37, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, has been a correctional officer at FCC Petersburg si more
White House Fact Sheet: President Biden's Sweeping Proposals to Crack Down on Pandemic Fraud and Help Victims Recover Introduced in Congress
WASHINGTON, April 10 (TNSres) -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on April 9, 2024:
* * *
President Biden's Sweeping Proposals to Crack Down on Pandemic Fraud and Help Victims Recover Introduced in Congress
- Major New Legislation Introduced by Senators Peters, Durbin, and Wyden Includes Key White House Proposals to Address Systemic Pandemic Fraud and Prevent Future Schemes
Today, Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters, Senate Judiciary more
Acting Ill. U.S. Attorney: Owner of Chicago-Area Child Care Centers Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $3.3 Million in State Subsidies
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois issued the following news release:
The owner of Chicago-area child care centers has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for scheming to fraudulently obtain more than $3.3 million in State of Illinois subsidies designed to help low-income families afford child care.
ALEESHA McDOWELL owned child care providers A&A Kiddy Kollege Inc. in Calumet City, Ill., A&A Kiddy Kollege 2 in Calumet more
Congressional Research Service Issues Insight White Paper on Government Spending Oversight Act & Future of Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12346) on April 5, 2024, by Ben Wilhelm, government organization and management analyst:
* * *
The Government Spending Oversight Act and the Future of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
On March 21, 2024, Chairman Gary Peters and Senator Mitt Romney of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs introduced S. 4036, the Government Spending Oversight Act o more
House Science, Space & Technology Subcommittee Chairman Babin Issues Opening Statement at Hearing on NASA Science Mission Directorate
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Rep. Brian Babin, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, issued the following opening statement at a hearing on March 21, 2024, entitled "Advancing Scientific Discovery: Assessing the Status of NASA's Science Mission Directorate":
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Opening Statement of Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman at Advancing Scientific Discovery: Assessing the Status of NASA's Science Mission Directorate 118th Congress Hearing Rese more
House Science, Space & Technology Subcommittee Issues Testimony From NASA Acting IG Scott
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics issued the following testimony by NASA Acting Inspector General George A. Scott involving a hearing on March 21, 2024, entitled "Advancing Scientific Discovery: Assessing the Status of NASA's Science Mission Directorate":
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Chairman Babin, Ranking Member Sorensen, and Members of the Subcommittee:
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to providing independent, objective, and co more
Kenya Human Rights Commission: Attacks Against Omtatah are Attempts to Muzzle Dissent
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 9 -- The Kenya Human Rights Commission issued the following agency statement on April 8, 2024:
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Busia Senator and comrade Okiya Omtatah has during the last 20 years faced many attacks for his strong opposition to the gross injustices the country is facing.
These strikes have escalated in recent months, culminating in the invasion of his rural home on April 3, 2024, at night.
Omtatah is a spirited human rights and social justice defender. He is known for his staunch more
Murray Urges VA to Consider Feedback from Providers and Veterans in Spokane and Walla Walla When Evaluating Future of EHR, Get it Right in WA State First
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
Letter continues Murray's long record of oversight on the flawed rollout of Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program
Murray successfully pushed VA to halt deployment of EHR until they get it right in Washington state at Spokane and Walla Walla VA centers
Murray leads comprehensive legislation to overhaul EHR, implement structural reforms
Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of th more
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Statement on Central States' Repayment of $126.5 Million in Special Financial Assistance
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. issued the following news release on April 8, 2024:
PBGC is committed to effective stewardship of taxpayer funds. On April 8, 2024, the Central States Pension Plan (Central States) returned to the U.S. Government more than $126.5 million--the portion of the SFA amount paid to the plan based on inaccurate participant census data.
PBGC has been coordinating for several months with the PBGC's Office of the Inspector General, the Department more
Sen. Collins Resolution to Designate National Slam the Scam Day Approved by Senate
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, introduced a resolution on March 8, 2024. The text of the resolution was released on April 3.
S. Res. 584. A resolution designating March 7, 2024, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to raise awareness about pervasive government imposter scams and to promote education to prevent government imposter scams; considered and agreed to.
The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., more
Senate Finance Committee Issues Testimony From HHS Secretary Becerra
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Senate Finance Committee issued the following testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra involving a hearing on March 14, 2024, entitled "The President's Fiscal Year 2025 Health and Human Services Budget":
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Chair Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). I am pleased to appear before yo more
Senate Finance Committee Issues Testimony From Social Security Administration Commissioner O'Malley
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Senate Finance Committee issued the following testimony by Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley involving a hearing on March 20, 2024, entitled "The President's Fiscal Year 2025 Social Security Administration Budget":
* * *
Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and Members of the committee:
Thank you for inviting me to discuss the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) service delivery, customer experience, and Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget r more
Senate Health Committee Ranking Member Cassidy Secures $127M Repayment of Pension Bailout Funds Wrongfully Paid for Dead People, Calls for Further Accountability
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news release on April 8, 2024:
Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, secured the return of $127 million in taxpayer funds that were wrongfully paid to the Central States Pension Fund as part of the Democrats' $90 billion pension bailout included in t more
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Sets April 10 Hearing on Ensuring Equity for Women Veterans at VA
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Caring for All Who Have Borne the Battle: Ensuring Equity for Women Veterans at the Department of Veteran Affairs" at 3:30 p.m. on April 10, 2024, at 418 Russell Senate Office Building:
WITNESS LIST
Panel One
* Erica Scavella, MD, FACP, FACHE, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs
Accompanie more
Texas U.S. Attorney: Local Business Owner Indicted for Fraudulently Submitting PPP Loan
HOUSTON, Texas, April 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release:
A federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment against a former Houston resident for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conducting a monetary transaction in criminally derived property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
According to the indictment, unsealed upon her appearance in court, Kristen Fenrick, 52, now of Dallas, was the owne more
Commerce IG Issues Memorandum on Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act Administrative Funds
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of the Inspector General issued the following memorandum on April 3, 2024, regarding the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act administrative funds:
* * *
MEMORANDUM FOR: Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
FROM: Arthur L. Scott, Jr., Assistant Inspector General for Audit and Evaluation
SUBJECT: Audit o more
Commerce IG: 'Independent Program Evaluation of NIST Pandemic Relief Program'
WASHINGTON, April 8 (TNSrep) -- The Commerce Inspector General issued the following report (No. OIG-24-017-I) on March 27, 2024, entitled "Independent Program Evaluation of National Institute of Standards and Technology Pandemic Relief Program."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
MEMORANDUM FOR: Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology
FROM: Arthur L. Scott, Jr., Assistant Inspector General for Audit a more
Commerce IG: 'Independent Program Evaluation of NOAA Fisheries Pandemic Relief Program'
WASHINGTON, April 8 (TNSrep) -- The Commerce Inspector General issued the following report (No. OIG-24-018-I) on April 4, 2024, entitled "Independent Program Evaluation of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Pandemic Relief Program."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
MEMORANDUM FOR: Dr. Richard W. Spinrad, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
FROM: Arthur L. Scott, Jr., Assistant Inspector G more
HHS IG Audit: 'Alabama Management Information Systems, Eligibility & Enrollment System Security Controls Were Adequate, But Some Improvements Are Needed'
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. A-18-22-09010) on March 28, 2024, entitled "Alabama Management Information Systems and Eligibility and Enrollment System Security Controls Were Adequate, but Some Improvements Are Needed" filed under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report in Brief
Why OIG Did This Audit
We are conducting a series of audits of State Medicaid Management Informa more
HHS IG Audit: 'N.J. Significantly Improved Its Oversight of Medicaid Adult Partial Care Services Except for Those Provided Using Telehealth During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency'
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. A-02-22-01007) on March 28, 2024, entitled "New Jersey Significantly Improved Its Oversight of Medicaid Adult Partial Care Services Except for Those Provided Using Telehealth During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency" filed under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report in Brief
Why OIG Did This Audit
During a prior audit of Medicaid adult pa more
House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee Issues Testimony From Disabled American Veterans Assistant National Legislative Director Retzer
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health issued the following testimony by Jon Retzer, assistant national legislative director, of the Disabled American Veterans, involving a hearing on March 21, 2024, on veterans-related legislation:
* * *
Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for inviting DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to testify at today's legislative hearing of the Subcommittee on Health. DAV, a Congr more
House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee Issues Testimony From VA Office of Human Resources & Administration/Operations, Security & Preparedness
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations issued the following testimony by John W. Boerstler, chief veterans experience officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness, involving a hearing on March 21, 2024, on legislation affecting VA administrations and program offices:
* * *
Good afternoon, Chairwoman Kiggans, Ranking Member Mrvan, and Members of the S more
House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee Issues Testimony From Veterans Health Administration (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, April 8 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health issued the following testimony by Ajit Pai, executive director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, on behalf of the Veterans Health Administration, involving a hearing on March 21, 2024, on legislation affecting VA programs and services:
* * *
Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Ranking Member Brownley, and other Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for inviting us here more
Pa. U.S. Attorney: United States Files Lawsuit Alleging Medicaid Fraud by Philadelphia Mental Health Clinic and Its Owner
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release:
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that the United States filed a civil complaint against Nueva Vida Multicultural/Multilingual Behavioral Health, Inc. ("Nueva Vida") and its owner and principal, Dr. Ghodrat Pirooz Sholevar, alleging that they violated the False Claims Act and state common law by billing Medicaid for psychiatric medic more
DOD Schedules May 2-3 Meeting for Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity & Inclusion
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The U.S. Department of Defense has issued a meeting notice, published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2024. The meeting by the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion is scheduled for May 2-3, 2024.
The notice was issued by Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer.
* * *
SUMMARY:
DoD is publishing this notice to announce that the following Federal Advisory Committee meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Incl more
HHS IG Audit: 'CDC Has Improved Nursing Homes Reporting Process for COVID-19 Data in NHSN, But Challenges Remain'
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. OEI-06-22-00030) on Jan. 9, 2024, entitled "CDC Has Improved the Nursing Homes Reporting Process for COVID-19 Data in NHSN, but Challenges Remain" filed under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report in Brief
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) struggled to support nursing homes during mass enrollment into the Nati more
HHS IG Audit: 'Thailand Ministry of Public Health Managed PEPFAR Funds According to Federal Regulations But Internal Controls Could Be Improved'
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Health and Human Services Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. A-04-21-01021) on March 27, 2024, entitled "The Thailand Ministry of Public Health Managed PEPFAR Funds According to Federal Regulations but Internal Controls Could Be Improved" filed under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report in Brief
Why OIG Did This Audit
Congress authorized the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to rece more
Justice IG: 'Recommendations Issued by OIG That Were Not Closed as of Feb. 29, 2024'
WASHINGTON, April 7 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General issued the following report (No. 24-058) on March 27, 2024, entitled "Recommendations Issued by OIG That Were Not Closed as of Feb. 29, 2024."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The attached report contains information about recommendations from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) audits, evaluations, reviews, and other reports that the OIG had not closed as of Februar more
Truck Safety Coalition, Collaborators Issue Public Comment to DOT
WASHINGTON, April 7 (TNScapv) -- The Truck Safety Coalition with collaborators has issued a public comment to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 20-page comment was written and posted on April 2, 2024.
The comment was on Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0115.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
To: U.S. Department of Transportation
West Building, Ground Floor
Room W12-140
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE,
Washington, D.C. 20590-0001
Filed via www.regulations.gov.
Commercial Driver's License Standards: Inc more
White House Issues Transcript of Press Gaggle by National Security Communications Advisor Kirby on April 5, 2024
WASHINGTON, April 5 -- The White House issued the following transcript of a press gaggle by National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby:
* * *
MODERATOR: Hey, everyone. Thanks for joining us. Kirby has a few words here at the top, and then we'll get started.
MR. KIRBY: Hey, everybody. Can you hear me okay? I'm going to hope you can hear me okay.
Look, I just wanted to reiterate some things that we've been saying here in the last 24 hours. We obviously welcome the steps that were anno more
Journalism Tipoffs from TNS
Buffalo State University: SUNY Institute for Local News Addresses News Deserts Through Hands-On Learning
BUFFALO, New York, April 16 -- Buffalo State University issued the following news release:
The State University of New York (SUNY) System launched the Institute for Local News at SUNY in February 2024, the first systemwide effort to cover news in rural and other underserved communities while also providing students with rich applied learning opportunities.
Most rural areas in the United States--home to many of SUNY's 64 campuses--contain significant gaps in news coverage, a result of widesprea more
Dem-NPL Leaders, Candidates React to Death of Lloyd Omdahl
GRAND FORKS, North Dakota, April 16 -- The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party issued the following news release on April 15, 2024:
Former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota Lloyd Omdahl has died at age 93. Omdahl was appointed as North Dakota Tax Commissioner after the death of J. Arther Engen in 1963, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor after the death of Ruth Meiers in 1987.
U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen said, "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Gov. Lloyd Omdahl. His more
ESPN Films Greenlights 30 for 30 Documentary on Trailblazing Broadcaster Stuart Scott
BRISTOL, Connecticut, April 16 -- ESPN, a sports media company, issued the following news release:
ESPN Films announces it has greenlit an upcoming 30 for 30 documentary to be centered around the extraordinary life of Stuart Scott. Currently in production, the film tells the story of the trailblazing broadcaster who shattered preconceived notions of how on-air figures were expected to look, talk, act, and think-and in the process, helped bring hip-hop and Black culture into the sports media mai more
Forbes Media: Wealth of Malaysia's 50 Richest on Forbes List Up 2% to $83.4 Billion
SINGAPORE, April 16 -- Forbes Media issued the following news release:
A declining ringgit offset a 9% rise in Malaysia's stock market since the fortunes of Malaysia's richest tycoons were last measured. As a result, their collective wealth on the 2024 Forbes list of Malaysia's 50 Richest rose by a modest 2% to US$83.4 billion this year. The complete list can be found here (http://www.forbes.com/malaysia), as well as in the April/May issue of Forbes Asia.
Business mogul Robert Kuok, who turned more
Hosts of Daily Podcast The News Agents to Headline University of Hertfordshire's Festival of Ideas
HATFIELD, England, April 16 -- The University of Hertfordshire issued the following news:
Two co-hosts of hit podcast The News Agents have been announced as headline speakers at the University of Hertfordshire's Festival of Ideas.
Ex-BBC heavyweights Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, whose careers have seen them interview prime ministers, public figures and even US presidents, will be sitting down exclusively for a Herts audience on Saturday 18 May.
Festivalgoers can expect them to discuss and unr more
International Press Institute: The Outlook - Tailoring Your Content to Social Platforms
VIENNA, Austria, April 16 -- The International Press Institute issued the following news:
This is The Outlook, IPI's media innovation newsletter, where we take a look at strategies and tools for innovation and business development, and learn from newsrooms that are implementing them.
This week we introduce methods you can use to get started with a review of your news organization's social media strategy and start creating content that meets your needs and those of your audience.
The challenge more
MC Announces Recipients of Endowed Experiential Education Awards
MARIETTA, Ohio, April 16 -- Marietta College issued the following news:
Marietta College has announced the nine recipients of five endowed experiential education summer awards totaling more than $25,000. These awards support Marietta College students pursuing professional development opportunities over the summer, such as internships, research projects, study abroad programs, and conference presentations.
The awards are made possible through the generous donations of Marietta College's alumni more
Media International Australia Issues Research Articles in May 2024 Edition
THOUSAND OAKS, California, April 16 -- Media International Australia, a peer-reviewed journal that says it explores the interconnection between nations and global concerns, especially in Asia and the Pacific, published research articles on the following topics in its May 2024 edition (Vol. 191, Issue 1):
Original Articles:
* News frames for COVID-19 - a comparison of Australian (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and Vietnamese (Tuoi Tre Online) online news services in two key weeks in 2020 more
Medill Accepts Twelve Fellows Into Inaugural George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop
EVANSTON, Illinois, April 16 (TNSres) -- Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism issued the following news:
* * *
Seven-day writing intensive for mid-career journalists will help them cross over into writing their first novels
* * *
Twelve writers have been accepted into the inaugural George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. The workshop will take place in Evanston more
NAATP Honors Trailblazers in Addiction Treatment Services With 2024 Leadership Awards
LOUISVILLE, Colorado, April 16 -- The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers issued the following news on April 15, 2024:
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) announces the recipients of the 2024 awards for leadership achievement in the field of addiction treatment services. NAATP gives the awards annually to honor exemplary achievements, promote addiction awareness, and encourage the pursuit of excellence.
Nelson Bradley Career Achievement Award
Jo more
News/Media Alliance Commends Senator Cantwell, Representative McMorris Rodgers on Release of Federal Privacy Legislation Discussion Draft
VIENNA, Virginia, April 16 -- The News/Media Alliance issued the following news release:
The News/Media Alliance commends Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers for resuming discussions around a federal privacy standard through their release of the draft American Privacy Rights Act. The Alliance has long advocated that the certainty of a workable federal data protection framework will benefit American news publishers and consumers.
Alliance President and CEO Danielle more
Nineteen UCL Alumni and Students Recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe
LONDON, England, April 16 -- The University College London issued the following news:
Nineteen UCL alumni have earned a place in Forbes' annual Top 30 Under 30 list of leading entrepreneurs and creatives in Europe, recognised for their achievements in fields such as international journalism, artificial intelligence and child healthcare.
Now in its ninth year, the list has a perennial UCL alumni presence. The 19 individuals this year are spread across eight of the total 13 categories, ranging f more
Scripps News Announces Agreement With Ad Fontes Media to Rate Content for Reliability and Bias
CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 16 -- The E.W. Scripps, a broadcasting company, issued the following news release on April 15, 2024:
Scripps News announced today that Ad Fontes Media, a tech company that rates the news for bias and reliability, will audit its national news as part of the network's industry-leading commitment to transparency and nonpartisan journalism. The agreement comes as advertisers struggle to filter through a deluge of low-quality journalism that can pose brand safety risks.
"Scr more
Society of Professional Journalists: Region 4 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 Winners Announced
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, April 16 -- The Society of Professional Journalists issued the following news:
The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 4 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.
SPJ's Region 4 comprises Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.
National winners will be notified in the late spring.
MOE Awards entri more
Society of Professional Journalists: Region 5 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 Winners Announced
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, April 16 -- The Society of Professional Journalists issued the following news:
The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 5 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.
SPJ's Region 5 comprises Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.
National winners will be notified in the late spring.
MOE Awards entries are judged by profess more
Texas A&M Veterinary School Rises In National, Global Rankings
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, April 16 -- Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences issued the following news release:
The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has climbed the veterinary school rankings to No. 4 in the United States and No. 7 in the world, according to the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings in veterinary science.
Of the top 10 veterinary schools in the world, the VMBS is the only one that rose more
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Innocents Society, Mortar Board Members Inducted for 2024-25
LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 16 -- The University of Nebraska Lincoln campus issued the following news release:
Students, faculty, administrators and a community member were honored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at its annual Ivy Day ceremonies April 13.
The event, co-sponsored by Mortar Board and the Innocents Society, recognized outstanding contributions of students selected to serve in the two senior honorary organizations, as well as the achievements of current members and notable unde more
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Purdum, McCurry to Deliver Seline Lecture on April 25
LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 16 -- The University of Nebraska Lincoln campus issued the following news release:
Two distinguished veterans of politics who worked at the highest levels will share their insights at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Todd Purdum, who covered the Clinton White House for The New York Times, will face off with Mike McCurry, who served as press secretary for President Clinton. Their free public talk, "Navigating the Nexus: Journalism, Public Relations and American Polit more
WAN-IFRA Announces the Winners of the Digital Media Awards Europe 2024
PARIS, France, April 16 -- The WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers issued the following news release:
Each of this year's winning initiatives displays outstanding innovation, from AI-use cases that increase value for audiences and better efficiencies for staff, to community focused data projects that represent local journalism at its best.
We are grateful to all the publishers who submitted projects this year, and once again extend our sincerest thanks to our expert more
Media Tip Sheet: Biden Counters Trump's Hush Money Trial with Economy-Focused Campaigning in PA
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- George Washington University issued the following news:
As former President Trump faces his hush money trial in New York, President Biden is launching a three-day campaign in Scranton, Pennsylvania, focusing on the economy. The campaign aims to highlight Biden's support for the middle class and his commitment to addressing their needs, contrasting it with Trump's policies perceived as favoring the wealthy. Pennsylvania, along with other key states in the "blue wall," rem more
Media Tip Sheet: Senators Express Concerns Over RFK Jr.'s Potential Impact on Presidential Election
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- George Washington University issued the following news:
Senators from both parties are voicing concerns over the potential impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign on the upcoming election. While Democrats fear Kennedy could serve as a spoiler candidate, Republicans believe he may ultimately harm President Biden's chances more than former President Trump's.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer commentary, more
