Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
SBA Announces First $30 Million in Loans Delivered Through 90% Grocery Guarantee
WASHINGTON, June 4 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on June 3, 2026:
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SBA Announces First $30 Million in Loans Delivered Through 90% Grocery Guarantee
Early loan approvals are directing new capital across food supply chain to support lower grocery costs
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has approved 19 loans totaling more than $30 million in just one month through its enhanced 90% Grocery Guarantee. These early approvals mark an important step in President Trump's effort to make groceries more affordable by expanding
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 4 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on June 3, 2026:
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SBA Announces First $30 Million in Loans Delivered Through 90% Grocery Guarantee
Early loan approvals are directing new capital across food supply chain to support lower grocery costs
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has approved 19 loans totaling more than $30 million in just one month through its enhanced 90% Grocery Guarantee. These early approvals mark an important step in President Trump's effort to make groceries more affordable by expandingaccess to capital for the small businesses that produce, process, distribute, and sell America's food.
"After years of Biden-era price pressures and burdensome regulation that made it harder for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to grow, the Trump Administration is advancing policies that expand production and help make America more affordable," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "The early uptake of SBA's 90% Grocery Guarantee shows lenders are responding to that agenda by moving capital into the businesses at the heart of our food supply chain. By supporting more investment in production, processing, and distribution, this program is strengthening rural America, reinforcing food security, and supporting lower grocery costs for working families."
Through the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) Program, the Grocery Guarantee provides a 90% federal guarantee for eligible small businesses that support America's food supply chain. The enhanced guarantee helps lenders extend long-term, affordable financing for investments in production, processing, distribution, and storage.
Compared to the standard 75% guarantee available under SBA's 7(a) Loan Program, the Grocery Guarantee offers a stronger incentive for lenders to deploy capital across key segments of the domestic food economy. Those investments can expand supply, improve distribution, and advance the Trump Administration's goal of making groceries more affordable.
Eligible small businesses in the following NAICS groups and national industry codes may qualify for the expanded ITL program:
* 1111 - Oilseed and Grain Farming
* 1112 - Vegetable and Melon Farming
* 1113 - Fruit and Tree Nut Farming
* 1121 - Cattle Ranching and Farming
* 1122 - Hog and Pig Farming
* 1123 - Poultry and Egg Production
* 1124 - Sheep and Goat Farming
* 1125 - Aquaculture
* 1129 - Other Animal Production
* 1141 - Fishing
* 1151 - Support Activities for Crop Production
* 1152 - Support Activities for Animal Production
* 423820 - Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
* 4244 - Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers
* 424420 - Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers
* 4245 - Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers
* 424910 - Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
* 445110 - Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers
* 484220 - Specialized Freight Trucking, Local
* 484230 - Specialized Freight Trucking, Long Distance
* 493120 - Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage
* 493130 - Farm Warehousing and Storage
Lenders and small businesses interested in the updated International Trade Loan program can contact SBA's national team of Finance Managers for more information. SBA's Finance Managers can also help lenders and borrowers understand how ITL can be paired with SBA working capital solutions, including MARC and the Working Capital Pilot.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/03/sba-announces-first-30-million-loans-delivered-through-90-grocery-guarantee
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine: Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures - Report
WASHINGTON, June 4 (TNSjou) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures -- New Report
The aircraft cabin environment exposes passengers and flight attendants to multiple environmental stressors that may lead to health and safety risks, including on occasion excessively hot or cold temperatures. As passengers and flight attendants have limited ability to change the cabin environment, understanding and managing temperature-related risks is essential for safe air travel.
A new
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 4 (TNSjou) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures -- New Report
The aircraft cabin environment exposes passengers and flight attendants to multiple environmental stressors that may lead to health and safety risks, including on occasion excessively hot or cold temperatures. As passengers and flight attendants have limited ability to change the cabin environment, understanding and managing temperature-related risks is essential for safe air travel.
A newcongressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine assesses the health and safety impacts of cabin temperatures in commercial aircraft and makes recommendations for improving understanding and strengthening risk management practices -- actions that can support safer cabin environments for passengers and flight attendants.
Recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration include establishing a program to better monitor, record, and assess cabin temperature and humidity. Airlines are encouraged to integrate cabin temperature and humidity hazards into their safety management systems and improve the use of health and safety data to identify potential thermal hazards. Airlines should also ensure that flight attendant input is included in real-time operational decisions related to unsafe cabin temperatures and, where feasible, allow flight attendants more flexibility in uniform options and outfit selection.
These actions could enhance the ability of operators and regulators to identify and mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood and severity of health and safety events. Implementation could also build a stronger empirical foundation for future decision-making, enabling regulators and operators to better assess risks, evaluate mitigation strategies, and adapt to evolving conditions in air travel.
The study -- undertaken by the Committee on Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures (https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/HMD-HSP-24-18) -- was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/health-and-safety-impacts-of-aircraft-cabin-temperatures-new-report
SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Georgia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Georgia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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SBA is working to modernize our online experience for borrowers, lenders, and taxpayers alike. Help us test our new website.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/03/sba-offers-disaster-relief-georgia-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
NAM Announces New Home Secretary and Councilors
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM Announces New Home Secretary and Councilors
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) will welcome a new Home Secretary and five new and returning Councilors beginning terms of service on July 1, 2026.
Robert L. Phillips, Jr., MD, MSPH, Founding Executive Director of the Center for Professionalism and Value in Health Care at the American Board of Family Medicine, was elected by NAM members as Home Secretary for a 4-year term. The NAM Home Secretary is responsible for overseeing member elections and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM Announces New Home Secretary and Councilors
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) will welcome a new Home Secretary and five new and returning Councilors beginning terms of service on July 1, 2026.
Robert L. Phillips, Jr., MD, MSPH, Founding Executive Director of the Center for Professionalism and Value in Health Care at the American Board of Family Medicine, was elected by NAM members as Home Secretary for a 4-year term. The NAM Home Secretary is responsible for overseeing member elections andother membership affairs.
Phillips will succeed Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH, Chief Scientific Officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges, who has served in the role since 2020.
The following individuals were elected by NAM members to serve 3-year terms on the NAM Council, the Academy's governing and oversight body:
* Michele Barry, MD, FACP, FASTMH, Senior Associate Dean for Global Health and Director of the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University
* Ana M. Cauce, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Washington
* Eva L. Feldman, MD, PhD, James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor and Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology, University of Michigan Health System
* Scott Gottlieb, MD, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
* Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, Dean, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
Feldman and Lichtveld will be serving second terms on the NAM Council.
The NAM is grateful for the service of four individuals whose terms on the Council will end June 30, 2026: Karen DeSalvo, MD, MPH, MSc, former Chief Health Officer, Google Health; Mae Jemison, MD, President, The Jemison Group, LLC; Sir Cato Laurencin, MD, PhD, University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut; and Kelsey Martin, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President, Autism and Neuroscience, Simons Foundation.
Media inquiries: Molly Galvin ( mgalvin@nas.edu ).
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Original text here: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/home-secretary-and-councilors-2026/
GSA Releases Elimination, Optimization and Automation Handbook
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Releases Elimination, Optimization and Automation Handbook
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Important advancement in agency's mission to transform federal operations and deliver better results for taxpayers
WASHINGTON -Today, the U.S. General Services Administration released the Elimination, Optimization and Automation (EOA) Handbook [PDF - 2 MB], a practical guide for federal leaders seeking to improve operational efficiency, strengthen mission delivery, and reduce administrative burden through process improvement and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Releases Elimination, Optimization and Automation Handbook
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Important advancement in agency's mission to transform federal operations and deliver better results for taxpayers
WASHINGTON -Today, the U.S. General Services Administration released the Elimination, Optimization and Automation (EOA) Handbook [PDF - 2 MB], a practical guide for federal leaders seeking to improve operational efficiency, strengthen mission delivery, and reduce administrative burden through process improvement andemerging technologies.
The handbook compiles lessons learned and best practices from implementation efforts launched during the first Trump Administration. Drawing from operational deployments at GSA, the Department of Education, and NASA, it provides agency executives with tools and strategies to improve operations and automate repetitive tasks so employees can focus more time on mission-critical responsibilities.
"President Trump has been clear that American taxpayers deserve a government that delivers services faster, operates more efficiently, and makes smarter use of emerging technologies," said GSA Deputy Administrator Michael Lynch. "This handbook provides leaders with a framework they can apply immediately to reduce administrative friction, improve operations, and expand workforce capacity for mission delivery. It also captures lessons learned that agencies can reuse and scale, so teams are not starting from scratch each time."
The handbook supports President Trump's priorities of improving government efficiency, strengthening accountability, and accelerating the responsible adoption of emerging technologies across federal agencies. It also reflects GSA's continued focus on improving how government services are delivered, with an emphasis on speed, clarity, and practical execution rather than process for process's sake.
The handbook outlines approaches agencies can use to:
* Eliminate unnecessary or duplicative activities
* Expand employee capacity for higher-value work
* Optimize workflows and mission-support operations
* Automate repetitive tasks
In addition to operational guidance, the handbook highlights implementation considerations, governance approaches, and lessons learned from early federal deployments of automation and AI-enabled capabilities.
As agencies continue identifying opportunities to improve performance and strengthen internal operations, GSA is working as a force multiplier across government by sharing proven approaches, reducing duplication of effort, and helping accelerate adoption of tools and practices that deliver measurable operational results.
The EOA Handbook is intended for career and political executives, operational leaders, technology teams, and program managers responsible for improving organizational performance and advancing agency priorities.
About GSA : GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-releases-elimination-optimization-and-automation-handbook-06032026
FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
As part of its leadership in advancing affordable housing, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), in partnership with member financial institution BMO, has awarded $440,000 through its Community First(R) Developer Program (Developer Program) to two nonprofit organizations in Illinois in 2025. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's long-term strategy
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
As part of its leadership in advancing affordable housing, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), in partnership with member financial institution BMO, has awarded $440,000 through its Community First(R) Developer Program (Developer Program) to two nonprofit organizations in Illinois in 2025. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's long-term strategyto strengthen the affordable housing development ecosystem by expanding the pipeline of skilled professionals. The awards come as demand for affordable housing continues to grow across the Midwest, while the number of experienced development professionals remains limited. The funding will support internships and fellowships that prepare the next generation of professionals to advance affordable housing development.
"Expanding access to affordable housing requires leadership and sustained investment in the people who make development possible," said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "Through the Developer Program, we are building the capacity of organizations and emerging professionals who will lead affordable housing development across our district for years to come."
The Illinois Housing Council and The Resurrection Project received funding through BMO to support internships and fellowships across real estate development, construction, and housing program delivery. Participants will gain hands-on experience supporting active affordable housing initiatives across Chicago neighborhoods, with exposure to project planning, financial modeling, community engagement and development operations. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's broader effort to strengthen the pipeline of professionals needed to support long-term affordable housing development across its district.
BMO has accessed many of FHLBank Chicago's Community Investment programs and uses secured loans, known as advances, to provide liquidity for community lending that supports housing and economic development.
A leader in affordable housing finance and capacity building, FHLBank Chicago has awarded more than $12 million through the Developer Program since 2022 to support career pathways and long-term affordable housing development across its district. Introduced at the recommendation of FHLBank Chicago's Community Investment Advisory Council, the Developer Program reflects FHLBank Chicago's ongoing commitment to supporting affordable housing development through partnerships with member institutions. The 2026 Developer Program will open for applications on June 29.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/06/02/fhlbank-chicago-and-bmo-award--440-000-to-support-emerging-housing-developers
EPA Highlights New Mortgage Forbearance Extension Secured as LA Wildfire Survivors Rebuild
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Highlights New Mortgage Forbearance Extension Secured as LA Wildfire Survivors Rebuild
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Private-sector relief bolsters federal efforts to ease the financial burden on families
LOS ANGELES - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today highlighted a new private-sector commitment that has been secured to help Los Angeles wildfire survivors rebuild: Wells Fargo has extended mortgage forbearance up to an additional 12 months, for a total of 27 months, upon request by customers directly
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Highlights New Mortgage Forbearance Extension Secured as LA Wildfire Survivors Rebuild
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Private-sector relief bolsters federal efforts to ease the financial burden on families
LOS ANGELES - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today highlighted a new private-sector commitment that has been secured to help Los Angeles wildfire survivors rebuild: Wells Fargo has extended mortgage forbearance up to an additional 12 months, for a total of 27 months, upon request by customers directlyimpacted by the January 2025 wildfires. This relief bolsters federal efforts to advance rebuild efforts in the wake of the California wildfires and underscores the homeowner financial strain EPA and its state, local and federal partners have repeatedly flagged during the recovery, mainly the burden on families paying a mortgage on a destroyed home while also paying rent for temporary housing as they wait to rebuild.
"EPA's cleanup cleared the path to rebuild, and private partners like Wells Fargo stepping up to ease the financial burden on survivors is exactly the public-private effort this recovery needs," said Administrator Lee Zeldin.
"Supporting our communities has always been a priority at Wells Fargo," said Serhat Oztop, head of Home Lending, Wells Fargo. "Our emphasis has been on expanding small business capital and housing options, and we remain committed to supporting the Los Angeles area through this process. Beyond the forbearance extension, Wells Fargo has donated more than $5 million across nine nonprofits focused on small business capital and housing and offers free financial coaching to individuals and business owners through HOPE Inside centers in select branches. Together, the measures give impacted homeowners additional breathing room as reconstruction gets underway."
Following the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing EPA to complete Phase 1 hazardous material removal within 30 days so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) could proceed with Phase 2 debris removal. The Administration's coordinated response became the largest and fastest federal wildfire recoveries in U.S. history.
EPA's Los Angeles response marked the agency's largest wildfire cleanup ever. In just 28 days, EPA teams surveyed and cleared 13,612 residential and 305 commercial properties for debris removal, safely disposing of more than 1,000 lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes, and other devices. More than 1,600 EPA staff from all ten regional offices were deployed to support this unprecedented operation.
EPA leadership has worked closely alongside President Donald Trump, the Small Business Administration, and other federal agencies, staying in regular contact with local officials to accelerate permitting and confront the pressures still facing survivors.
Property owners and residents seeking additional guidance are encouraged to visit L.A. County's wildfire response website Exit EPA's website for post-fire guidance.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-highlights-new-mortgage-forbearance-extension-secured-la-wildfire-survivors
