Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Smithsonian STARS Pilots in Arizona
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 11 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian STARS Pilots in Arizona
This spring, the Smithsonian Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools (STARS) initiative completed its pilot program in southeastern Arizona. STARS educators tested the program's lesson plans and materials and gathered student and teacher feedback in preparation for the full Arizona rollout this fall.
Educators from the program visited six schools, ranging from a one-room schoolhouse to larger campus environments. The program engaged
... Show Full Article
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 11 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian STARS Pilots in Arizona
This spring, the Smithsonian Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools (STARS) initiative completed its pilot program in southeastern Arizona. STARS educators tested the program's lesson plans and materials and gathered student and teacher feedback in preparation for the full Arizona rollout this fall.
Educators from the program visited six schools, ranging from a one-room schoolhouse to larger campus environments. The program engagedabout 500 students across grades 1-12.
Students participated in a range of activities including solar observing with Celestron telescopes, optics demonstrations using mirrors and lenses, telescope modeling exercises, and discussions about galaxies, stars, and the structure of the universe. Viewing included the use of Sunspotter technology to allow direct viewing of the Sun.
Feedback from both students and educators was positive. Students identified the telescope experience as the highlight of the program, while teachers shared excitement about bringing more astronomy and hands-on STEM learning into their classrooms.
The project leaders will use this pilot to launch the full program in the fall.
The program facilitators included:
* Emma Marcucci -- Executive Director, Smithsonian STARS
* Mary Dussault -- Instructional Systems Specialist, Science Education Department
* Frank Sienkiewicz -- MicroObservatory Project Engineer, Science Education Department
* Neel Gudka -- Communications Specialist, Smithsonian STARS
* Kelsie Murphy -- Education Specialist, Smithsonian STARS
* Erika Wright -- Education Specialist, Science Education Department
* Jackie Westman -- SPARK Post-Baccalaureate Researcher, OIR
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/smithsonian-stars-pilots-arizona
Statement by National Academies Presidents on Importance of NSF's Ocean Observatories Initiative
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following statement on June 9, 2026:
* * *
Statement by National Academies Presidents on Importance of NSF's Ocean Observatories Initiative
In announcing its decision to begin removing the Ocean Observatories Initiative's (OOI) deep-sea infrastructure, the National Science Foundation inaccurately cited a 2025 National Academies report on the future of ocean science. The committee that wrote the peer-reviewed report said the importance of investing in ocean-observing infrastructure and technology,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following statement on June 9, 2026:
* * *
Statement by National Academies Presidents on Importance of NSF's Ocean Observatories Initiative
In announcing its decision to begin removing the Ocean Observatories Initiative's (OOI) deep-sea infrastructure, the National Science Foundation inaccurately cited a 2025 National Academies report on the future of ocean science. The committee that wrote the peer-reviewed report said the importance of investing in ocean-observing infrastructure and technology,such as OOI, for better understanding of the oceans and their relationship to human well-being cannot be overstressed.
The committee found that OOI has seen many successes over the past decade and could, in part, help answer urgent arising research questions; it recommended continued funding for OOI components that support research priorities in the decade ahead. While the committee said that OOI could benefit from a revisioning exercise to consider how it could be improved to meet specific needs of ocean scientists in the future, it said this exercise should be separate from the regular renewal process for the initiative.
Preserving and improving OOI and other ocean-observing infrastructure is critical to advancing U.S. ocean science at a time when other countries, including our competitors, are increasing their investments in ocean science and advancing their capacities. As the report highlights, policymakers need better information on the oceans, such as how ocean ecosystem change influences important fisheries, the impacts of El Nino, and how greater access to the Arctic will challenge U.S. national security. Without ocean-observing assets such as OOI, we risk not having the data needed to address such crucial issues.
Marcia McNutt, President, National Academy of Sciences
Tsu-Jae Liu, President, National Academy of Engineering
Victor J. Dzau, President, National Academy of Medicine
* * *
View report here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/27846
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/statement-by-national-academies-presidents-on-importance-of-nsf-s-ocean-observatories-initiative
SBA Relief Still Available to Arizona Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gila County Flooding Event
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
* * *
SBA Relief Still Available to Arizona Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gila County Flooding Event
*
Submit your pitch by June 10 to compete for our $1 million cash prize pool at sba.gov/freedom250 !
***
Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/10/sba-relief-still-available-arizona-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-gila-county-flooding
SBA Offers Relief to Idaho Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Straight line Winds
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
* * *
SBA Offers Relief to Idaho Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Straight line Winds
*
Submit your pitch by June 10 to compete for our $1 million cash prize pool at sba.gov/freedom250 !
***
Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/10/sba-offers-relief-idaho-businesses-nonprofits-residents-affected-straight-line-winds
GSA Sells Historic Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
* * *
GSA Sells Historic Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C.
*
Sale fortifies GSA's portfolio while protecting a historic Pennsylvania Avenue landmark
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration announced the sale of the Old Post Office Building, located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. This sale supports GSA's ongoing effort to reduce the federal government's real estate holdings and concentrate resources on core assets.
Through this carefully structured
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
* * *
GSA Sells Historic Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C.
*
Sale fortifies GSA's portfolio while protecting a historic Pennsylvania Avenue landmark
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration announced the sale of the Old Post Office Building, located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. This sale supports GSA's ongoing effort to reduce the federal government's real estate holdings and concentrate resources on core assets.
Through this carefully structuredsale, GSA has permanently secured public access to the iconic clock tower while establishing strong protections for the building's architectural heritage through a binding preservation covenant. The American people will retain ownership of the acclaimed artwork within, including Robert Irwin's "48 Shadow Planes" and the historic Benjamin Franklin Statue, guaranteed through a dedicated fine arts covenant.
Additionally, the Washington D.C. Historic Preservation Office has confirmed that this transaction will preserve the property's historic character, delivering lasting cultural benefits to current and future generations, while demonstrating responsible stewardship of the nation's architectural heritage.
GSA is moving forward under the terms of the existing ground lease, which includes a Right of First Offer to the current tenant, affiliates of BDT & MSD Partners. GSA previously notified Congress of this lease provision in 2013 and later published the full lease terms to its FOIA Reading Room in 2017.
Before the redevelopment into a hotel, taxpayers absorbed approximately $6 million per year in losses on the building; since then, more than $250 million in private-sector capital has been invested in the property, and total taxpayer revenues over the last 10 years, including the current sale, are expected to exceed $110 million. The sale price was established via an independent, third-party appraisal firm hired by GSA, which followed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
In addition to the sale of this property, GSA has listed other buildings for potential disposal to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for underutilized office space. GSA remains committed to solving long-term problems that exist in the federal portfolio of assets, reducing waste, and delivering long-term value to the American people.
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
***
Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-sells-historic-old-post-office-building-in-washington-dc-06102026
EPA Administrator Zeldin Concludes Four-Day New York Tour, Advancing Clean Water and Energy Priorities
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Administrator Zeldin Concludes Four-Day New York Tour, Advancing Clean Water and Energy Priorities
*
NEW YORK - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin wrapped up a four-day swing across New York State on Monday, June 8, spotlighting Trump Administration priorities on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, and in the Southern Tier. Over the course of the trip, Zeldin toured clean-water research and shellfish-restoration efforts, championed food-waste reduction, and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Administrator Zeldin Concludes Four-Day New York Tour, Advancing Clean Water and Energy Priorities
*
NEW YORK - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin wrapped up a four-day swing across New York State on Monday, June 8, spotlighting Trump Administration priorities on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, and in the Southern Tier. Over the course of the trip, Zeldin toured clean-water research and shellfish-restoration efforts, championed food-waste reduction, andpressed state leaders to expand access to affordable natural gas.
Administrator Zeldin started his morning on Friday, June 5, 2026, on Long Island at Stony Brook University's New York State Center for Clean Water Technology. Originally launched in 2015 to address excess nitrogen in waterways, research at this center has recently expanded into PFAS and other contaminants of local priority. The Administrator met program leaders to learn more about the work taking place to combat PFAS contamination, along with new technologies being developed to better equip water systems to address this critical human health issue. At the conclusion of his conversation with leadership, Administrator Zeldin toured the campus facilities and met with scientists leading the work.
Later that day, Administrator Zeldin traveled to Oyster Bay where he met with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and EPA Region 2 staff to discuss efforts to preserve the Long Island Sound. During a boat tour of the Sound, the group reviewed projects to restore shellfish populations, address derelict fishing gear, protect water quality, and more. They also toured the Town of Oyster Bay's shellfish hatchery that aids in breeding, maturing, and seeding efforts. At a press conference following tour, Administrator Zeldin highlighted accomplishments of the Trump EPA in the Long Island Sound, which include:
* In 2025, the maximum area of hypoxia in Long Island Sound was 18.34 square miles, a historic low since monitoring began in 1987.
* Awarded 66 projects directly benefiting communities and municipalities.
* Measured 473 acres of new eelgrass meadows for a total of 2,014 across Long Island Sound.
* Reached 629 decision-makers through training, workshops, and direct engagement.
* Educated 328,602 people through Long Island Sound Futures Fund projects.
The Trump EPA recently celebrated 40 years of protecting and restoring Long Island Sound.
On Sunday, June 7, Administrator Zeldin traveled to the Hudson Valley where he met with Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and the Rockland Green Solid Waste Management Authority. After meeting with Rockland Green leadership and local elected officials, he toured the authority's Hillburn facility where food waste is turned into compost. At a closing press conference, the group underscored the importance of reducing food waste and EPA's Feed It Onward initiative, which highlights organizations across the country taking action on the issue.
On Monday, June 8, Administrator Zeldin held a press conference in Binghamton calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to approve the Constitution Pipeline and reverse the state's ban on the safe extraction of natural gas.
Proposed by Williams Companies, the Constitution Pipeline is a proposed 125-mile natural gas pipeline that will transport energy from Pennsylvania through New York and into New England. This pipeline is designed to deliver up to 650,000 dekatherms of natural gas capacity, enough to serve the daily needs of roughly 3 million homes. Getting this pipeline approved is a top priority of President Trump, but New York State has been sabotaging this project, blocking millions of Americans from accessing this reliable, durable, energy.
The Trump Administration recently broke ground on the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline to deliver affordable natural gas to 2.3 million downstate New Yorkers by the end of 2027. Administrator Zeldin urged the state to allow the Constitution Pipeline to move forward as well.
In addition to blocking critical pipeline projects, New York State has long banned the extraction of natural gas. This has stunted the state's ability to produce energy and has instead increased reliance on energy from other states and foreign sources. While Pennsylvania taps into the Marcellus and Utica shales that New York also shares, Southern Tier communities have been restricted from the prosperity that tapping into these resources would provide. The state has also banned gas hookups on new building construction, and gas stoves, while pushing to eliminate the sale of gas-powered vehicles as well.
The result has been an unnecessary, self-imposed increase in energy prices for the New Yorkers who can least afford it.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-administrator-zeldin-concludes-four-day-new-york-tour-advancing-clean-water-and
Amtrak Debuts North America's First Passenger Rail Preclearance Facility
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Debuts North America's First Passenger Rail Preclearance Facility
*
Vancouver, B.C. facility now offers U.S. preclearance, simplifying cross-border travel on Amtrak Cascades
VANCOUVER, B.C. - Amtrak marked a milestone in North American passenger rail today as customers traveling from Vancouver, B.C. on the Amtrak Cascades can now complete U.S. preclearance before boarding. The new experience at Pacific Central Station creates a more streamlined experience for customers traveling into
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Debuts North America's First Passenger Rail Preclearance Facility
*
Vancouver, B.C. facility now offers U.S. preclearance, simplifying cross-border travel on Amtrak Cascades
VANCOUVER, B.C. - Amtrak marked a milestone in North American passenger rail today as customers traveling from Vancouver, B.C. on the Amtrak Cascades can now complete U.S. preclearance before boarding. The new experience at Pacific Central Station creates a more streamlined experience for customers traveling intothe United States.
While preclearance has long been available at select airports, Pacific Central Station becomes the first rail station in North America to offer this capability, representing a new chapter for rail travel.
"This is a historic moment for passenger rail in North America," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "Launching the continent's first rail preclearance facility reflects what's possible when strong partners come together with a shared focus on the customer experience. This improvement makes cross-border travel faster, easier, and more seamless from the moment passengers arrive at the station."
Delivered in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), VIA Rail, and numerous agencies in both countries that include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, and Public Safety Canada, the preclearance process consolidates inspection, security, and customs procedures into a single step prior to departure.
Trains departing Vancouver will now proceed directly into the United States without stopping for en route border screening, enhancing overall trip quality and operational efficiency.
To support preclearance, targeted upgrades were completed within the station to accommodate enhanced customs and security operations. The launch also aligns with growing international travel demand ahead of major global sporting events in the Pacific Northwest.
Looking ahead, Amtrak Cascades customers will continue to benefit from ongoing investment designed to improve comfort, reliability, and the overall travel experience, including the introduction of new Airo trainsets later this year.
Supporting Quotes:
"We are pleased to see this great example of cross-border cooperation, and just in time for the World Cup," U.S. Consul General in Vancouver Shawn Crowley said. "The agreement for full preclearance at the Vancouver station will assist with quicker and more secure travel. We hope additional improvements at the Pacific Central Station will accommodate Amtrak's new trains and further improve travel in the Pacific Northwest."
"The launch of U.S. preclearance at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station marks a major milestone in making cross-border travel and trade between our two countries safer, faster, and more efficient," said The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. "I want to thank officials in both countries and all partners and agencies for their leadership and collaboration in strengthening the security of our shared border and bringing this streamlined rail service to life."
"This is an exciting announcement for Washington state and our friends in Canada. Now that passengers and trains can do preclearance in Vancouver, B.C. instead of processing at the border, it makes train service more convenient and reliable for everyone," said Senator Patty Murray. "Heading into the summer and the FIFA World Cup, this will make it so much easier for Americans, Canadians, and soccer fans from around the world to travel between our cities and countries. This development will also boost the entire Pacific Northwest economy because public transportation is crucial to supporting local businesses and creating better connections between communities. I will keep being the best partner I can be in the other Washington to support investments in public transit."
"With seven World Cup matches in Vancouver and six in Seattle, making travel as frictionless as possible between the two venues will be great for fans during the games -and for the whole region in the long run," said Senator Maria Cantwell. "Easing travel and transportation between our two markets will also enhance the benefits of the USMCA for our cross-border supply chains and business."
"This agreement will reduce delays along the state-supported Cascades route and is happening just in time for what is sure to be an increase in rail travel between Vancouver and Seattle for the World Cup," said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "For Cascades route train passengers, this could not have happened soon enough! I applaud the efforts of Amtrak, Washington State DOT, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency in completing the upgrades at Pacific Central Station so that Southbound trains no longer need to stop in Blaine for a second customs processing."
"This is a milestone year for train travel in the Pacific Northwest. We're pleased to offer Amtrak Cascades passengers a better cross-border experience, particularly as we welcome visitors from around the world as part of the international soccer games happening in both Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia this summer," said Washington Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. "In addition, we're going to introduce new Amtrak Cascades trains later in 2026, with significantly more seats and onboard amenities. As a result, we're anticipating record-breaking ridership in the year ahead and a bright future for rail travel throughout our region."
***
Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/06/amtrak-debuts-north-americas-first-passenger-rail-preclearance-facility/
