Congressional Research Service Report: 'The Debt Collection Market & Selected Policy Issues'
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46477) on May 6, 2021, entitled "The Debt Collection Market and Selected Policy Issues" by financial economics analyst Cheryl R. Cooper:
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SUMMARY
When a consumer defaults on a debt, a third-party debt collector often collects the debt obligation rather than the lender to whom the debt is originally owed. The debt collection market helps lenders recoup their losses when a consumer defaults, generally more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'U.S. Special Operations Forces - Background & Issues for Congress
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RS21048) on May 6, 2021, entitled "U.S. Special Operations Forces: Background and Issues for Congress" by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert:
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Summary
Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations C more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses - Issues & Policy Options' (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46284) on May 5, 2021, entitled "COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options".
The report was authored by American national government senior specialist Robert Jay Dilger, American national government specialist Bruce R. Lindsay and public finance analyst Sean Lowry.
* * *
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small bus more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses - Issues & Policy Options' (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46284) on May 5, 2021, entitled "COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options":
* * *
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
SBA Loan Guarantee Programs
Overview
The SBA provides loan guarantees for small businesses that cannot obtain credit elsewhere. Its largest loan guaranty programs are the 7(a) loan guaranty program, the 504/CDC loan guaranty program, and the Microloan program.
more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Reauthorization of the Federal Public Transportation Program'
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46191) on May 5, 2021, entitled "Reauthorization of the Federal Public Transportation Program" by transportation policy specialist William J. Mallett.
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SUMMARY
The federal public transportation program was authorized through FY2020 as part of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (P.L. 114-94). A one-year extension of the FAST Act through September 30, 2021, was enacted as part of t more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Budget Reconciliation Process - Senate's "Byrd Rule"'
WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL30862) on May 4, 2021, entitled "The Budget Reconciliation Process: The Senate's 'Byrd Rule'" by Bill Heniff Jr., Congress and the legislative process analyst:
Summary
Reconciliation is a procedure under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by which Congress implements budget resolution policies affecting mainly permanent spending and revenue programs. The principal focus in the reconciliation process ha more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'State Sponsors of Acts of International Terrorism - Legislative Parameters'
WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R43835) on May 4, 2021, entitled "State Sponsors of Acts of International Terrorism - Legislative Parameters: In Brief" by foreign policy legislation specialist Dianne E. Rennack:
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Introduction
The United States currently designates as state sponsors of acts of international terrorism the governments of Syria, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. A terrorism designation is but one part in the bilateral relat more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Asset Thresholds in Bank Regulation' (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46779) on May 3, 2021, entitled "Over the Line: Asset Thresholds in Bank Regulation" by macroeconomic policy specialists Marc Labonte and David W. Perkins:
SUMMARY
As of December 31, 2020, there were over 5,000 banks in the United States. While certain kinds of banks may be similar to each other, the industry as a whole is made of up institutions that differ in a variety of ways, in some ways quite drasti more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Asset Thresholds in Bank Regulation' (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46779) on May 3, 2021, entitled "Over the Line: Asset Thresholds in Bank Regulation":
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
Issues for Congress
Regulatory Implications of Recent Asset Growth
Challenges Facing Banks Due to Recent Asset Growth
As the pandemic and the congressional response to it unfolded, deposits at banks increased rapidly. Market uncertainty likely resulted in people and businesses moving their more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Comparison of Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Health Care Expenses'
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46782) on May 3, 2021, entitled "A Comparison of Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Health Care Expenses" by health care financing analyst Ryan J. Rosso:
SUMMARY
Individuals can use three common categories of tax-advantaged accounts to pay for certain unreimbursed medical expenses:
* Health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs), an employer-established benefit primarily funded by employees through salary-reduct more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Higher Education Tax Benefits - Brief Overview & Budgetary Effects'
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R41967) May 3, 2021, entitled "Higher Education Tax Benefits: Brief Overview and Budgetary Effects" by acting section research manager Margot L. Crandall-Hollick:
SUMMARY
The federal government provides financial assistance to individuals for higher education expenses in two major ways: tax benefits and traditional student aid (loans, grants, and work-study assistance). Since 1997, education tax benefits h more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Latin America & Caribbean - U.S. Policy & Key Issues in 117th Congress' (Part 1 of 3)
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46781) on May 3, 2021, entitled "Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress":
The report was co-authored by Latin American affairs specialists Mark P. Sullivan, Clare Ribando Seelke and Maureen Taft-Morales, Latin American affairs analyst June S. Beittel, Latin American and Canadian affairs specialist Peter J. Meyer, acting section research manager M. Angeles Villarre more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Latin America & Caribbean - U.S. Policy & Key Issues in 117th Congress' (Part 2 of 3)
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46781) on May 3, 2021, entitled "Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress":
(Continued from Part 1 of 3)
U.S. Policy. For more than 50 years, U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean has focused on countering drug trafficking and reducing drug production in the region. The largest antidrug support program, Plan Colombia, provided more than $10 billion (cu more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Latin America & Caribbean - U.S. Policy & Key Issues in 117th Congress' (Part 3 of 3)
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46781) on May 3, 2021, entitled "Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress":
(Continued from Part 2 of 3)
South America
Bolivia
Bolivia experienced relative stability and prosperity from 2006 to 2019, but governance standards weakened and relations with the United States deteriorated during this period under populist President Evo Morales. Morales was the country' more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'U.S. Naturalization Policy'
WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R43366) on May 3, 2021, entitled "U.S. Naturalization Policy" by immigration policy analyst Holly Straut-Eppsteiner:
Summary
Naturalization is the process that grants U.S. citizenship to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who fulfill requirements established by Congress and enumerated in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In general, U.S. immigration policy gives all LPRs the opportunity to naturali more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Federal Public Transportation Program - In Brief'
WASHINGTON, April 30 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R42706) entitled "Federal Public Transportation Program: In Brief" by transportation policy specialist William J. Mallett:
Introduction
Federal assistance to public transportation is provided primarily through the public transportation program administered by the Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The federal public transportation program was authorized from FY2016 thro more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Generic Drug User Fee Amendments - Background & Reauthorization'
WASHINGTON, April 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46778) entitled "The Generic Drug User Fee Amendments: Background and Reauthorization" by health policy analyst Agata Bodie:
SUMMARY
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety, effectiveness, and quality of drugs--both brand name and generic--pursuant to its authorities under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Throughout this report, the term brand-name drug refers to a more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 - Implementation Update Tables for Select Provisions'
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46774) entitled "The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018: Implementation Update Tables for Select Provisions":
The report was co-authored by Emergency management and disaster recovery analysts Elizabeth M. Webster and Erica A. Lee, flood insurance and emergency
management analyst Diane P. Horn, American federalism and emergency management policy analyst Natalie Keegan, American national government spe more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 - Implementation Updates for Select Provisions' (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46776) entitled "The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018: Implementation Updates for Select Provisions":
The report was co-authored by Emergency management and disaster recovery analysts Elizabeth M. Webster and Erica A. Lee, flood insurance and emergency
management analyst Diane P. Horn, American federalism and emergency management policy analyst Natalie Keegan, American national government specialis more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 - Implementation Updates for Select Provisions' (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46776) entitled "The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018: Implementation Updates for Select Provisions":
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
Accountability and Oversight Provisions
Congress has the authority to require executive agencies to take specific actions through legislation, and to oversee executive agencies' fulfillment of assigned responsibilities by using the tools of congressional oversight./154 more
Congressional Research Service Report: 'Latin America & Caribbean - Fact Sheet on Leaders & Elections'
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. 98-684) entitled "Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections" by research Librarian Carla Y. Davis-Castro:
This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are three tables organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the more
* COVID-College
A Global Study Led by CU Medicine and University of Hong KongMed Discovers a Hepatitis C Virus Drug as Potent Treatment for COVID-19
POKFULAM, Hong Kong, May 11 (TNSJou) -- The University of Hong Kong issued the following news release:
A recent global study led by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine) and the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has discovered a hepatitis C virus drug "simeprevir" as a potent treatment for COVID-19, which can strongly suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. The combination of this drug with remdesivir can resu more
Australians Support Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine
PERTH, Australia, May 11 (TNSJou) -- The University of Western Australia issued the following news:
A study by The University of Western Australia and Sydney University has found three-quarters of Australians support a mandatory COVID vaccination for work, study, and travel.
Mandatory vaccination is where vaccination is required if people choose to partake in particular activities or access specific entitlements, as opposed to compulsory vaccination which would require everyone to be vaccinate more
Iowa State University: 'Key' to New COVID-19 Vaccine Development
AMES, Iowa, May 11 (TNSJou) -- Iowa State University issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
New variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus most likely will necessitate the development of more vaccine options in the years ahead, and a biomedical scientist at Iowa State University believes the "key" to that development lies in the way the virus binds to human cells.
Michael Cho, a professor of biomedical sciences at Iowa State, is studying how to develop COVID-19 vaccines that target SARS-CoV- more
University of Pennsylvania: How Has COVID-19 Changed 'Superstar Cities'?
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 11 (TNSRes) -- The University of Pennsylvania issued the following news:
A new analysis found that overall mobility in large U.S. cities has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and some are also experiencing changing segregation patterns, with potential implications that could last well beyond the pandemic.
Just over a year since the pandemic led to shut-downs and stay-at-home orders across the world, the rollout of vaccines and gradual reopening of long-shutt more
AFL-CIO, SEIU, SNITIS And Public Citizen Announce Filing of First USMCA 'Rapid Response Mechanism' Labor Case to Fight for Mexican Workers Denied Independent Union Representation
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSOps) -- The AFL-CIO issued the following joint news release on May 10, 2021, with three organizations:
The AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Sindicato Nacional Independiente de Trabajadores de Industrias y de Servicios Movimiento 20/32 (SNITIS) and Public Citizen announced today that they have filed the first complaint under the Rapid Response Mechanism of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) against Tridonex, an auto parts factor more
Alliance for Automotive Innovation: Auto Innovators Statement on Colorado Transportation Funding Proposal
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Alliance for Automotive Innovation issued the following statement by President and CEO John Bozzella:
* * *
"Auto Innovators commends the Polis Administration and Colorado's legislative leaders for introducing a transportation funding proposal that will invest more than $5 billion over the next decade to modernize transportation infrastructure investments and enhance mobility in the pursuit of an electrified future.
"When Colorado adopted the ZEV (zero emission vehi more
American Human Rights Council Condemns Israeli Actions in Occupied East Jerusalem, Calls for U.N. Protection
DEARBORN, Michigan, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing Israeli suppression of civilian Palestinian protesters who rose up against Israeli measures designed to Judaize Arab East Jerusalem. Israeli army interference in the right of free worship of Palestinian Muslims at Al Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan is inexcusable and a violation of a basi more
American Principles Project: Biden Admin Quietly Paves Way for Childhood Sex Changes
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 11 -- American Principles Project, an organization that says it engages in campaigns and advocacy on behalf of the family, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
The Biden administration's Department of Health and Human Services announced it would be reinterpreting "sex" in healthcare anti-discrimination law to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," reversing a decision made under President Trump.
In response, Terry Schilling, president of more
Biden Administration Ignores the Science as It Seeks to Punish Medical Professionals, Says Family Research Council
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Family Research Council issued the following statement May 10, 2021:
* * *
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced today an "update" regarding the enforcement and interpretation of Obamacare Section 1557, indicating that it will now interpret discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." The Obama administration first adopted a similar definition in 2016, six years after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, but it w more
Center for American Progress: 'Employers Can Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts'
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following issue brief on May 10, 2021, entitled "Employers Can Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts".
The issue brief was authored by Senior Economist Emily Gee and Research Assistant Nicole Rapfogel.
* * *
During the first four months of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States, demand for the vaccine was far greater than supply. Increasingly, the opposite is happening: The vaccine doses available exceed the n more
Center for American Progress: Sharita Gruberg on HHS Enforcing Health Protections to Cover LGBTQ People
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Center for American Progress issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
On Monday, the Biden administration announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would apply the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last year in Bostock v. Clayton County--that sex discrimination includes sexual orientation and gender identity--to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In practice, the change will clarify for patients and providers more
College of American Pathologists: Life for Laboratories After COVID-19 Media Briefing
NORTHFIELD, Illinois, May 11 (TNSOps) -- The College of American Pathologists issued the following news release:
On April 28, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) hosted its second virtual media forum of 2021, Life for Laboratories after COVID-19, in its ongoing commitment to educating media and the public on COVID-19 testing and the pandemic.
During the session, which was moderated by Speaker of the CAP House of Delegates Kathryn Knight, MD, FCAP, CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP more
Council on American-Islamic Relations: Urge Your Senators to Condemn Both Israel's Attacks on Masjid Al-Aqsa and Effort to Expel Palestinian Families From Sheikh Jarrah
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSIntl) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release:
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling all Americans to contact their U.S. Senators and the Biden Administration to demand that they publicly condemn and oppose the Israeli government's campaign to expel Palestinian families from Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, as well as violent attacks on more
CSF, Partners Discuss Natural Infrastructure Investments to Enhance Fish, Wildlife, and Recreational Access for Sportsmen and Women
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and sporting conservation partners led a virtual policy briefing to discuss the importance of including robust natural infrastructure and conservation investments as part of any federal infrastructure and job creation legislation.
In March, President Biden released an infrastructure plan to restore and address America's depleting more
CSIS: 'Five Years of Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe and What Lies Ahead'
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following report on May 10, 2021, entitled "Five Years of Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe and What Lies Ahead".
This report was authored by Janet Fleischman, senior associate with the Global Health Policy Center.
* * *
On December 1, 2014--World AIDS Day--PEPFAR launched a bold initiative called DREAMS--Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe. The goal wa more
CSIS: Real-World Options for Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following commentary on May 10, 2021:
* * *
Real-World Options for Afghanistan
By Anthony H. Cordesman
Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy
It is time for the U.S. to face its real-world options in Afghanistan and to do so without false optimism or "spin." The U.S. has not lost the war in a military situation, but it now faces a situation where there is little value in continuing it and equally little chance o more
Development Finance Corp. Announces First-Ever Chief Climate Officer and Deputy to Lead Agency Efforts to Tackle the Climate Crisis
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced the agency's first-ever dedicated senior officials focused on climate. Specifically, DFC has appointed Jake Levine as Chief Climate Officer (CCO) and Aparna Shrivastava as Deputy Chief Climate Officer. As CCO, Mr. Levine will lead DFC's efforts to confront the climate crisis, including leading execution more
Hawaii A.G. Connors Joins Coalition of 22 Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 11 -- Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul urging Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. The legislation is aimed at combatting the high Black maternal mortality rate and increasing access to maternal and perinatal care.
The coalition is highlighting the need to adva more
HHS Affirms LGBTQ Protections in Health Care
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 11 -- GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
The Biden-Harris Administration announced today that, in line with the Supreme Court Bostock ruling and other court decisions, the Department of Health and Human Services interprets the nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sex in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. In a press st more
HHS Takes Initial Steps to Reverse Anti-LGBTQ Plus Healthcare Policy After Equality California Sued Trump Administration
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- Equality California issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday morning that the Biden-Harris Administration will interpret and enforce Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Title IX's prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The announcement came minutes before a scheduled hearing before the U.S. more
House Majority Leader Hoyer Statement on Biden Administration Banning Discrimination Against LGBTQ Americans in Health Care
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Biden Administration announced a reversal of Trump-era policy and extended anti-discrimination protections in health care to LGBTQ Americans:
"I join in thanking the Biden-Harris Administration for reversing the discriminatory rule that allowed discrimination against LGBTQ Americans more
House Majority Leader Hoyer Statement on Treasury Department Guidance on State and Local Fiscal Funding Through the American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the Treasury Department's guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, created by the American Rescue Plan, which provide $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments:
"Today's announcement from the Treasury Department will b more
House Publishes Executive Communications on May 7 From President Biden
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The House on May 7, 2021, published three executive communications from President Biden:
EC-1041. A letter from the President of the United States, transmitting notification that the national emergency with respect to the Central African Republic, declared in Executive Order 13667 of May 12, 2014, is to continue in effect beyond May 12, 2021, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1622(d); Public Law 94-412, Sec. 202(d); (90 Stat. 1257) (H. Doc. No. 117--34); to the Committee on Foreign Af more
Interior: Secretary Haaland Announces $150 Million to Create Public Parks, Expand Recreation Opportunities in Urban Areas
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The Department of the Interior today announced that the National Park Service will distribute $150 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program. The program, established in 2014, enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors in econ more
Joint Letter: Biden's Iran Policy Must Include Focus on Human Rights
NEW YORK, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The Center for Human Rights in Iran issued the following joint letter on May 10, 2021:
Today PEN America and the Center for Human Rights in Iran, along with a coalition of human rights organizations, sent a joint letter to President Biden urging his administration to ensure that human rights concerns are at the center of U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.
"Efforts to seek improvements in Iran's egregious human rights record should take place parallel to negotiations more
Kids in Need of Defense Urges Administration to Protect Kids, Abandon Proposals That Could Put Them in Danger
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Kids in Need of Defense, a non-governmental organization that says it is devoted to protection of unaccompanied and separated children, issued the following statement:
* * *
Following news reports that some within the Biden Administration have proposed asking Mexico to take steps that would stem the flow of immigrants crossing the U.S. southern border, including unaccompanied children, Kids in Need of Defense President Wendy Young issued the following statement:
"The Bid more
Los Angeles LGBT Center Commends Reversal of Anti-LGBTQ Healthcare Rule
LOS ANGELES, California, May 11 -- The Los Angeles LGBT Center issued the following agency statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
In response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reversal of the Trump Administration's rollback of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people under the Affordable Care Act, the Los Angeles LGBT Center released the following statement:
"We commend today's actions by the Biden Administration and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to once again protect a more
N.H. Delegation Announces Granite State Communities to Receive More Than $1.4 Billion in State & Local Relief Funding From American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced today that New Hampshire will receive $1,456,856,670 in COVID-19 financial relief for the state and local governments through the American Rescue Plan that was passed by Congress and signed into law. These federal dollars also include greater flexibility in funding t more
National Association of Counties: Counties Welcome Launch of Treasury's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSMon) -- The National Association of Counties issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today launched the $362 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that was signed into law by President Biden on March 11. This is an important step in enabling counties to make necessary investments in local communities.
The legislation includes $65.1 billion in direct, flexible more
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Issue Brief Examines Challenges in Student Loan Repayment
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators issued the following news release:
Even before the coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the financial lives of most Americans, millions of student loan borrowers were struggling to make their monthly payments. Though there are repayment benefits and protections available to borrowers with federal student loans, multiple changes and tweaks over the years have created a tangled web of repayment options more
National Center for Transgender Equality: Biden Administration Will Enforce Nondiscrimination Protections in Health Care
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The National Center for Transgender Equality issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that the Office for Civil Rights will enforce Section 1557 prohibitions on health care discrimination based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The announcement represents a change in position from the previous administration, which had adopted rules that attempted to allow healt more
National Venture Capital Association: Implementation of International Entrepreneur Rule by Biden Administration Will Spur Job Creation and Innovation
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The National Venture Capital Association issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) was thrilled today that the Biden Administration announced it will fully launch the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER). NVCA has fought for several years for IER, which works similarly to a Startup Visa, to be fully implemented. Today's announcement means foreign-born entrepreneurs and their investors can take advantage of more
Nev. Gov. Sisolak, Treasurer Conine Present Legislation to Kickstart State Infrastructure Bank
CARSON CITY, Nevada, May 11 -- Gov. Stephen Sisolak, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and State Treasurer Zach Conine presented Senate Bill 430 during a Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure meeting.
Senate Bill 430 makes structural changes to the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB), which was established by the Legislature in 2017 but never funded. These statutory changes, coupled with the proposed $75 million appropriation included in the Governo more
People for the American Way Releases Its Second #HerFightOurFight Campaign Ad Supporting DOJ Nominee Kristen Clarke Ahead of This Week's Committee Vote
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSPol) -- People for the American Way issued the following news release:
People For the American Way released its latest ad supporting Kristen Clarke, the Biden-Harris nominee to lead the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, to highlight her work for a stronger hate crime law in the wake of a racially motivated murder.
The ad, which is part of the ongoing #HerFightOurFight campaign, features the parents of 2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins, III, a student at Bo more
Planned Parenthood Applauds Biden Administration's Move to Enforce Protections Against Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557's prohibition on discrimination based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This announcement comes after the Trump administration weakened protections against discrimination in health care for the LGBTQ+ community. Today's more
Planned Parenthood Federation of America Applauds President Biden's Appointment of Jessica Marcella as HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
* * *
The Biden administration announced that Jessica Marcella has been named as the Health and Human Services (HHS) deputy assistant secretary for population affairs. The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) administers the Title X family planning program and provides recommendations on a wide range of critical reproductive health policies.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, pr more
President Biden Approves Commonwealth of Virginia Disaster Declaration
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The White House issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia and ordered Federal assistance to supplement commonwealth, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms from February 11 to February 13, 2021.
Federal funding is available to commonwealth, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations more
President Biden Issues Statement on FDA Expanded Emergency Use Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to Include Adolescents
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- President Biden issued the following statement on May 10, 2021, on the Food and Drug Administration's expanded emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents:
* * *
After a rigorous and thorough scientific review process, today the Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from individuals 16 years and older to also include individuals 12 to 15 years old.
This more
Rep. Barragan Applauds Interior Department's Record Investment in Urban Parks, Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-California, issued the following on May 10, 2021:
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced $150 million in grant funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), a program Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan fought to reinstate after the previous administration attempted to end it.
The ORLP helps fund urban parks in communities lacking equal access to parks and outdoor recreation and is more
Rep. Bice Leads Environment Subcommittee Letter Requesting Info on Aggressive Paris Agreement Pledge
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma, ranking Republican member of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Environment, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Stephanie Bice (R-OK) led a letter to National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy requesting information on the Biden Administration's emissions reduction pledge to the Paris Agreement.
"We're seeking answ more
Rep. Boyle Statement on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement's Complaint Filed by AFL-CIO Against Tridonex
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement in response to the first complaint filed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement's (USMCA) Rapid Response Labor Mechanism:
"The USMCA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism that will be utilized in this complaint will provide new and aggressive enforcement mechani more
Rep. Courtney Announces More Than $121 Million in New Federal Support for Eastern Connecticut K-12 School Districts Through American Rescue Plan
NORWICH, Connecticut, May 11 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced the official allocation of more than $121 million in American Rescue Plan funding that will provide continued support to eastern Connecticut schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) program. Rep. Courtney is a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, and worked with his colleagues to draft and authorize more
Rep. Davis Urges Changes to Immigration System to Get Border Crisis Under Control
TAYLORVILLE, Illinois, May 11 -- Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Illinois, issued the following news release:
Last month, U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) joined U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise and other members of Congress in a delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas, and the surrounding area to see the immigration crisis first hand and hear directly from law enforcement about the situation on the ground.
Rep. Davis wrote a guest column for the Herald & Review about wh more
Rep. DelBene Statement on First Complaint Under USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement in response to the first complaint filed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement's (USMCA) Rapid Response Labor Mechanism:
"The USMCA is a historic trade deal that brought the North American continent closer together and laid the foundation for a 21st century trade policy with workers' rights as a focal point more
Rep. Dingell Urges U.S. State Department for Briefing on Efforts to Deescalate Tensions and Violence in West Bank
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) sent a letter to U.S. State Department Secretary Blinken urging for a briefing on the steps being taken to deescalate tensions and promote a peaceful resolution to the recent violence in Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and southern Israel.
The increase in violence, including attempts by Israeli settlers to evict and displace Palestinian families living in th more
Rep. Good Demands Investigation Into Biden Admin Politicizing Reopening Schools
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Bob Good, R-Virginia, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Representative Bob Good (VA-05) led a letter with 25 other Republican House members to the Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS IG) requesting they investigate allegations that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acted politically on behalf of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in refusing to reopen America's schools.
"Putting our students' education in t more
Rep. Grijalva Applauds New Guidance on American Rescue Plan State and Local Funding Allocations, Calls for Quick Disbursal of Funds
TUCSON, Arizona, May 11 -- Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Today the Biden Administration announced new guidance for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund created by the American Rescue Plan. The $350 billion emergency fund will provide direct relief to state, local, and tribal governments to respond to the ongoing public health emergency and accompanying economic crisis.
"Help is on the way to cities, counties, and tribes across more
Rep. Higgins Announces New Tools to Help Western New Yorkers Find COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in Erie and Niagara
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release:
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced new tools from the White House that will help Western New Yorkers find vaccination sites in Erie and Niagara counties and receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement follows news by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that Pfizer vaccine eligibility will be expanded to include Americans ages 12-15.
"Ensuring Americans have continued access to bo more
Rep. Hoyer Statement on the Treasury Department's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the Treasury Department issued guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan, which will provide Maryland with over $6 billion in additional funding:
"Today's announcement that Maryland will receive over $6 billion in funding for state and local more
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on the Environment, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Rep. Ro Khanna, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment, released a Fact Sheet detailing reasons to repeal fossil fuel subsidies. The fossil fuel industry plays by different tax rules than the rest of American business, spends over $100 million in political contributions to preserve their preferential treatment an more
Rep. Kuster Statement on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 12 to 15
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 11 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Following the Food and Drug Administration's decision to extend the Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 to 15, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement:
"Reopening our schools, rebuilding our economy, and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on our ability to vaccinate as many Americans as possible.
"Today more
Rep. Kuster: N.H. Delegation Announces Granite State Communities to Receive More Than $1.4 Billion in State & Local Relief Funding From American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced today that New Hampshire will receive $1,456,856,670 in COVID-19 financial relief for the state and local governments through the American Rescue Plan that was passed by Congress and signed into law. These federal dollars also include greater flexibility more
HARTFORD, Connecticut, May 11 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the Biden-Harris Administration's release of $31 million in funding for critical Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan he helped pass.
"The pandemic has exacerbated the problems that exist in our long-term care system. This critical funding from the American Rescue Plan addresses the health and economic needs of older Americans more
Rep. Latta Named 'Taxpayer Super Hero' 2nd Consecutive Year for Efforts to Cut Government Spending
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio, May 11 -- Rep. Robert E. Latta, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:
Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) was named a "Taxpayer Super Hero" by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) for his votes to cut wasteful government spending in 2020. Latta scored 100% on their scorecard for the second consecutive year.
"I've never been afraid to stand up against reckless spending that ultimately punishes American families and job creators with higher taxes and infl more
Rep. Levin Statement on 1st Complaint Under the Rapid Response Mechanism of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WARREN, Michigan, May 11 -- Rep. Andy Levin, D-Michigan, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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The AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Sindicato Nacional Independiente de Trabajadores de Industrias y de Servicios Movimiento 20/32 (SNITIS) and Public Citizen announced they have filed the first complaint under the Rapid Response Mechanism of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) against Tridonex, an auto parts factory located in Matamoros in more
Rep. Mace Condemns Hamas Rocket Attack Against Israeli Civilians
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release:
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) issued the following statement regarding Hamas' brutal rocket attack upon Israeli civilians:
"This brutal and deliberate attack against Israeli civilians is absolutely unacceptable and should be condemned by anyone even remotely interested in peace and the sanctity of life," said Mace.
"I fully support our Israeli allies in this struggle against terrorism. I urge the Bi more
Rep. Maloney Issues Statement Following Treasury Department Launch of Funding for States & Localities
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued this statement following the announcement that the Treasury Department will soon begin releasing $350 billion of critical funding for states and localities that was passed by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021:
"Democrats on the Ove more
Rep. McClain Leads Letter to DOJ Regarding German Company Sending Software Updates to Iran
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Michigan, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) led a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to express her concerns over German global software company, SAP SE, violating Export Administration Regulations and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.
"The United States is clear - companies can either operate here or in Iran, they can't do both," said Rep. McClain. "I am greatly concern more
Rep. Moore Takes Stand Against Harmful, Divisive Critical Race Theory Teachings
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Barry Moore, R-Alabama, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Rep. Barry Moore released the following statement after taking several actions to counter the government-sponsored spread of the Critical Race Theory:
"The Critical Race Theory doesn't chip away at inequity, it perpetuates it," said Rep. Moore. "Teaching children that they are defined solely by their race and categorized as either an oppressor or oppressed based on the color of our skin will d more
Rep. Pascrell Supports Accounting of Repeated Mexican Labor Violations
PATERSON, New Jersey, May 11 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today reacted positively to first complaint filed under the new NAFTA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
"The corruption and silencing of labor organizing in Mexico must end," said Rep. Pascrell. "While Mexico changed its labor laws to eliminate government connected protection unions and their crooked connections with corporations, there more
Rep. Pascrell Urges Middle East De-Escalation
PATERSON, New Jersey, May 11 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today commented on continuing unrest in the Middle East.
"I am concerned about what is happening in and around Jerusalem and agree with President Biden's national security team that restraint must be exercised and steps must be taken to de-escalate growing unrest and denounce violence," said Rep. Pascrell.
"The reported illegal evictio more
Rep. Payne Jr.'s Statement on Colonial Pipeline Cyber-Attack
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack yesterday. The attack forced the company to shut down the largest gasoline, diesel and jet fuel suppli more
Rep. Rice Announces American Rescue Plan Funding, $385 Million for Nassau County, $16.7 Million for Village of Hempstead
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) today announced that Nassau County will receive $385 million and the Village of Hempstead will receive $16.79 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The relief funding was authorized in H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, which Rice voted in support of when it passed the House of Representatives on March 10. President Bide more
Rep. Stefanik's Message for National Police Week
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Congresswoman Elise Stefanik issued the below message in honor of National Police Week.
"On National Police Week, we commemorate the unsung heroes in our communities - our brave men and women in blue. I am proud to Back the Blue. As the Representative for New York's 21st Congressional District, I am proud to represent thousands of brave law enforcement and correctional officers, sherif more
Rep. Suozzi Statement on Treasury Launching Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Congressman Tom Suozzi (D- Long Island, Queens) released the following statement after the U.S. Treasury Department's released Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established under the American Rescue Plan Act.
"This is so important to the state and local governments. That's why we fought so hard for it," said Suozzi. "The great news is that the money is there, and we are ge more
Rep. Torres Leads Congressional Delegation to Fairplex ORR Facility for Unaccompanied Minors
POMONA, California, May 11 -- Rep. Norma J. Torres, D-California, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today led a group of five U.S. Representatives on a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the temporary Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Emergency Intake Facility for unaccompanied minors at the Fairplex in Pomona.
The Pomona Fairplex facility, which was negotiated between Los Angeles County and the Biden Administration, is within Californ more
Rep. Yarmuth, Treasury Announce Kentucky Will Receive More Than $3.7 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. John A. Yarmuth, D-Kentucky, issued the following news release:
Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03) hailed the U.S. Department of the Treasury's announcement that Kentucky will receive more than $3.7 billion in state and local government funding from the American Rescue Plan--legislation ushered through Congress by Yarmuth--including more than $388 million in funding to Louisville and Jefferson County.
In total, Kentucky's state government will receive more than $2.1 bi more
Reps. Neal, Blumenauer Issue Statement on First Complaint Under U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Rapid Response Mechanism
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon:
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House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) released the following statement in response to the first complaint filed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement's (USMCA) Rapid Response Labor Mechanism:
"Today ma more
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Reps. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Virginia, and Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York:
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House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-NA), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), and Oversight more
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Reps. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Virginia, and Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York:
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House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-NA), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), and O more
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Reps. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Virginia, and Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York:
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Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), and Oversight more
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Reps. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, and Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York:
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Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), and Oversight a more
Reps. Stevens Sends Letter to President Biden Asking for More Direct Support for India
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11), sent a letter to President Biden, urging the White House to send more direct support and desperately needed hospital supplies to India as they continue to battle a devastating COVID-19 surge.
"India is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Stevens. "This past week India registered over 400,000 daily cases. On May 4, there were 3,786 deaths, bringing the total to more
SBA Funds 16,000 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Awards
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
The U.S. Small Business Administration will begin delivering economic relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan and signed into law by President Joe Biden, to more than 16,000 approved applicants. This first round of funding represents over $2 billion of relief awarded since last Monday's successful program launch. Restaurants and other food and beverage busin more
Sen. Barrasso Issues Statement on Cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021, in response to the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline:
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"This weekend's cyberattack on the Colonial oil pipeline should concern every American.
"We must make our critical energy infrastructure secure. This cyberattack underscores just how important energy pipelines are to our economy and our national security.
The Biden more
Sen. Feinstein: California to Receive $43 Billion in Coronavirus Relief for State, Local Governments
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced that California will receive nearly $43 billion in coronavirus emergency funding for state and local governments under the American Rescue Plan Act.
"The COVID-19 pandemic created a large increase in public health spending and forced many jurisdictions in California to dramatically reduce or eliminate services and lay off essentia more
Sen. Lujan Highlights New Mexico's National Laboratories and Infrastructure Investments in Meeting With Energy Secretary
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following statement:
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U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) met with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to discuss the American Jobs Plan. During the meeting, Senator Lujan highlighted the need to drive investments for New Mexico's National Laboratories and champion a Clean Energy Standard to address the climate crisis. Senator Lujan secured key investments in the American Jobs Plan to upgrade research infrastructure at Nati more
Sen. Murphy Discusses Recent Travel to Qatar, Oman and Jordan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Monday held a press call to discuss his recent travels to Qatar, Oman and Jordan. Murphy's trip included meetings with foreign leaders and senior officials including Jordan's King Abdullah II, Omani Foreign Minister Al-Busaidi, Qatari Foreign more
Sen. Murray Statement on Treasury Department's Guidance for State And Local Government Funding Included in American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released the following statement on the Treasury Department's guidance for state and local government funding included in the American Rescue Plan:
"Beating this virus means making sure our state, counties, cities, and towns have the resources to continue an effective and more
Sen. Rosen Applauds $2.2 Million in CDC Funding to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Education in Nevada
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), released the following statement applauding news of a grant totaling $2,261,337 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded to Nevada to increase vaccine education and outreach across the state.
"During this time of uncertainty, we must ensure Nevadans and all Americans have more
Sen. Sasse on Biden's Unemployment Comments
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, issued the following statement:
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U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who has called for converting expanded federal unemployment payments into signing bonuses, issued the following statement after President Biden promised to go after individuals who "game the [unemployment insurance] system" to get paid not to work.
"President Biden is all over the place on unemployment insurance -- he wants to go after folks who are gaming the system, but he's denyi more
Sen. Scott to Biden: Inflation is Happening - Stop Reckless Government Spending
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement amid continued concerning reports of increased inflation. As the prices of every day goods go up, the Biden Administration continues to push radical spending plans that would increase the average taxes owed by families making less than $500,000 by $1,600 per year for ten years - a total of $16,000 in new taxes owed over the next decade.
Senator Rick Scott said, " more
Sen. Scott: States and Locals Should Be Responsible and Reject Unnecessary Taxpayer-Funded Bailout
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the announcement that the Department of the Treasury launched the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. This news comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom just announced that his s more
Senate Minority Leader McConnell: Despite Vaccines, Democrats Extended Extra Jobless Benefits - And Hiring Disappoints
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, issued the following floor statement:
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U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Kentucky jobs and pandemic recovery:
"Like all my colleagues, I spent last week traveling my home state. I spoke with Kentuckians about where we've come over the past 15 months, where we are today, and the bright future we should have ahead.
"More than 1.8 more
Sens. Peters, Portman Lead Members of Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee to Encourage Administration to Fill Watchdog Vacancies
WASHINGTON, May 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) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led several of their committee colleagues to encourage President Biden to swiftly fill Inspectors General (IG) vacancies to help safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen independent oversi more
Sens. Portman, Peters Lead Members of Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee to Encourage Administration to Fill Watchdog Vacancies
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led several of their committee colleagues to encourage President Biden to swiftly fill Inspectors General (IG) vacancies to help safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen more
Sens. Van Hollen, Blumenthal, Colleagues Call for DOJ Review of Trump Administration Efforts to Protect Fossil Fuel Companies From Accountability for Decades of Climate Deception
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) along with their colleagues Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) wrote Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting that the Department of Justice review amicus briefs filed during the Trump A more
Sierra Club: Interior Announces Major Expansion of Outdoor Equity Program
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Sierra Club issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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The Department of the Interior announced it would increase funding to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program as part of the Biden administration's America the Beautiful plan to protect 30% of the country's lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). The $150 million total investment in local parks and communities is a significant expansion for the program, which uses funds from the Land and Wate more
Speaker Pelosi Issues Statement on Biden Administration Banning Discrimination Against LGBTQ Americans in Health
SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 11 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021, after the Biden administration announced that anti-discrimination protections in health care extend to LGBTQ Americans, reversing a Trump-era policy:
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"The Biden Administration has taken essential and potentially life-saving action to affirm that all people in America have the right to quality, affordable health care - no matter who they are or whom they love. Dur more
Speaker Pelosi Issues Statement on Biden Administration Guidance for State, Local Government Funding Included in American Rescue Plan
SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 11 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following news releasestatement on May 10, 2021:
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the Biden Administration announced guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by Democrats' American Rescue Plan Act, which provides $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial and tribal governments:
"Today, the Biden Administration has taken a more
TechNet Applauds President Biden and DHS Decision to Implement the International Entrepreneur Rule
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- TechNet, a network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today applauded the decision by President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security to implement the International Entrepreneur Rule, which is designed to encourage entrepreneurs from around the world to grow compa more
TESOL Signs-On to Letter Calling for Changes to Cultural Exchange Visas in U.S.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 11 -- TESOL International Association issued the following news release:
TESOL International Association joined over 500 organizations in a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requesting changes to current cultural exchange visa limitations. These restrictions, which have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, have dramatically limited J-1 cultural exchange visas, including those issued to international educators who teach at schools more
Treasury Launches Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Deliver $350 Billion
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Treasury also released details on the ways funds can be used to respond to acute pandemic-response needs, fill revenue sho more
Trust for Public Land on the Department of the Interior Announcement to Allocate $150 Million to Expand Public Parks, Recreation Opportunities in Urban Areas Through Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The Trust for Public Land issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Statement from Tom Stewart, Senior Director of Federal Affairs at The Trust for Public Lands on the announcement that the National Park Service will distribute $150 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program.
"Equitable access to the outdoors helps people lead healthier, happier, more prosperous lives.
"Last week, the Biden-Harris adm more
Tufts University: Tweet and Re-Tweet - Songbird Stuttering Allows Researchers to Pinpoint Causes in the Brain
SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts, May 11 (TNSJou) -- Tufts University issued the following news release:
Tweet and Re-tweet: Songbird Stuttering Allows Researchers to Pinpoint Causes in the Brain Speech problems such as stammering or stuttering plague millions of people worldwide, including 3 million Americans. President Biden himself struggled with stuttering as a child and has largely overcome it with speech therapy. The cause of stuttering has long been a mystery, but researchers at Tufts Universit more
USCIRF Condemns Iran's Crackdown on Bahai Community
WASHINGTON, May 11 (TNSRep) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned the Iranian government's alarming escalation of persecution targeting Bahais in Iran. In the past month, Iran's government has raided Baha'i homes across the country and jailed more than 20 community members, including a woman recovering from chemotherapy. Iranian authorit more
Weekly Column: Tax Filing Complexities Highlight Need for Easing Idahoans' Tax Filing Burdens Guest Column Submitted by Sen. Crapo
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following column:
Tax filing season and Economic Impact Payment issues are the most frequent federal tax-related topics I hear about from Idahoans. Since coronavirus relief programs have resulted in extra paperwork for taxpayers this year and nearly constant updates of tax preparation systems, I called for extending the federal tax filing deadline, now set for May 17.
Amid the extended tax filing season, the Senate Finance Committee, o more
Western Environmental Law Center: Climate Lawsuit Challenges Fracking Plan That Threatens 3 National Forests in Colorado
EUGENE, Oregon, May 11 (TNSPol) -- The Western Environmental Law Center issued the following news release:
Conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service's 2020 approval of a plan that allows fracking across 35,000 acres of Colorado's Western Slope. The North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan allows 35 new fracking wells in the North Fork Valley and Thompson Divide areas of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests.
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White House Issues Readout of President Biden Participation in Bucharest Nine Virtual Summit
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The White House issued the following readout of President Biden's participation in the Bucharest Nine Virtual Summit on May 10, 2021:
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with NATO's eastern flank Allies in a virtual summit of the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries hosted by Presidents Klaus Iohannis of Romania and Andrzej Duda of Poland. President Biden underscored his commitment to rebuilding alliances and strengthening Transatlantic relations.
He conveyed his more
White House Issues Transcript of Interview With President Biden on Economy
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The White House issued the following transcript of an interview with President Biden regarding the economy:
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THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Excuse me. I'd like to start by saying a few words about the ransomware cyberattack currently impacting Colonial Pipeline. This is something that my administration -- our administration have been tracking extremely carefully. And I have been perfectly -- personally briefed every day.
The Department of Energy is working directly more
White House Issues Transcript of News Briefing By Press Secretary Psaki, Homeland Security Advisor Sherwood-Randall, Deputy National Security Advisor Neuberger
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The White House issued the following transcript of a news briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Homeland Security advisor and deputy national security advisor, and Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies on May 10, 2021:
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MS. PSAKI: Hi everyone. Happy Monday. Today, we are joined by Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall and Deputy National S more
White House: President Biden Announces Additional Steps to Help Americans Return to Work
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on May 10, 2021, entitled "President Biden Announces Additional Steps to Help Americans Return to Work":
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Over the first three full months of the Biden-Harris Administration, the economy added more than 1.5 million jobs, or more than 500,000 jobs per month on average. That compares to an average of 60,000 jobs per month in the three previous months. These three months have seen the strongest first three months of job gr more
ACLU Statement on Biden Move to Protect LGBTQ People From Discrimination in Health Care
NEW YORK, May 10 -- The American Civil Liberties Union, a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the U.S., issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Chase Strangio, deputy director for Trans Justice with the American Civil Liberties Union LGBTQ & HIV Project, issued the following statement in response to today's move by the White House to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in health c more
American Legal & Financial Network Issues Public Comment on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Matt Bartel, president and CEO, and Andrea Tromberg, board chair, of the American Legal and Financial Network, St Louis, Missouri, have issued a public comment on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rule entitled "Protections for Borrowers Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Regulation X". The comment was written and posted on May 7, 2021:
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We appreciate the opportunity to submit comments regarding the Con more
Families of Victims of Police Violence, ACLU, Organizations Call for U.N. Inquiry Into Police Violence and Systemic Racism in the United States
NEW YORK, May 10 (TNSPol) -- The American Civil Liberties Union, a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the U.S., issued the following news release:
The American Civil Liberties Union, more than 270 civil society organizations from around the world, and 171 families of victims of police violence are calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish an independent commission of inquiry in more
FEMA: President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from March 25 - April 3, 2021.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties. more
Homeland Security: Readout of Secretary Mayorkas's Visit to Donna, Texas With Congressional Delegation
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release on May 8, 2021:
On Friday, May 7, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas led a Congressional Delegation to Donna, Texas to receive an update on unaccompanied children arriving at our Southern Border and view conditions at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Donna Processing Facility. The delegation was provided an overview of the progress being made at Donna and facilities ac more
Hudson Institute Kleptocracy Initiative Fellow Issues Public Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Nate Sibley, research fellow for Kleptocracy Initiative at the Hudson Institute, has issued a public comment on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed rule entitled "Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements". The comment was written on May 5, 2021, and posted on May 7, 2021:
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I am a Research Fellow at Hudson Institute's Kleptocracy Initiative (KI), where I conduct policy research on strengthening US foreign policy and national security by co more
League of Southeastern Credit Unions Issues Public Comment on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Jared Ross, president of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, Duluth, Georgia, has issued a public comment on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rule entitled "Protections for Borrowers Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Regulation X". The comment was posted on May 7, 2021:
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Representing 323 credit unions who have a combined asset size of over $120 billion in the states of Alabama, Georgia and Flori more
National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies Issues Public Comment on Corps of Engineers Notice
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies has issued a public comment on the Corps of Engineers notice entitled "Meetings: Water Resources Development Act; Comment Period and Stakeholder Sessions". The comment was posted on May 7, 2021:
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The National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA), a national organization of public agencies whose function is the protection of lives, property, the environment and economic ac more
National Indian Gaming Association Issues Public Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Ernest L. Stevens Jr., chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, has issued a public comment on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed rule entitled "Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements". The comment was posted on May 7, 2021:
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The National Indian Gaming Association is pleased to provide comments on the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's ("FinCEN") Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("ANPRM") more
Rep. Lee Issues Statement on America's Strength Lies in the Rise of Profiles of Courage When They Are Most Needed
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on May 7, 2021, entitled "America's Strength Lies in The Rise of Profiles of Courage When They Are Most Needed":
I am a proud progressive Texas Democrat in the tradition of the late Governor Ann Richards and my predecessors Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland so it may hurt more than help them to say that Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the third ranking Repu more
Rep. Smith: Impact of President Biden's Tax Proposals on Agriculture and Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Nebraska, issued the following column:
Many parts of the economy in our great state of Nebraska are thriving. However, the new slate of tax increase proposals coming from the Biden Administration will undermine the success of Nebraska, and states like it, by removing capital from family farms and small businesses at a time when we need to be encouraging economic growth.
Among the most troubling tax proposals for family-owned businesses across the Thir more
Rep. Thompson Issues Statement Addressing the Situation in Kazakhstan Concerning Kleptocracy
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on May 7, 2021, entitled "Addressing the Situation in Kazakhstan Concerning Kleptocracy":
I would like to take this opportunity today to recognize the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United States, on December 25, 1991, was the first country to recognize more
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Issues Public Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, California, has issued a public comment on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed rule entitled "Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements". The comment was written on April 28, 2021, and posted on May 7, 2021:
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On January 26, 2021, the Biden Administration issued a Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, which reaffirms the Pr more
Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life Issue Report Entitled 'Making the Most of the American Rescue Plan'
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and its Center for State Policy Analysis issued an 8-page white paper entitled "Making the Most of the American Rescue Plan" in April 2021.
The report was written by Evan Horowitz, executive director of the center.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Massachusetts is about to get a massive infusion of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the broad coronavirus relief package advanced by President Biden and ap more
United South & Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund Issues Public Comment on Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Kirk Francis, president, and Kitcki A. Carroll, executive director at the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund, Nashville, Tennessee, has issued a public comment on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed rule entitled "Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements". The comment was written on May 5, 2021, and posted on May 7, 2021:
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On behalf of the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund (USET SPF), we more
Walk Bike Berkeley Issues Public Comment on Federal Highway Administration Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Walk Bike Berkeley, California, has issued a public comment on the Federal Highway Administration proposed rule entitled "National Standards for Traffic Control Devices: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision". The comment was posted on May 6, 2021:
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Walk Bike Berkeley is an all-volunteer group founded in 2018 by residents of Berkeley, California. We advocate to make walking and biking in Berkeley safe, low-stress, and fun for peo more
President Biden Approves Tennessee Disaster Declaration
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The White House issued the following news release:
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from March 25 to April 3, 2021.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Davidson, Williamson, and Wilson.
Assistance can include g more
Rep. Malliotakis Asks Feds to Step In After Shootings Skyrocket
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following news release:
Yesterday, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) sent the below letter to President Biden and Attorney General Garland calling on the Administration to send federal law enforcement officers to New York City to curb the recent spike in gun violence.
Last week, murders were up 266% and shootings were up 200% over the same time last year. This comes after a num more
Rep. Sarbanes, Hellenic Caucus Lead Bipartisan Effort to Hold Erdogan Government Accountable for Undermining Religious Freedom in Turkey
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Rep. John P. Sarbanes, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:
Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today joined the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues to introduce the Turkey and Ecumenical Patriarchate Religious Freedom Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill to hold Turkey accountable for violating the religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Greek Orthodox Christians and other religious minorities.
"We must apply maximum pressure on the Erdogan regime to end more
Sen. Murray Holds Roundtable With People With Disabilities on Historic Caregiving Investment in American Jobs Plan
WASHINGTON, May 6 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) held a virtual roundtable with disability activists, people with disabilities, and their families--from across Washington state--about the landmark $400 billion investment in home- and community-based services (HCBS) proposed in the American Jobs Plan, which Senator Murray pushed to include. Senator Murray highlighted the importance of building a caregiving infrastructure, t more
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Rep. Hoyer Statement on the Treasury Department's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the Treasury Department issued guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan, which will provide Maryland with over $6 billion in additional funding:
"Today's announcement that Maryland will receive over $6 billion in funding for state and local more
Rep. Kuster Statement on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 12 to 15
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 11 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021:
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Following the Food and Drug Administration's decision to extend the Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 to 15, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement:
"Reopening our schools, rebuilding our economy, and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on our ability to vaccinate as many Americans as possible.
"Today more
VA Announces Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccinations For Veterans, Spouses, Caregivers Following Sens. Tester, Moran Efforts
WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021:
Building off Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran's (R-Kan.) successful effort to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to veterans and their families, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it is accepting walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide for eligible vetera more
