Federal - Executive Branch
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from the U.S. Executive Branch, covering all aspects of the Obama administration including cabinet departments, federal agencies, regulatory and independent agencies.
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Understanding Your FEMA Assistance Determination Letter
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
Survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between May 7 and June 9, in Oklahoma, will receive a determination letter explaining the eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.
For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
Survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between May 7 and June 9, in Oklahoma, will receive a determination letter explaining the eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.
For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why andhow the applicant can appeal that decision.
It's important to read the determination letter carefully to identify the reason for being declared ineligible. Some common reasons include:
* The person is insured and needs to provide an insurance settlement or denial to be considered for assistance.
* Additional information is needed from the survivor, i.e. proof of identity, proof of occupancy, annual income, or a child care assistance letter.
* There were multiple registrations using the same address.
* Damages occurred to a secondary residence (where the survivor lives less than six months of the year).
* The home is safe to occupy, and/or personal property had minimum or no damages.
* Missed inspections and no follow-up communication with FEMA.
* FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.
Once an applicant understands the reason for being ineligible, they can decide whether to appeal the decision. To do so, they need to submit all required information along with a letter describing in detail their reason (or reasons) for appealing.
The applicant should also attach documentation about unmet needs they believe were not covered by the initial decision. This might include official insurance documents, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (including home repair or hotel expenses) and official estimates including the contractor's license and contact information.
Every page of the appeal letter should include the applicant's full name, address of the damaged property, disaster registration ID number and disaster number (DR-FEMA-4438).
Applicants should submit their appeal letter within 60 days of the receipt of their FEMA determination letter or within a year of the date of their disaster assistance registration.
Applicants who have trouble understanding their determination letter should contact FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).
In addition, applicants can visit a state/federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The locations of DRCs in Oklahoma can be found at fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.
Find out more about the recent disaster in Oklahoma at https://www.fema.gov/okmit and https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4438. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.
U.S. Embassy in Brazil: U.S. Specialist for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage Visits Brazil
BRASILIA, Brazil, June 24 -- The U.S. Embassy in Brazil issued the following news release:
* * *
- Christopher Marrion will lecture in Brasilia (June 24-25), Rio de Janeiro (June 26-29) and Sao Paulo (July 1st)
* * *
The Director and Founder of Marrion Fire & Risk Consultancy, Christopher Marrion, will deliver a number of lectures in Brazil on protecting cultural heritage from fire and disasters, and prevention and recovery. He will be in Brasilia, from June 24 to 25, in Rio de Janeiro, from June 26 to 29, and in Sao Paulo on July 1. The visit of the specialist builds on a long history of U.S.-Brazil
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BRASILIA, Brazil, June 24 -- The U.S. Embassy in Brazil issued the following news release:
* * *
- Christopher Marrion will lecture in Brasilia (June 24-25), Rio de Janeiro (June 26-29) and Sao Paulo (July 1st)
* * *
The Director and Founder of Marrion Fire & Risk Consultancy, Christopher Marrion, will deliver a number of lectures in Brazil on protecting cultural heritage from fire and disasters, and prevention and recovery. He will be in Brasilia, from June 24 to 25, in Rio de Janeiro, from June 26 to 29, and in Sao Paulo on July 1. The visit of the specialist builds on a long history of U.S.-Brazilacademic and scientific collaboration will promote continued dialogue and mutual understanding between Brazilians and Americans to advance this collaboration.
In Brasilia, Marrion will meet with representatives of the Ministry of Citizenship, the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN), the Brazilian Institute of Museums (IBRAM), UNESCO, the University of Brasilia, and the Federal District's Fire Department. During the meetings, Marrion will talk about the importance of cultural heritage and how to protect it from disasters.
In Rio de Janeiro, the specialist will participate in the International Seminar - Heritage on fire: who's next? and will visit Rio's National Museum. During the seminar, Marion will talk about fire prevention and protection of cultural assets.
In Sao Paulo, besides meeting with specialists, he will engage with professionals from museums and cultural institutions at the Institute of Advanced Studies of the University of Sao Paulo, with the objective of deepening discussions on best practices and trends in fire prevention for cultural heritage sites.
Link to biography: http://www.marrionconsulting.com/news/corporate-news/
Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $180,000 in Infrastructure Grants to Two Airports in Utah
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release:
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
"This significant investment in airport improvements will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S.
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WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release:
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
"This significant investment in airport improvements will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S.aviation," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The Utah grants include awards of:
* $100,000 to Roosevelt Airport to install a runway vertical/visual guidance system.
* $80,000 to Vernal Regional Airport to acquire land for approaches to the airport.
There will be a total of 358 grants to 327 airports around the country in 46 states and the Pacific Islands. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports' safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport's region.
Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA's most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao's leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.
Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.
Click on the link below for a complete listing of grants: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/
Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $10.9 Million in Infrastructure Grants to Airports in Pennsylvania
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release:
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
"This significant investment in airport improvements in Pennsylvania will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release:
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
"This significant investment in airport improvements in Pennsylvania will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels ofsafety in U.S. aviation," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Grant awards include:
Harrisburg International Airport in Harrisburg, PA, $300,000 - grant funds will be used to expand apron.
Pennsylvania State Block Grant Program in Harrisburg, PA, $9.51 million - grant funds will be used for non-primary development projects.
Lancaster Airport in Lititz, PA, $918,000 million - grant funds will be used to rehabilitate the airport's runways.
Capital City Airport in New Cumberland, PA, $150,000 - grant funds will be used to remove obstructions.
There will be a total of 358 grants to 327 airports around the country in 46 states and the Pacific Islands. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports' safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport's region.
Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA's most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao's leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.
Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.
Click on the link below for a complete listing of grants: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/
SEC Issues Statement on Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Seat
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following statement by Acting Chief Accountant Sagar Teotia:
"The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") is one of the centerpieces of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"). SOX provides that the PCAOB is governed by a Board of five members -- two of whom must be certified public accountants, and three of whom must not be -- serving for staggered five-year terms.
"In December 2017, Kathleen M. Hamm was appointed to the PCAOB Board and is serving in the 2014-2019 term. That term expires in October 2019. Ms.
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WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following statement by Acting Chief Accountant Sagar Teotia:
"The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") is one of the centerpieces of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"). SOX provides that the PCAOB is governed by a Board of five members -- two of whom must be certified public accountants, and three of whom must not be -- serving for staggered five-year terms.
"In December 2017, Kathleen M. Hamm was appointed to the PCAOB Board and is serving in the 2014-2019 term. That term expires in October 2019. Ms.Hamm is eligible for reappointment to the 2019-2024 term. The appointment process used by the Commission in 2017 will be followed to select the Board Member for the 2019-2024 term. This process is administered by the Office of the Chief Accountant and is described on the Commission's website at the Office of the Chief Accountant's website page at: https://www.sec.gov/financial-reporting-structure. Individuals interested in being considered for this position should notify the Office of the Chief Accountant in the manner described below.
"SOX requires that PCAOB Board members be "appointed from among prominent individuals of integrity and reputation who have a demonstrated commitment to the interests of investors and the public, and an understanding of the responsibilities for and nature of the financial disclosures required of issuers, brokers, and dealers under the securities laws and the obligations of accountants with respect to the preparation and issuance of audit reports with respect to such disclosures." Due to the current composition of the Board and the requirement that three members of the Board not be CPAs, it is expected that the candidate selected for the 2019-2024 term will not be a CPA.
"Individuals meeting the statutory criteria who would like to be considered for a Board seat should submit the following to Board-recommendations@sec.gov by July 15, 2019: (1) a cover letter, discussing the statutory qualifications listed above; and (2) a current resume or curriculum vitae."
Peace Corps Renews Partnership With National Peace Corps Association in Austin, Texas
AUSTIN, Texas, June 24 -- The Peace Corps issued the following news release:
Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen and National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President Glenn Blumhorst signed a Memorandum of Understanding June 21 to renew the organizations' commitments to support the Peace Corps' mission. The two groups will continue to implement initiatives that promote a better understanding among Americans of other people and cultures around the world and educate the public on Peace Corps programs and service opportunities.
The memorandum was signed during the Peace Corps Connect conference--an
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AUSTIN, Texas, June 24 -- The Peace Corps issued the following news release:
Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen and National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President Glenn Blumhorst signed a Memorandum of Understanding June 21 to renew the organizations' commitments to support the Peace Corps' mission. The two groups will continue to implement initiatives that promote a better understanding among Americans of other people and cultures around the world and educate the public on Peace Corps programs and service opportunities.
The memorandum was signed during the Peace Corps Connect conference--anannual gathering of returned Peace Corps volunteers hosted by NPCA. The 2019 conference took place in Austin, Texas, with the help of the Heart of Texas Peace Corps Association, and centered on the theme "Innovation for Good."
The conference featured several workshops focused on global advocacy. Echoing this idea throughout the weekend were keynote speakers, panels, awardees and special guests.
"The signing of this memorandum gives returned Peace Corps volunteers a framework for a lifetime of service," said Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. "I ask every person at this conference to be strong as you talk about your volunteer experiences. You are key to the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers."
At Peace Corps Connect, NPCA acknowledged several returned Peace Corps volunteers for their outstanding service. Sue Richiedei accepted the Deborah Harding Women of Achievement award for outstanding impact on global women's' lives. Guatemalan-American filmmaker and former Peace Corps counterpart Luis Argueta received the 2019 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award. CorpsAfrica founder Liz Fanning was awarded the 2019 Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service.
The 2019 Loret Miller Ruppe Award for Outstanding Community Service was given to the New York City Peace Corps Association (NYCPCA) and Peace Corps Iran Association (PCIA).
"We are a Peace Corps of impact," said NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst.
NPCA is a registered nonprofit organization that serves as a network for those who served in the Peace Corps. The organization is committed to fostering Peace Corps values and remains an important resource to both currently serving and returned volunteers.
About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, the environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 235,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About The National Peace Corps Association: Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is a nonprofit organization at the center of a vibrant and united community of individuals who share the Peace Corps experience. With more than 50,000 individual members and more than 140 member groups, the NPCA is the leading alumni organization supporting returned Peace Corps volunteers and the Peace Corps community. The NPCA and its member groups produce global education programs and advocacy campaigns, and provide community, national and international services that build on the Peace Corps experience. The NPCA champions a lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals by connecting, engaging and promoting its members and member groups as they continue to make a difference in communities in the U.S. and around the world. NPCA is also dedicated to advocating for, contributing to, and supporting the betterment of the Peace Corps. To learn more, visit http://www.PeaceCorpsConnect.org.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane's Flight Systems Division Supports SSP Through Trusted Microelectronics
CRANE, Indiana, June 24 -- The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane issued the following news:
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) is celebrating sixty years of support to the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). NSWC Crane's Flight Systems Division provides component engineering, failure and material analysis, and radiation sciences to SSP.
SSP is responsible for the development, production, and life cycle support of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Strategic Weapons System (SWS) - the nation's primary strategic deterrent.
Brian Stuffle, a Division
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CRANE, Indiana, June 24 -- The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane issued the following news:
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) is celebrating sixty years of support to the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). NSWC Crane's Flight Systems Division provides component engineering, failure and material analysis, and radiation sciences to SSP.
SSP is responsible for the development, production, and life cycle support of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Strategic Weapons System (SWS) - the nation's primary strategic deterrent.
Brian Stuffle, a DivisionManager at NSWC Crane, says that Crane's support of SSP is critical to national defense.
"NSWC Crane has a longstanding history of ensuring the microelectronic components are trusted and assured for SSP," says Stuffle. "SSP requires its microelectronics to function in rigorous environments, and our expert workforce has ensured its electronic components work when and where they need to."
Stuffle says over the years, NSWC Crane has furthered its expertise and capability in microelectronics.
"The Flight Systems Division has three core competency areas: component engineering, failure and material analysis, and radiation sciences," says Stuffle. "Because of our knowledge in these areas supporting SSP, we have expanded our expertise to include anti-tamper technology protection, obsolescence risk management, and supply chain illumination and trusted microelectronics. We not only provide this support to SSP, but we increased our capacity to provide for customers across the Department of Defense (DoD)."
Microelectronics are crucial to the function of automobiles and pacemakers, and as well as systems integrated throughout the DoD. Stuffle says that part of NSWC Crane's expertise includes understanding potential threats to the microelectronic supply chain.
"Counterfeit electronics can impact objects we use every day, but also pose a threat to the DoD," says Stuffle. "Through our extensive understanding of these parts, we are able to assist in identifying threats and assessing failures. Once we figure out the root cause of a threat, we provide solutions. We have been able to assist the DoD and law enforcement in identifying distributors in counterfeit microelectronics that infiltrate the supply chain."
Each year, NSWC Crane hosts the Microelectronics Integrity Meeting (MIM), which is a conference where industry, academia, and the DoD collide to discuss trusted microelectronics.
"We host the MIM in part because NSWC Crane is recognized across the country as a leader in trusted microelectronics," says Stuffle. "Our sixty-year history of supporting SSP has enabled us to provide broader support in microelectronics at the national level."
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.
