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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The United States and Indonesia Commemorate Milestone in Nuclear Security Cooperative Work
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the following news release:
The United States and Indonesia convened a nuclear security Insider Threat Mitigation Workshop in Serpong, December 11-13, 2019, to recognize and bring to completion more than eight years of cooperation on insider threat mitigation to strengthen nuclear security in Indonesia.
This event represents a significant milestone in nuclear security collaboration with the Indonesian nuclear regulatory authority, BAPETAN (Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir); the national nuclear energy agency, BATAN (Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional);
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the following news release:
The United States and Indonesia convened a nuclear security Insider Threat Mitigation Workshop in Serpong, December 11-13, 2019, to recognize and bring to completion more than eight years of cooperation on insider threat mitigation to strengthen nuclear security in Indonesia.
This event represents a significant milestone in nuclear security collaboration with the Indonesian nuclear regulatory authority, BAPETAN (Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir); the national nuclear energy agency, BATAN (Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional);and the State Department's Partnership for Nuclear Threat Reduction program.
This stage of the two parties' nuclear security collaboration has focused on preventing terrorists, criminals, and bad actors from diverting, acquiring, or otherwise misusing nuclear material, technology, or expertise to cause mass destruction or disruption. This event recognizes our Indonesian partners' rigorous commitment to the highest nuclear security standards and their consistent progress in this regard.
The United States is committed to working with partner countries to ensure that nuclear energy programs are carried out safely and securely and to ensure that terrorists or other bad actors cannot steal radiological materials that could be used to make weapons of mass destruction.
Request for Comments on Unsafe and Unsound Banking Practices: Brokered Deposit Restrictions
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following financial institution letter (No. FIL-83-2019):
Summary:
The FDIC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) seeking comment on proposed revisions to its brokered deposit regulations. The proposed changes are intended to continue to promote safe and sound practices while modernizing the brokered deposit regulations to reflect recent technological changes and innovations.
Statement of Applicability to Institutions with Total Assets Under $1 Billion: This Financial Institution Letter applies to all FDIC-insured
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following financial institution letter (No. FIL-83-2019):
Summary:
The FDIC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) seeking comment on proposed revisions to its brokered deposit regulations. The proposed changes are intended to continue to promote safe and sound practices while modernizing the brokered deposit regulations to reflect recent technological changes and innovations.
Statement of Applicability to Institutions with Total Assets Under $1 Billion: This Financial Institution Letter applies to all FDIC-insuredbanks and savings associations, including community institutions.
Highlights:
Under the proposed rule, the FDIC would:
* Revise the definition of the "facilitation" prong of the "deposit broker" definition so it applies to any person that engages in specified activities.
* Provide that a wholly owned operating subsidiary be eligible for the insured depository institution (IDI) exception to the deposit broker definition under certain circumstances.
* Amend the "primary purpose exception" to apply when the primary purpose of the agent or nominee's business relationship with its customers is not the placement of funds with IDIs.
* Consider the primary purpose of a relationship with customers to not be the placement of funds if, with respect to a particular business line:
* Less than 25 percent of customer assets under management by the agent or nominee is placed at IDIs; or
* The agent or nominee places funds to enable transactions (with certain conditions).
* Allow an agent or nominee that does not fit within one of the above arrangements to be able to seek a primary purpose exception.
* Establish an application process for any IDI or nonbank entity that wishes to use the primary purpose exception and require reporting.
* Continue to consider placement of brokered CDs as deposit brokering.
The FDIC is seeking comments regarding the proposed approach as well as responses to specific questions and issues discussed in the notice. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after the NPR is published in the Federal Register.
Suggested Distribution:
FDIC-Insured Institutions
Suggested Routing:
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Related Topics:
Brokered Deposits
Attachment:
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Unsafe and Unsound Banking Practices: Brokered Deposits Restrictions (https://www.fdic.gov/news/board/2019/2019-12-12-notice-dis-b-fr.pdf)
Contact:
Division of Risk Management Supervision:
Thomas F. Lyons, Chief, Policy and Program Development, (202) 898-6850 or tlyons@fdic.gov
Judy E. Gross, Senior Policy Analyst, (202) 898-7047 or jugross@fdic.gov
Legal Division:
Vivek V. Khare, Counsel, (202) 898-6847 or vkhare@fdic.gov
Note:
Access FDIC Financial Institution Letters (FILs) on the FDIC's website. (https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/index.html)
Subscribe to receive FILs electronically. (https://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html)
Paper copies of FDIC FILs may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 3501 Fairfax Drive, Room E 1002, Arlington, VA 22226 (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200).
Fact Sheet: This Week in Iran Policy, December 9-13
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the following fact sheet:
"As long as [Iran's] malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure... these sanctions are aimed not at China, not at the Iranian people, but at the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran that is engaged in activity that poses threats around the world...We will continue to build out this effort to seek to convince the Iranian leadership to conform their actions to be a normal nation."
* Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Remarks to the Press, December 11
UNITED STATES DESIGNATES KEY
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the following fact sheet:
"As long as [Iran's] malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure... these sanctions are aimed not at China, not at the Iranian people, but at the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran that is engaged in activity that poses threats around the world...We will continue to build out this effort to seek to convince the Iranian leadership to conform their actions to be a normal nation."
* Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Remarks to the Press, December 11
UNITED STATES DESIGNATES KEYIRANIAN SHIPPING AND AVIATION ENTITIES
* The United States is announcing designations against three Iranian entities linked to the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and is sanctioning eight other entities that helped smuggle weapons from Iran to Yemen.
* The State Department is announcing the designation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its China-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd, and the Iranian airline Mahan Air under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of WMD and their delivery systems, as well as their supporters. The Iranian regime has continued to procure proliferation-sensitive items in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
* These designations should serve as a warning that doing business with IRISL, E-Sail, or Mahan Air risks contributing to Iran's proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs. To allow exporters of humanitarian goods to Iran sufficient time to find alternate shipping methods, the designations for IRISL and E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd will have a brief wind-down period. State's designation of Mahan Air pursuant to E.O. 13382, and Treasury's designation of three of Mahan Air general sales agents pursuant to E.O. 13224, are effective immediately.
* Please see the press statement (https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-key-iranian-shipping-and-aviation-entities/) and Department of Treasury (https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm853) for more information.
SECRETARY POMPEO ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE RELEASE OF XIYUE WANG FROM IRAN
"Another American is coming home. Xiyue Wang, who has been held on false charges in Iran for over three years, has now been released and is on his way back to the United States. Mr. Wang will soon be reunited with his wife and son, who have missed him dearly. The United States will not rest until we bring every American detained in Iran and around the world back home to their loved ones."
"We thank the Swiss government for facilitating the return of Mr. Wang and are pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter. We continue to call for the release of all U.S. citizens unjustly detained in Iran."
- Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, press statement, December 7
Enforcement Zone Operations Research Center at FLETC Artesia
ARTESIA, New Mexico, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers issued the following news release:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is installing two additional International Border Fences (IBF) as a part of the Enforcement Zone Operational Research Center at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Office of Artesia Operations (OAO) for U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) basic training. IBFs are replica border wall units depicting various designs. The project name was designated by CBP/USBP, and will be used primarily for USBP Basic
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ARTESIA, New Mexico, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers issued the following news release:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is installing two additional International Border Fences (IBF) as a part of the Enforcement Zone Operational Research Center at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Office of Artesia Operations (OAO) for U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) basic training. IBFs are replica border wall units depicting various designs. The project name was designated by CBP/USBP, and will be used primarily for USBP Basictraining programs. Director Thomas J. Walters attended the ribbon cutting with Site Director Terry Todd on November 20, 2019.
The new IBFs have removable tops. USBP will test four different tops to determine which will work best in the field. U.S. Border Patrol Executive Assistant Commissioner Benjamin "Carry" Huffman explained how the threat on the border continues to evolve, and this research center will create effective enforcement solutions for a safer and more secure environment for frontline personnel.
FLETC-Artesia currently has 16 USBP classes overlapping, projections are showing student population to stay at the level and increase up to 18 in FY20. Each class will have scenarios using IBFs.
The current IBFs used in training are built with the natural landscape to allow trainees to experience the different terrains they may encounter in the field. The new IBFs are built to give the students the same experience. OAO currently has eight IBFs in use. U.S. Border Patrol Agents train with the IBFs and role players on scenarios they may face in the field.
Command Issues Guidance Regarding Deployments, Exercises for Active Guard Reserves
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command issued the following news:
Air Force Reserve senior leaders have clarified guidance for Reserve Citizen Airmen filling an Active Guard Reserve billet tasked to deploy or participate in a military exercise.
There are three categories of AGR Reservists - headquarters, recruiters and unit. Each category of AGR is called into federal active-duty status under Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
With Air Reserve Technician-to-AGR conversions occurring in Reserve wings, there are many more Reserve Airmen occupying unit-level positions
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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Georgia, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command issued the following news:
Air Force Reserve senior leaders have clarified guidance for Reserve Citizen Airmen filling an Active Guard Reserve billet tasked to deploy or participate in a military exercise.
There are three categories of AGR Reservists - headquarters, recruiters and unit. Each category of AGR is called into federal active-duty status under Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
With Air Reserve Technician-to-AGR conversions occurring in Reserve wings, there are many more Reserve Airmen occupying unit-level positionsas unit AGRs who are expected to be tasked for combatant commander requirements.
Unit AGRs provide full-time support to Reserve organizations, similar to the unit-level ARTs, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training Reservists. Their duties may include being part of a Unit Tasking Code tasking, meaning they are expected to deploy in support of a combatant commander requirement. In that event, unit AGRs may, from time to time, be tasked to deploy or participate in a military exercise. Headquarters AGRs and recruiters typically are not encumbering a position that may be expected to deploy, but they can volunteer for deployment.
Reserve Airmen in AGR billets have deployed and participated in exercises for more than a decade.
"There has been some confusion in the past about the status of AGRs when they either deploy or participate in exercises and who should pay for the AGR's participation," said Brig. Gen. Stacey Scarisbrick, commander of AFRC's Force Generation Center.
Reserve senior leaders expect the following guidance will clarify the AGR deployment/exercise process.
AGR Deployments
"We deploy members who are serving in AGR billets after repurposing them." Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command, said in a recent memo to senior leaders.
Airmen serving in AGR billets who go on to deploy will have their initial order which called them to active duty amended to include a repurposing statement for the time they are deployed. The FGC, AFRC's Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate (A1), Air Reserve Personnel Center and Financial Management Directorate are all involved with ensuring the amended AGR order reflects the time an AGR is repurposed.
Members occupying an AGR billet who are called to support a validated combatant commander requirement, including missions like cyber, remotely piloted aircraft or space, which is supported by a contingency, exercise deployment (CED) order, regardless of location, will have their AGR orders amended.
This change repurposes the order from "organize, administer, recruit, instruct and train" to a call to active duty in support of the named contingency operation or other validated requirement.
"The deployment process remains the same despite personnel status. Combatant commander requirements are paired with our Reservists during the mobilization process in order to meet mission requirements" Scarisbrick said.
"This amendment ensures there is not a break in the AGR order to avoid disruptions to the member's pay and entitlements," Scobee said. "Finally, it serves as the source document for the active-duty Air Force to track funding of these operational requirements for audit purposes."
AGR Exercise Participation
"We have received several questions as to whether AGR exercise participation follows the same guidance as outlined for AGR deployments," said Brig. Gen. Anne Gunter, director of personnel for Headquarters Air Force Reserve. "It does not."
When the active-duty Air Force requests AGRs to support an exercise, active-duty Air Force appropriations may be used to cover the travel and per diem costs of participation.
"Therefore, while performing this duty, they will remain on their current AGR order," Gunter said. "AGR order amendment is not required since the exercise participation does not rise to the level where it will interfere with their primary 'organize, administer, recruit, instruct and train' responsibilities. As such, their military pay will continue to be funded by the Air Force Reserve. However, the active-duty Air Force may pay for operations and maintenance, travel and per diem costs for exercises hosted by the active-duty."
This policy aligns with the guidance in Air Force Manual 65-605, Vol. 1, which provides guidance for sourcing appropriations for Air Reserve component activities.
"The FGC Security Cooperation and Exercise Division will ensure our AGRs and all Reserve personnel execute exercises in the appropriate status in line with the overall goal of the right units receiving the right training at the right time," Scarisbrick said.
For all other statuses - traditional Reservist, individual mobilization augmentee and ART - deployment/exercise orders and requirements have not changed.
Reserve Citizen Airmen with questions should contact their Installation Personnel Readiness office or the AFRC/A1RR work flow at afrc.a1rr@us.af.mil.
Colorado Master Irrigator Program Pre-Registration Now Open
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Colorado office issued the following news release:
Enrollment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and limited to 25 irrigators who farm in the Republican River Basin.
Republican River Basin producers interested in participating in the new 4-day Colorado Master Irrigator educational program can now pre-register at [link] to reserve their seat. The program will focus on advanced water management-related tools and efficiency strategies.
Colorado Master Irrigator will take place
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DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Colorado office issued the following news release:
Enrollment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and limited to 25 irrigators who farm in the Republican River Basin.
Republican River Basin producers interested in participating in the new 4-day Colorado Master Irrigator educational program can now pre-register at [link] to reserve their seat. The program will focus on advanced water management-related tools and efficiency strategies.
Colorado Master Irrigator will take placein Wray at Morgan Community College over four 8-hour sessions on February 12, February 17, February 26, and March 4, 2020. Presenters will cover a wide range of topics related to effective and efficient water management and energy use, economic decision-making, and a wide range of technologies.
Colorado Master Irrigator's program format will provide excellent networking opportunities for producers, industry experts, and with course topic presenters from Colorado and from neighboring Ogallala states.
"Colorado Master Irrigator is the first comprehensive water management education program ever offered in Colorado's High Plains Basin. Talk here has often focused on how to limit water use through restrictions; Colorado Master Irrigator provides a new venue to learn and talk about on-farm water management strategies," said Joe Newton, an Eckley-area producer who serves on the program's advisory committee.
Each day of the course will include an interactive team activity in which participants will be asked to consider different scenarios, using and building on concepts presented that day, to pencil out how water and energy use and different management strategies affect farm profitability and impact water table levels.
On November 20, the Colorado Water Conservation Board announced that Colorado Master Irrigator would be awarded more than $100,000 through its Colorado Water Plan grant program. This funding will make it possible for Colorado Master Irrigator to offer participation stipends to program graduates who complete all 32 hours of the course and who agree to stay in touch with program staff to share their approach and progress to integrating water management strategies and tools on their farms. Graduates will be offered opportunities to stretch those dollars further through discounts and cost share on various tools and technologies made available companies that have signed on to be Colorado Master Irrigator partners and sponsors.
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado is also supporting Colorado Master Irrigator through the creation of a targeted funding pool for the Republican River Basin that will provide Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) cost share on selected tools and practices. Colorado Master Irrigator program graduates will receive priority consideration if they apply to funding pool.
"What I like about Colorado Master Irrigator is that it's a program that has been developed for producers by producers that can help agencies like NRCS develop better conservation programs for producers," said Clint Evans, Colorado State Conservationist for NRCS, who also serves on the program's advisory committee.
For more information please visit http://www.comasterirrigator.org or contact Brandi Baquera, Colorado Master Irrigator, Program Coordinator at 719-343-0099. You can also follow the program on Twitter (@COIrrigator) and on Facebook (@comasterirrigator) to keep abreast of pro-gram updates and announcements.
Buffalo District to Conduct Feasibility Study to Deepen Port of Oswego
BUFFALO, New York, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the following news release:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District received approval and funding to initiate the Feasibility Study for the deepening of the Port of Oswego's navigation channel.
The study will look at options to improve the economic efficiency of the harbor and the cost of making those improvements.
"I'm so glad to hear that the Army Corps of Engineers has heeded my request and taken the crucial first step of authorizing a feasibility study on the deepening of Port of Oswego channel. Deepening the
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BUFFALO, New York, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the following news release:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District received approval and funding to initiate the Feasibility Study for the deepening of the Port of Oswego's navigation channel.
The study will look at options to improve the economic efficiency of the harbor and the cost of making those improvements.
"I'm so glad to hear that the Army Corps of Engineers has heeded my request and taken the crucial first step of authorizing a feasibility study on the deepening of Port of Oswego channel. Deepening theharbor will unlock new business opportunities from salties, increase grain exports sourced from local farmers and boost the local economy," said Senator Charles Schumer. "A deeper channel could add millions of dollars a year in business to the port and create dozens of new good-paying jobs, so I'll keep fighting tooth and nail until this project's viability is proven and funding is secured to get it underway."
The Port of Oswego is a major receiving port on the Great Lakes and a critical Harbor of Refuge and generates recreation economic benefits totaling $72 million and supports 111 jobs.
"The Buffalo District is looking forward to partnering with the board of Oswego and our stakeholders during this phase of the Feasibility Study," said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, the commander of the Buffalo District.
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