Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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USAID: Cure Tuberculosis Project
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following fact sheet:
The USAID Cure Tuberculosis Project is an $18.5 million investment over five years that will assist the Kyrgyz government to diagnose, treat, and cure people with drug-resistant tuberculosis.
People at risk of tuberculosis (TB) are often among the hardest to reach, which can make it difficult for them to access health services. The Cure Tuberculosis Project works closely with the Kyrgyz government to ensure that TB services are both high-quality and accessible, even for the country's most hard-to-reach
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following fact sheet:
The USAID Cure Tuberculosis Project is an $18.5 million investment over five years that will assist the Kyrgyz government to diagnose, treat, and cure people with drug-resistant tuberculosis.
People at risk of tuberculosis (TB) are often among the hardest to reach, which can make it difficult for them to access health services. The Cure Tuberculosis Project works closely with the Kyrgyz government to ensure that TB services are both high-quality and accessible, even for the country's most hard-to-reachcitizens. As stigma and discrimination often prevent people from getting the services they need, the Cure Tuberculosis Project will work to reduce tuberculosis stigma and discrimination among health care providers and the general public.
The Cure Tuberculosis Project focuses on strengthening systems, tools, resources, and human capacity to improve the Kyrgyz Republic's TB response in compliance with the latest international recommendations. The project will also strengthen the Kyrgyz government's efforts to design, manage, and monitor a system of high-quality TB services available at local health care facilities and to create conditions where healthcare services meet the needs of the people.
The Cure Tuberculosis Project is implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) in partnership with University Research Co., LLC (URC), and close collaboration with the Kyrgyz Republic's National Tuberculosis Program under the Ministry of Health and national partners.
MAJOR FOCUS AREAS
* Increase Drug-Resistant TB Case Detection. Strengthen laboratory and diagnostic services and expand detection and contact-tracing capabilities in communities and health facilities.
* Cure More Patients of Drug-Resistant TB. Ensure that all patients receive the correct treatment regimen with high-quality drugs and ensure all patients complete their treatment as directed.
* Prevent Drug-Resistant TB Infections. Improve infection control in health facilities and laboratories and improve patient, provider, and at-risk people's behaviors around preventing, detecting, and treating TB.
* Improve the Enabling Environment. Improve TB-related policies, optimize financing for TB services, enhance the use of TB data for decision-making, and reduce stigma and discrimination.
* * *
Duration: July 2019 - July 2024
Budget: $18,450,292
Implementing Partner: JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) in partnership with the University Research Co., LLC (URC)
Key Partners: Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF)
Activity Locations: Countrywide
TVA Expands Recreation Closures During Evolving COVID-19 Response
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, April 3 -- The Tennessee Valley Authority issued the following news release:
In response to enhanced public health guidance from federal and state authorities, the Tennessee Valley Authority is closing additional public recreation areas to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The closures will begin on Friday morning, April 3, and will continue indefinitely.
TVA recreation areas at Chatuge, Cherokee, Fort Loudoun, the south side of Guntersville, Normandy, Norris, Tellico and Watts Bar dams, as well as all recreation areas at Raccoon Mountain, will be closed. They
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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, April 3 -- The Tennessee Valley Authority issued the following news release:
In response to enhanced public health guidance from federal and state authorities, the Tennessee Valley Authority is closing additional public recreation areas to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The closures will begin on Friday morning, April 3, and will continue indefinitely.
TVA recreation areas at Chatuge, Cherokee, Fort Loudoun, the south side of Guntersville, Normandy, Norris, Tellico and Watts Bar dams, as well as all recreation areas at Raccoon Mountain, will be closed. Theyjoin the previously closed recreation areas at Chickamauga and South Holston dams, and the Rockpile area near Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Boat ramps within the impacted areas will also be closed, as well as all picnic areas, restrooms, beaches and pavilions. The public is asked not to bypass gates, fences or barricades to access the closed areas. Law enforcement officers will be patrolling closed areas.
TVA river access points located at locations outside the affected recreation areas remain open at this time. Trails on the more than 200,000 acres of undeveloped public land TVA manages also remain open at this time.
TVA will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and will take additional actions, as necessary, to help protect public health and safety.
For more information about TVA and its 86-year mission of service to the Tennessee Valley, click here (https://www.tva.com/About-TVA).
National Archives Donates Protective Gear for COVID-19 Response
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The National Archives and Records Administration issued the following news release:
N-95 masks, nitrile gloves, gowns, Tyvek suits--these supplies are in high demand across the United States right now, as hospital teams struggle to provide adequate protection for their staff responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The same equipment is used by National Archives employees when dealing with damaged records. Now the agency's supplies are making their way to health care workers, thanks to some quick brainstorming and closet-searching from employees.
In March, the National Archives
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The National Archives and Records Administration issued the following news release:
N-95 masks, nitrile gloves, gowns, Tyvek suits--these supplies are in high demand across the United States right now, as hospital teams struggle to provide adequate protection for their staff responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The same equipment is used by National Archives employees when dealing with damaged records. Now the agency's supplies are making their way to health care workers, thanks to some quick brainstorming and closet-searching from employees.
In March, the National Archivestransferred the supplies to Washington, DC's Emergency Management Response Team, which in turn is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute and reallocate the donated supplies.
"We are fighting a war against this virus and need to do what we can," said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. "We were moved by staffers' suggestions to donate surplus protective supplies. Continuing support from agencies, organizations, and individuals is essential to getting frontline health workers the protection needed to help those who are sick. We are humbled to play a small role in helping at this difficult time."
Employees at several of the National Archives' 44 locations across the country are assessing their inventory to make additional donations.
"National Archives staff have been great about identifying supplies that can be used during the current public health emergency," said Chief Operating Officer William Bosanko. "We need to keep a minimal amount for our own use, but other than that, let's work together to get what we don't need into the hands of those working hard to save lives and keep our communities safe."
Property Management Officer Calvin Shoulders is coordinating the donations with other federal agencies.
"First responders, doctors, nurses, etc., need this Personal Protective Equipment in order to properly treat the American people, who need help in getting treatment for the COVID-19 virus," Shoulders said. The National Archives, he added, "is a service organization, and we are dedicated to helping internal and external customers, and all Americans."
The idea began from a thread on an internal agency message board in March, as employees were in the middle of deciphering when and how they would begin to work from home full-time. Preservation and conservation specialists knew that the same gear they use to deal with records damaged by floods, fires, or mold is in short supply at hospitals.
Motion picture preservation specialists Heidi Holmstrom and Audrey Amidon, along with Rachel Bartgis and Vicki Lee of the agency's Conservation Lab, were among the first employees to discuss possible donations.
Amidon then asked National Archives leadership about the possibility of donating supplies.
"I know what we have is only a drop in the bucket," she said, "but they're on our shelf and could help save lives."
National Archives public affairs specialist Miriam Kleiman and writer-editor Victoria Blue contributed to this report from Washington. Writer-editor Sarah Garner contributed from St. Louis.
IDB to Finance Regional Projects to Support Coordinated COVID-19 Response
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
- New submission deadline is May 15, 2020
* * *
In light of the recent developments and exceptional circumstances associated to the expansion of COVID-19 in the world, including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) makes available more than US$7 million in non-reimbursable resources under the 2020 Call for Proposals of the Regional Public Goods (RPG) Initiative to finance proposals for regional cooperation and policy coordination in the framework of
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
- New submission deadline is May 15, 2020
* * *
In light of the recent developments and exceptional circumstances associated to the expansion of COVID-19 in the world, including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) makes available more than US$7 million in non-reimbursable resources under the 2020 Call for Proposals of the Regional Public Goods (RPG) Initiative to finance proposals for regional cooperation and policy coordination in the framework ofLAC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Call for Proposals under the RPG Initiative opened on February 14, 2020.
Flexibilization mechanisms to allow for the submission of proposals under the current exceptional circumstances include a new deadline for submitting proposals on May 15, 2020 at 05:00pm (US Eastern Standard Time). All Information regarding the 2020 Call for Proposals can be accessed in the RPG Initiative website.
As is the case for all RPG projects, these proposals must be presented following the RPG Initiative General Guidelines and involve a collective solution produced by at least three IDB borrowing member countries. Alignment with the Bank's operational priorities, and particularly with IDB's response to COVID-19 in all fields of action, including social, fiscal, infrastructure, environmental, trade, among others, is a selection criterion. The other criteria are the value-added of a regional (vs. national) approach to addressing a development challenge or opportunity and sustaining the benefits of regional collective action once the Initiative's support has concluded.
The RPG Initiative provides technical grants to finance solutions to shared challenges through regional cooperation among three or more IDB borrowing member countries. Since 2004, the RPG Initiative has financed more than US$130 million for 180 projects.
Fed Agencies Will Consider Comments on Volcker Rule Modifications Following Expiration of Comment Period
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Federal Reserve issued the following banking and consumer regulatory policy document:
Five federal financial regulatory agencies on Thursday announced that they will consider comments submitted before May 1, 2020, on their proposal to modify the Volcker rule's general prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring hedge funds or private equity funds--known as "covered funds."
The agencies will continue to consider comments to provide interested persons more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments in light of potential disruptions resulting
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Federal Reserve issued the following banking and consumer regulatory policy document:
Five federal financial regulatory agencies on Thursday announced that they will consider comments submitted before May 1, 2020, on their proposal to modify the Volcker rule's general prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring hedge funds or private equity funds--known as "covered funds."
The agencies will continue to consider comments to provide interested persons more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments in light of potential disruptions resultingfrom the coronavirus.
The proposal asked for comments to be submitted by April 1, 2020.
The agencies will continue to work together on policy issues as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds.
EXIM: Chairman Reed Hosts Teleconference With Insurance Brokers to Outline COVID-19 Relief Measures Related to Export Credit Insurance
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
* * *
- EXIM Staff Also Reminds Stakeholders to Stay Diligent of Potential Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19
* * *
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed hosted a teleconference Wednesday with insurance brokers to update them on EXIM's temporary relief measures related to EXIM's export credit insurance products for American companies and workers impacted by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
Chairman Reed and senior EXIM staff addressed more than 50 registrants
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
* * *
- EXIM Staff Also Reminds Stakeholders to Stay Diligent of Potential Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19
* * *
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed hosted a teleconference Wednesday with insurance brokers to update them on EXIM's temporary relief measures related to EXIM's export credit insurance products for American companies and workers impacted by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
Chairman Reed and senior EXIM staff addressed more than 50 registrantsrepresenting the insurance brokers who distribute a majority of the export credit insurance issued by EXIM to U.S. businesses.
"Export credit insurance is an important tool for our U.S. businesses, especially small businesses, to succeed in the global marketplace. Without the expertise of our valued insurance broker community, EXIM could not meet our mission of supporting U.S. jobs through exports, and we thank you for your commitment to EXIM during this challenging time," said Chairman Reed. "In addition to supporting U.S. exporter customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, each of you are facing your own challenges, and EXIM is here to assist you in any way we can."
On March 12, EXIM announced relief measures - waivers, deadline extensions, streamlined processing, and flexibility - for an initial period of 30 days. EXIM Vice President of Export Credit Insurance Amy Shinkman outlined the modifications related to the short-term export credit programs, including offering an extension of payments of up to 90 days on invoices owed by foreign customers coming due between February 1, 2020, and June 1, 2020.
In fiscal year 2019, short-term export credit insurance policies accounted for 27 percent of the value of EXIM's total authorizations, or 88 percent of the total number of authorizations.
The teleconference took the place of the brokers' meeting that had been scheduled as part of EXIM's Annual Conference, which now is rescheduled for Sept. 10-11.
"We want to assure our brokers that we are working to give our customers more flexibility in managing their EXIM insurance obligations," said EXIM Director of Broker Relations and Product Development Ed Coppola. "We have received helpful feedback from our brokers, and we encourage you to provide input and suggestions."
In addition, EXIM Assistant General Counsel for Litigation, Fraud, and Compliance John Connor noted there has been a significant spike in worldwide cyber fraud since the advent of COVID-19. EXIM stays focused on preventing potential fraud and raising awareness with stakeholders to do the same. Connor advised brokers to alert exporters and buyers to remain vigilant and be particularly wary of phishing attempts. "It would be a good idea for exporters to warn their buyers to independently verify any email or letter requests to change the payment instructions on invoices," he said.
Complete details about EXIM's COVID-19 response measures are available on the EXIM Coronavirus Response webpage. EXIM's website also includes details on the export credit insurance program and how to become an EXIM insurance broker.
The full teleconference is available on EXIM's website.
Amtrak: Essential Service Plan - Updates To Service
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Some states are currently limiting travel between state lines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential travel for 14 days. Amtrak service continues to operate on the Northeast Corridor to provide vital transportation for essential employees. Customers should check with each state for specific guidance.
While Amtrak continues to operate across the nation, we have adjusted our train services
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) issued the following news release:
Some states are currently limiting travel between state lines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential travel for 14 days. Amtrak service continues to operate on the Northeast Corridor to provide vital transportation for essential employees. Customers should check with each state for specific guidance.
While Amtrak continues to operate across the nation, we have adjusted our train servicesdue to significantly reduced demand. The most up-to-date schedules are available when booking a trip on Amtrak.com and in the mobile app.
Operating on a reduced schedule:
* Adirondack (New York - Montreal): No service north of Albany
* Amtrak Hartford Line (New Haven, Conn. - Springfield, Mass.)
* Amtrak Thruway Bus routes
* California Zephyr (Chicago- Emeryville, Calif.): No service between Denver and Emeryville Capitol Corridor (San Jose - Sacramento)
* Cascades (Eugene - Vancouver, B.C.): No service north of Seattle
* Downeaster (Boston - Brunswick, Maine)
* Empire Service (New York - Niagara Falls)
* Ethan Allen Express (New York - Rutland, Vermont): No service north of Albany Hiawatha (Chicago - Milwaukee)
* Illini/Saluki (Chicago - Carbondale)
* Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg (Chicago - Quincy)
* Lincoln Service (Chicago - St. Louis)
* Maple Leaf (New York - Toronto): No service west of Niagara Falls, New York Missouri River Runner (St. Louis - Kansas City)
* Northeast Regional (Boston - New York - Washington, DC - Virginia)
* Pacific Surfliner (San Luis Obispo - San Diego)
* Palmetto (New York - Savannah): No service between Washington, DC - Savannah | April 3-5 Piedmont (Charlotte - Raleigh)
* San Joaquins (Bakersfield - Oakland and Sacramento)
* Valley Flyer (New Haven, Conn. - Greenfield, Mass.)
* Vermonter (Washington - St. Albans): No service north of New Haven (Monday - Saturday) and no service on Sundays Wolverine (Chicago - Pontiac)
Temporarily suspended services:
* Acela (Boston - Washington, DC)
* Keystone Service (Harrisburg - New York)
* Pennsylvanian (New York - Pittsburgh)
* Pere Marquette (Chicago - Grand Rapids)
* Winter Park Express (Denver - Winter Park Resort)
* What to Expect
Due to service reductions, some stations may not be staffed. If the station is closed, customers should proceed directly to the platform to board their train. Cafe service will also be suspended on select trains. Other services may be impacted as circumstances change.
Travel Changes
Customers with reservations on trains that are being modified will be contacted and accommodated on trains with similar departure times or on another day.
Ticket Changes and/or Cancellations
Amtrak is waiving change fees for reservations made before May 31, 2020. To modify a reservation, customers can log in to their account, go to 'Modify Trip' on Amtrak.com, or find their reservation from their account on the home screen in the Amtrak app. A fare difference may apply to a new itinerary. If customers want to cancel their reservation with no fee, they must call 800-USA-RAIL and speak with an agent (not available via Amtrak.com or the app).
