Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Social Security Achieves Key Milestones in Customer Service Transformation
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 8 -- The Social Security Administration issued the following news release on July 7, 2025:
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Social Security Achieves Key Milestones in Customer Service Transformation
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Agency completes all Social Security Fairness Act payments five months ahead of schedule; significantly reduces wait times; cuts disability backlogs; and expands technology to better serve the American public.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced significant progress in its ongoing efforts to improve customer service while handling record transaction volumes. Key milestones
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 8 -- The Social Security Administration issued the following news release on July 7, 2025:
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Social Security Achieves Key Milestones in Customer Service Transformation
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Agency completes all Social Security Fairness Act payments five months ahead of schedule; significantly reduces wait times; cuts disability backlogs; and expands technology to better serve the American public.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced significant progress in its ongoing efforts to improve customer service while handling record transaction volumes. Key milestonesinclude:
* Completing over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule
* Continuing to upgrade SSA's telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide
* Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year's annual average
* Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times
* Implementing a new service model in field offices that has reduced wait times about 10 percent for all customers year-over-year
* Decreasing the initial disability claims backlog by 25 percent, from a record high of 1.2 million cases pending last summer to 950,000 cases pending today
* Achieving a historic low of approximately 276,000 disability hearings pending, with customers experiencing wait times 60 days shorter than last summer
* Upgrading the my Social Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July
These milestones come just two months after Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano was sworn in as SSA's 18th Senate-confirmed leader, with a vision to transform the agency into a premier service organization. Since his appointment, Commissioner Bisignano has engaged directly with employees across the country to understand their challenges and drive immediate improvements.
"My top priority is to transform SSA into a model of excellence--an organization that operates at peak efficiency and delivers outstanding service to every American," said Commissioner Bisignano. "The American people have waited long enough for better service, and they deserve the absolute best from their government. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated employees who are already making this turnaround a reality."
SSA has faced significant challenges in recent years, including service backlogs, long wait times, and low employee morale. The agency has ranked last among large federal agencies in employee satisfaction for three consecutive years. Under Commissioner Bisignano's leadership, SSA is working to reverse this trend by equipping employees with the tools and resources they need to improve performance across all operations. Central to this transformation is SSA's commitment to becoming a digital-first, technology-driven organization.
For more information, please read our fact sheet on SSA accomplishments.
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Original text here: https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-07-07
USCIRF Reiterates Calls for Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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USCIRF Reiterates Calls for Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
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U.S. Government Cannot Allow China to Interfere in the Dalai Lama's Succession
Washington D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ( USCIRF ) reiterates its call for the U.S. Department of State to swiftly appoint the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. On July 2, ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced that his foundation, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the sole authority
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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USCIRF Reiterates Calls for Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
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U.S. Government Cannot Allow China to Interfere in the Dalai Lama's Succession
Washington D.C. - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ( USCIRF ) reiterates its call for the U.S. Department of State to swiftly appoint the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. On July 2, ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced that his foundation, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the sole authorityto select his successor, whom Tibetan Buddhists believe will be a reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama. The Chinese government, however, intends to select and install its own successor, arguing that the Dalai Lama's reincarnation must comply with Chinese law.
"Only religious communities have the right to determine and appoint their own spiritual leaders--free of government interference," said Chair Vicky Hartzler. "The Chinese government's arbitrary appointment of Tibetan Buddhist and other religious leaders directly contravenes international standards for freedom of religion or belief and must be universally condemned."
The Chinese government severely represses Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, authorities abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, and installed its own pick for the position. Chinese authorities in Tibet routinely detain and forcibly disappear monks and laypersons for religious activities honoring the Dalai Lama, listening to his teachings, or possessing his portraits, with many receiving lengthy prison sentences. Once imprisoned, individuals are reportedly subjected to political reeducation, torture, forced labor, and medical neglect.
"USCIRF urges the Trump administration to swiftly appoint the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department to keep the human rights situation of the Tibetan people a priority in U.S. foreign policy," said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. "This Special Coordinator is needed now more than ever given China's ongoing efforts to violate the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists and interfere in the Dalai Lama's plan for succession."
In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department designate China as a Country of Particular Concern for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. In September, USCIRF released a report on China's sinicization of religion policy, which is used to justify egregious human rights abuses against religious groups.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/release-statements/uscirf-reiterates-calls-special-coordinator-tibetan-issues
Fannie Mae Publishes June 2025 National Housing Survey Results
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release:
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Fannie Mae Publishes June 2025 National Housing Survey Results
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WASHINGTON, DC - Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today published the results of its June 2025 National Housing Survey (r) (NHS), which includes the Home Purchase Sentiment Index (r) (HPSI), a measure of consumer sentiment toward housing. Month over month, the HPSI decreased 3.7 points to 69.8. Year over year, the HPSI is down 2.8 points. For more information, access the latest data release or the key indicator data file.
About the ESR Group
Fannie Mae's Economic
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release:
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Fannie Mae Publishes June 2025 National Housing Survey Results
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WASHINGTON, DC - Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today published the results of its June 2025 National Housing Survey (r) (NHS), which includes the Home Purchase Sentiment Index (r) (HPSI), a measure of consumer sentiment toward housing. Month over month, the HPSI decreased 3.7 points to 69.8. Year over year, the HPSI is down 2.8 points. For more information, access the latest data release or the key indicator data file.
About the ESR Group
Fannie Mae's Economicand Strategic Research Group, led by Chief Economist Mark Palim, studies current data, analyzes historical and emerging trends, and conducts surveys of consumers and mortgage lenders to inform forecasts and analyses on the economy, housing, and mortgage markets.
Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group or survey respondents included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group or survey respondents as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.
TOPICS
* Fannie Mae Corporate
* Data and Insights
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Original text here: https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/fannie-mae-publishes-june-2025-national-housing-survey-results
EPA adds J.H. Baxter site in Oregon to Superfund National Priorities List
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA adds J.H. Baxter site in Oregon to Superfund National Priorities List
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SEATTLE \-- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it added the J.H. Baxter site in Eugene, Oregon, to the Superfund National Priorities List. The decision was published in the Federal Register Exit EPA's website on July 3, 2025.
The NPL is the list of sites throughout the United States and its territories where historic releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants pose significant
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA adds J.H. Baxter site in Oregon to Superfund National Priorities List
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SEATTLE \-- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it added the J.H. Baxter site in Eugene, Oregon, to the Superfund National Priorities List. The decision was published in the Federal Register Exit EPA's website on July 3, 2025.
The NPL is the list of sites throughout the United States and its territories where historic releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants pose significantthreats to human health and the environment.
The J.H. Baxter site includes a former wood treating facility which operated from 1943 - 2022. Decades of wood treatment operations resulted in releases of hazardous substances into the groundwater and soil, contaminating adjacent residential areas with dioxins.
EPA determined this contamination poses an unacceptable risk to people and the environment.
"This is a very important step in the extensive process required to clean up a site as contaminated as J.H. Baxter," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. "EPA is committed to ensuring the area is safe and the community deserves nothing less."
Currently, EPA's Region 10 is conducting a Time Critical Removal Action at the site. The TRCA is considered an interim measure to prevent additional releases of hazardous substances but will not address all contamination.
The Superfund NPL listing will allow EPA to further evaluate the nature and extent of contamination, the risks posed by hazardous substances at the site and ensure a thorough cleanup. Superfund site work is expected to begin in early fall.
Public meeting
EPA will host a public meeting to share next steps and explain how the community can be involved throughout the Superfund process. Leadership from EPA and Oregon DEQ will be in attendance and provide opening remarks. The meeting will be July 16, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Cascade Middle School (1525 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97402).
Background
The NPL includes sites with the nation's most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste releases and serves as EPA's basis for prioritizing Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at sites included on the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup. The NPL is updated periodically, as mandated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund.
Before EPA adds a site to the NPL, a site must meet EPA's requirements and be proposed for addition to the list in the Federal Register, subject to a 60-day public comment period. EPA may add the site to the NPL if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has taken all public comments into consideration.
Following the Sept. 5, 2024, proposed listing of the site, the agency opened a 60-day public comment period which closed Nov. 4, 2024. Comments received can be found at Regulations.gov docket number EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0377 Exit EPA's website.
Superfund cleanups provide health and economic benefits to communities. Research has shown residential property values increase up to 24% within three miles of sites after cleanup.
Learn more about Superfund and the National Priorities List.
For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the NPL and proposed sites, please visit: New Proposed and New Superfund National Priorities List Sites.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-adds-jh-baxter-site-oregon-superfund-national-priorities-list
EPA Orders Cleanup Following Battery Fire at Gateway Energy Storage Facility in San Diego
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Orders Cleanup Following Battery Fire at Gateway Energy Storage Facility in San Diego
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 7, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into a settlement agreement with Gateway Energy Storage, LLC to direct cleanup in the wake of a lithium-ion battery fire that occurred at the company's energy storage facility in San Diego.
"Calling a technology 'green energy' does not mean there are no environmental impacts. This is an issue of growing concern,"
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Orders Cleanup Following Battery Fire at Gateway Energy Storage Facility in San Diego
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 7, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into a settlement agreement with Gateway Energy Storage, LLC to direct cleanup in the wake of a lithium-ion battery fire that occurred at the company's energy storage facility in San Diego.
"Calling a technology 'green energy' does not mean there are no environmental impacts. This is an issue of growing concern,"said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook. "I am alarmed by the incidents and impacts of utility grade battery fires on first responders, specifically the professional firefighters who are exposed to horrible toxic conditions when batteries catch fire. This settlement action is a step in the right direction, but the broader battery storage fire issue requires additional attention and EPA enforcement."
On May 15, 2024 a fire broke out at the Gateway Energy Storage facility, with periodic flare-ups until May 28. The facility contained approximately 14,796 nickel-manganese-cobalt lithium-ion batteries. EPA is working in coordination with local fire authorities and the County of San Diego to oversee the cleanup effort undertaken by the responsible party.
Fire damaged batteries pose ongoing risks of fire, explosion, and chemical releases. In the agreement being announced today, EPA is requiring comprehensive safety measures and monitoring to protect nearby residents and workers during the cleanup process.
Under the settlement agreement, Gateway Energy Storage must conduct environmental monitoring during all battery handling operations; safely remove, package, and dispose of all impacted battery packs; and submit detailed work plans and progress reports to EPA.
Background
Gateway Energy Storage, LLC operates the facility as a Delaware-incorporated limited liability company. The company is considered a responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and must bear the costs of the cleanup.
The root cause of the fire remains under investigation. EPA and local agencies will continue to oversee cleanup activities until all work is completed and the site no longer poses a threat to public health or the environment.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region Exit EPA's website. Connect with us on Facebook Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and X Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-orders-cleanup-following-battery-fire-gateway-energy-storage-facility-san-diego
EPA Begins Removing PCB-Contaminated Soil from Joe Louis Greenway Construction Site in Detroit
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Removing PCB-Contaminated Soil from Joe Louis Greenway Construction Site in Detroit
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CHICAGO (July 7, 2025) - This summer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is removing soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, discovered during the construction of the Joe Louis Greenway biking and walking trail in Detroit, Michigan.
During construction, the city of Detroit conducted sampling that showed PCB-contaminated soil in a vacant lot at 8013 W. Chicago that will
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Removing PCB-Contaminated Soil from Joe Louis Greenway Construction Site in Detroit
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CHICAGO (July 7, 2025) - This summer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is removing soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, discovered during the construction of the Joe Louis Greenway biking and walking trail in Detroit, Michigan.
During construction, the city of Detroit conducted sampling that showed PCB-contaminated soil in a vacant lot at 8013 W. Chicago that willbe part of the trail. At the city's request, EPA conducted extended confirmation sampling that showed elevated levels of PCBs in a 400-foot by 90-foot area within the property. On June 25, EPA began excavating and stockpiling contaminated soil. The agency will transport the contaminated soil off-site for disposal and the city will backfill the excavation with clean fill. The cleanup is anticipated to take four to five weeks.
PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until it was banned in 1979. Due to its non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications. They have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects, and range of toxicity. PCBs do not readily break down once in the environment and can remain for long periods without intervention.
More information about the response is available at the 8013 W. Chicago PCB removal website.
To learn more about PCBs, visit EPA's Polychlorinated Biphenyls page.
Follow EPA Region 5 on Instagram, Exit EPA's website X Exit EPA's website and visit our Facebook Exit EPA's website page. For more information about EPA Region 5, visit our website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-begins-removing-pcb-contaminated-soil-joe-louis-greenway-construction-site-detroit
EPA Adds Three Sites to the Superfund National Priorities List to Deliver Lasting Protections
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Adds Three Sites to the Superfund National Priorities List to Deliver Lasting Protections
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the agency is adding three sites to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is the list of sites of national priority that guide EPA in tackling the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites.
"Cleaning up our nation's Superfund sites provides tremendous health and economic benefits to local communities,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Adds Three Sites to the Superfund National Priorities List to Deliver Lasting Protections
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the agency is adding three sites to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is the list of sites of national priority that guide EPA in tackling the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites.
"Cleaning up our nation's Superfund sites provides tremendous health and economic benefits to local communities,"said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "We listened to these communities and using their input EPA determined the need to add these longtime contaminated sites to the National Priorities List. This action ensures we are working to provide clean air, land, and water for all Americans while Powering the Great American Comeback."
EPA is adding the following sites to the National Priorities List:
Site Name City/County State Site Type Approx. Years of Operation Primary Contaminants
Historic Potteries Trenton NJ Former pottery manufacturing Mid-1800s to mid-1900s Lead
Carlisle Village Cleaners Albuquerque NM Former dry cleaner 1953 to 1975 PCE and TCE
J.H. Baxter Eugene OR Former wood treater 1943 to 2022 Dioxins, arsenic, dieldrin, DDE, benzo(a)pyrene, chromium, cadmium, nickel, zinc, lead
These actions support EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which guides EPA efforts to provide clean air, land, and water for all Americans by working to ensure that hazardous sites are cleaned up while also fostering economic growth across the country.
Background
The NPL serves as EPA's basis for prioritizing Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases of hazardous substances at sites included on the list are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup.
Before EPA adds a site to the National Priorities List, a site must meet EPA's risk thresholds and be proposed on the Federal Register, prompting a 60-day public comment period. EPA will add the site to the National Priorities List if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has responded to any comments.
Additionally, EPA strives to identify "Potentially Responsible Parties" who may also share the costs of cleaning up the contamination at NPL sites and conserve taxpayer dollars.
For information about Superfund and the National Priorities List, please visit: Superfund | US EPA
For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the National Priorities List sites, please visit: Superfund: National Priorities List (NPL) | US EPA
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-adds-three-sites-superfund-national-priorities-list-deliver-lasting-protections
