WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to immediately address costly delays Wisconsin newspapers that rely on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are experiencing, resulting in lost revenue, customer complaints, and canceled subscriptions. "Local newspapers work hard every day and week to deliver news on a timely basis to readers in their communities," wrote Sen more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act to help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates: "Last year, nearly half of surveyed Bureau of Prisons staff stated they had been sexually harassed or assaulted by an inmate. This statistic is appalling and unacc more PR

LOS ANGELES, California, Sept. 18 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2024: California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the sentencing of the final 4 of a total of 12 individuals now sentenced for their roles in perpetrating a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme involving identity theft and money laundering, among other crimes. The scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $15 million over the course of several years. The April 2021 i more PR

SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California issued the following news release: Kaymeisha Keyes, 33, of Tracy, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to nine years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme to defraud the unemployment insurance benefit program during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Keyes was also ordered to pay $1,116,683 in restitution.  more PR

HURLBURT FIELD, Florida, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command issued the following news: By Staff Sgt. Kevin Williams, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Wing conducted its first Combat Readiness Inspection as a part of Emerald Warrior 24 FTX II in various locations throughout the western United States, Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2024. The CRI is a new Air Force Special Operations Command assessment method designe more PR

CANNON AFB, New Mexico, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Force's 27th Special Operations Wing issued the news: By Staff Sgt. Kevin Williams, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs The 27th Special Operations Wing conducted its first Combat Readiness Inspection as a part of Emerald Warrior 24 FTX II in various locations throughout the western United States, Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2024. The CRI is a new Air Force Special Operations Command assessment method designed to better evaluate a wing's combat r more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- The Center for a Humane Economy issued the following news release: * * * Douglas Moorfield Jr. was found with scarred dogs, execution tools, blood-stained carpets from decades-old fighting ring. * * * Leaders of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applauded the federal government for charging and securing a guilty plea from former Pentagon official and Department of Defense senior communications staffer Frederick Douglass Moorfield Jr. for leadi more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana, issued the following news release: Today, Chairman Matt Rosendale (MT-02), led the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight hearing titled: "VA's Open Cash Register: Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Revenue Operations." Chairman Rosendale discussed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program Integrity Tool (PIT), which consolidates community care payment data to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and to more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of the Inspector General issued the following memorandum on Sept. 6, 2024, regarding the audit of Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Class B Ship acquisition: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR: Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D., Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration FROM: Frederick J. Meny, Jr., Assistant Inspector General for Audit and Evaluation SUBJECT: more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2024: Here's what to watch for from House Republican committees during the week: Appropriations On Wednesday, September 18, the Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies will hold an oversight hearing called "Inspectors General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, and  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has issued a meeting notice, published in the Federal Register on Sept. 20, 2024. DATES: October 24, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held virtually only via Zoom webinar. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Phifer, 355 E Street SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20024; (703) 798-5873; CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The Committe more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today released a new staff report titled "Majority Staff Report: Examining the Environmental Protection Agency's Electric School Bus Program." image (29).png House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investiga more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12425) on Sept. 18, 2024, by Cameron M. Keys, defense logistics and resource management policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * FY2025 Defense Appropriations: Summary of Funding Congress annually determines whether to authorize and/or appropriate funds for the Department of Defense and related activities at amounts greater than, less than, or equal to a presidential Administration's re more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48188) on Sept. 18, 2024, entitled "Financial Services and General Government FY2025 Appropriations: Overview" by financial economics specialist Baird Webel. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill includes funding for the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the judiciary, the District of Columbi more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48190) on Sept. 19, 2024, entitled "SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program: Structure and Current Issues" by R. Corinne Blackford, small business and economic development policy. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY To address discriminatory barriers in federal procurement markets for certain business owners, Congress has sought to help small "socially and economically disadvantaged" businesses more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, issued the following news release: Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Jake LaTurner (R-KS-02), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), and Sam Graves (R-MO-06) united in a bipartisan effort to address mail delivery delays in the Kansas City area. The group called on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to act on a recent audit's(link is external) recommendations, which identified staffing shortag more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued the following news release: The House Republican circus is in plain view as chaos and dysfunction continues to be the name of the game for the most "do-nothingest [Congress] since 1859-1861." A new column from the Washington Post notes that even House Republicans know how much of an unmitigated disaster their majority has been: "Our Republican House majority has failed completely," Greene has said. Rep. Chip Roy ( more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following report (DODIG-2024-130) on Sept. 11, 2024, entitled "Evaluation of the Tracking and Accountability of Presidential Drawdown Equipment Provided to Taiwan." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY COMMANDER, U.S. INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND COMMANDER, U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND DIRECTOR, DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY DIR more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following report (Report No. DODIG-2024-131) on Sept. 16, 2024, entitled "Summary of Oversight Reports on Security Assistance to Ukraine Issued From January 2020 Through February 2024, to Inform Department Efforts to Support Israel and Other Future Security Assistance Efforts." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY COMMANDER, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND COMMANDER, U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND AUDITO more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: Audit Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released the "Audit of the Department of Defense's Management of Dwell Time for Service Members in the Reserve Components." The objective of this audit was to determine whether Service members in Reserve Components who were mobilized during  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release: Evaluation Today, Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released the classified "Summary of Oversight Reports on Security Assistance to Ukraine to Inform Possible DoD Efforts to Support Israel and Other Future Foreign Assistance Efforts." The evaluation identified and summarized systemic challenges  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: Administrative Investigations Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released the report "Whistleblower Restriction Investigation: 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Grissom Air Reserve Base," substantiating a complaint alleging that a U.S. Air Force Reserve senior enlisted  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) offered an amendment to ensure veterans receive benefits they were promised without adding to the national debt by cutting $2.9 billion in Department of Energy (DOE) green energy loan guarantees. Green energy loan guarantees are often known for being too risky to attract private investment. A 2015 Government Accountability Office report lists five companies that defaulted more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (TNSres) -- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility issued the following news release: * * * IG Report Identifies Problems In Approval of New Chemicals * * * The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency retaliated against three scientists because they protested watering down risk assessments for new chemicals being approved for commercial release, according to a series of reports by EPA's Office of Inspector General. The scientists, all clients of Public Employees  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: St. Gallen, Switzerland Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis traveled to St. Gallen, Switzerland to participate in the annual IfTI Global Symposium hosted by Professor Andreas Klasen on September 4-5. While in Switzerland, Chair Lewis also held a series of meetings with heads of global export credit agencies (ECAs), as wel more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: New Delhi, India Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis traveled to New Delhi last week to deliver remarks at the International Conference on Green Hydrogen at Bharat Mandapam. Drawing thousands of attendees, the conference featured plenary talks and expert panel discussions and provided an opportunity for global industry le more PR

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 16 -- The Florida Auditor General released the following operational audit (No. 2025-015) on Sept. 10, 2024, involving Northwest Florida Water Management District. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY This operational audit of the Northwest Florida Water Management District (District) focused on selected District processes and administrative activities and included a follow-up on a finding noted in our report No. 2022-201. Our operational audit disclosed the following more PR

TAMPA, Florida, Sept. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release: United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jeanty Cherilus (54, Lakeland) with five counts of wire fraud. Cherilus faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Cherilus that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $370,000, the proceeds of th more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release: This morning, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy called Senator Collins to update her on the full abandonment of the proposed consolidation of operations in the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Center in Hampden. During the call, PMG DeJoy told the Senator that the savings created by the USPS's revised plans will negate the need to relocate any mail processing operations in the Eastern Maine facility more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release: Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins' floor remarks. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks on the Senate floor today following the introduction of the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act, a bill she authored in response to the Lewiston mass shooting last October. This bipartisan legislation would require U.S. military services to use state crisis intervention more PR

ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia issued the following news release: Sanjay Patel, an attorney who formerly operated a Georgia-based real estate law firm, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $300,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to using his attorney escrow account to launder more than $250,000 from unrelated investor fraud schemes. "This office will remain steadfast i more PR

ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia issued the following news release: Song Wu, a Chinese national, has been indicted on charges for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from his efforts to fraudulently obtain computer software and source code created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ("NASA"), research universities, and private companies. "Efforts to obtain our nation's valuable research software pos more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on State Department Management, today issued a statement after the State Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released its report on the Department's handling of the suspension of U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley's security clearance. The Inspector General's report responds to a July  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued a notice of final revised performance standards, published in the Federal Register on Sept. 18, 2024, entitled "Performance Standards for Medicaid Fraud Control Units." SUMMARY: This document sets forth OIG guidance regarding standards OIG will apply in assessing the performance of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs or Units). Based on its experience in overseeing MFCUs, and after c more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee hearing titled "Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending." "American families are struggling to make ends more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing titled "Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending." "I am pleased to we more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) released the following statement on the State Department Office of Inspector General's (IG) report detailing how the State Department mishandled the suspension of former Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley's security cleara more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees on Oversight and Accountability issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America's Impact Abroad" at 10 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2024, at 2172 Rayburn House Office Building: Witnesses * The Honorable Cardell K. Richardson, Sr., Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of State * The Honorable Paul K. Martin, Inspector General, Office of more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 18, 2024: This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chairman Burgess Owens (R-Utah) le more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittees on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Tracking Progress: Examining the Department of Defense's Financial Management Practices" at 2 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2024, at 2154 Rayburn House Office Building: Witnesses and testimonies: * Tom Steffens, Special Assistant to the Comptroller, U.S. Department of Defense * Brett A. Mansfield, Deputy Inspector General  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, issued the following news release: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today announced a hearing titled "Tracking Progress: Examining the Department of Defense's Financial Management Practices" to bring transparency to the Department of Defense's (DOD) financial manage more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- Rep. Scott Peters, D-California, issued the following news release: Today, the House of Representatives passed Representatives Scott Peters' (D-CA-50) and Mike Garcia's (R-CA-27) Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act, H.R. 8089, by a voice vote. This bipartisan legislation would require states to check the Social Security Administration Death Master File (DMF) before automatically reenrolling Medicaid providers. This commonsense fix, based on findings from a U.S. Go more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana, chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, at the start of the subcommittee's oversight hearing entitled, "VA's Open Cash Register: Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Revenue Operations," w more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Dial 988 +1: Examining the Operations of the Veterans Crisis Line" at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2024, at 360 Cannon House Office Building: Witnesses * Dr. Matthew Miller, Executive Director, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of Veterans Health Administration * Dr. Christopher Watson, Executive Director, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization issued the following information for a hearing entitled "VA's Open Cash Register: Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Revenue Operations" at 9 a.m. on Sept. 19, 2024, at 360 Cannon House Office Building: Witnesses * The Honorable Kurt DelBene, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs * Ms. Cherri Waters, Executive Director, Health Portfo more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittees on Oversight and Investigations issued the following information for a hearing entitled "VA Accountability: What has Happened to Hampton?" at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2024, at 360 Cannon House Office Building: Witnesses * Mr. Paul S. Crews, Veterans Integrated Services Network 6 Director, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs * Mr. Frederick Kotler, MD, Interim Medical Inspector, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the M more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: House lawmakers voted to strengthen the penalties for making an unauthorized disclosure of tax information to prevent the future theft and disclosure of Americans' private tax information by passing the Taxpayer Data Protection Act on Tuesday. The measure, introduced by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), comes after the leak of thousands of more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released the following public communication dated Sept. 16, 2024, from Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund: * * * To: Ms. Julia Gordon Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing Federal Housing Commissioner Federal Housing Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20410, Re: Single-Family Loan Sale Program; Proposed Rule 24 CFR Parts 203, 2 more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following statement on Sept. 16, 2024: * * * Last week, a former Pentagon official pled guilty in federal court to dogfighting and racketeering crimes. The Department of Justice investigation of the onetime public information officer for the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense detailed his 20-year history of dogfighting and the immense suffering and cruelty he inflicted on dogs, including intense isola more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Humane Society of the United States issued the following statement on Sept. 16, 2024: * * * Last week, a former Pentagon official pled guilty in federal court to dogfighting and racketeering crimes. The Department of Justice investigation of the onetime public information officer for the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense detailed his 20-year history of dogfighting and the immense suffering and cruelty he inflicted on dogs, including intense i more PR

CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois issued the following news release: The owners of a suburban Chicago youth counseling center have been sentenced to federal prison terms for bilking Illinois Medicaid out of approximately $2.5 million through a fraudulent billing scheme. From 2011 to 2018, SUMMER MATHESON and TERRENCE EWING, co-managers of Laynie Foundation Inc., along with foundation employee RICHARD GRUNDY, fraudulently billed more PR

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa issued the following news release: Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital lo more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2024: The Justice Department today announced criminal charges in five cases from four U.S. Attorney's offices in connection with the multi-agency Disruptive Technology Strike Force (Strike Force). The Strike Force is co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce to counter efforts by hostile nation states to illicitly acquire sensitive U.S. technology to advance their authoritarian regimes more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: A federal jury convicted a California man this week for paying illegal kickbacks for patient referrals to his addiction treatment facilities located in Orange County, California. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Casey Mahoney, 48, of Los Angeles, paid nearly $2.9 million in illegal kickbacks to so-called "body brokers" who referred patients to Mahoney's addiction treatment fac more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 18, 2024: A federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, returned an indictment today charging a Louisiana doctor for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $32.7 million by submitting claims for medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing services. According to court documents, Michael W. Dole, MD, 59, of Alexandria, owned and operated a pain management practice located in Alexan more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: A California real estate executive was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 for engaging in an extensive multi-year conspiracy to falsify financial statements. According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Tyler Ross, 38, of San Francisco, and formerly of Michigan, served more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2024: Six men were arrested and had their initial court appearances yesterday after being charged in a five-count indictment with violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with a cockfighting operation. A federal grand jury sitting in Providence, Rhode Island, returned the indictment last week. The indictment alleges that on March 6, 2022, Miguel Delgado, 73, hosted a series of individual more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Since  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Walgreen Co. (together, Walgreens) have agreed to pay $106.8 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and state statutes for billing government health care programs for prescriptions never dispensed. Walgreens, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, operates one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the country. The government alleges that, between  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-101) on Sept. 11, 2024, entitled "Compliance with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 for Fiscal 2023 and 2024." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective The objective of this audit was to assess the Department of Justice's (Department or DOJ) progress toward meeting the requirements for covered agencies established under subsection 759(a) of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA). The GDA more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-104) on Sept. 12, 2024, entitled "Department's Contract Actions Reported by Contracting Officers into the Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation." Here are excerpts: * * * Objective USAspending.gov is the official open data source for unclassified spending information of the U.S. Government. Its purpose is to show the American public how much the federal government spends on federal awa more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-107) on Sept. 17, 2024, entitled "Department's Strategy to Combat and Respond to Ransomware Threats and Attacks." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective To assess the Department of Justice's (DOJ or Department) strategy to combat ransomware threats, including its coordination and response to ransomware attacks. This audit focused on the Department's general approach to combatting ra more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-098) on Sept. 5, 2024, entitled "FBI's Contract for Ballistics Research Assistant Services." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objectives The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of a 2021 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sole-source contract for ballistic research assistant services. The objectives of our audit were to: (1) determine  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-096) on Aug. 29, 2024, entitled "FBI's Handling of Tips of Hands-on Sex Offenses Against Children." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective The objective of this audit was to evaluate the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) compliance with laws, regulations, and policies related to its handling of tips of hands-on sex offenses against children and mandatory reporting of suspected more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-102) on Sept. 10, 2024, entitled "Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Equitable Sharing Program Activities, Fort Lauderdale, Florida." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has completed an audit to assess whether the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (Fort Lauderdale PD) accounted for DOJ equitable sharing  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-106) on Sept. 12, 2024, entitled "Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women Grants Awarded to HOPE Works Inc., Burlington, Vermont." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objectives The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded HOPE Works, Inc. (HOPE) four grants totaling $2,012,715 to support and provide services to victims of  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-075) on July 2, 2024, entitled "Office of Justice Programs Victim Assistance Funds Subawarded by the District of Columbia's Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants to the Network for Victim Recovery of DC, Washington, D.C." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provided funds to the District of Columbia's  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-103) on Sept. 12, 2024, entitled "Office of Justice Programs Victim Assistance Funds Subawarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provided funds to the Pennsylvania Com more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-109) on Sept. 18, 2024, entitled "Office on Violence Against Women & Office of Justice Programs Grants Awarded to Mi'kmaq Nation, Presque Isle, Maine." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objectives The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded the Mi'kmaq Nation five grants totaling $4,359,339 for the Tribal Governments Program, Tribal Victim  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Justice Inspector General issued the following investigative summary (No. 24-108) on Sept. 17, 2024, entitled "Findings of Misconduct by a BOP Medical Doctor for Inattention to Duty and Carelessness With Respect to Medical Care of an Inmate and Lack of Candor." * * * The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation after receiving information from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) alleging that a BOP medical doctor failed to more PR

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2024: Yesterday, a Louisville Anesthesiologist pled guilty to conspiring with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodwich of the DEA Louisville Field Division more PR

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana issued the following news release: A federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana returned an indictment today charging a Louisiana doctor for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $32.7 million by submitting claims for medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing services. According to court documents, Michael W. Dole, M.D., 59, of Alexandria, owned and operated a pain mana more PR

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Sept. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2024: United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that REHA JANEE ARVIE, ("ARVIE"), age 33, of Westwego, LA, was indicted on September 6, 2024 for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud (Count1), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; Mail Fraud (Counts 2 and 3), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341 more PR

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued the following news release on Sept. 18, 2024: A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fraud and false statements charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Robert Platt Jr., 45, pleaded guilty to one  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Sen.) -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, issued the following news release: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) applauded Senate passage today of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The legislation provides $2.88 billion in supplemental funding to ensure veterans in the Commonwealth continue to receive disability compensation, pensions, and education benefits. The legislation also requires imp more PR

BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2024: Today, Tavoy Farquharson, age 32, had an initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on a criminal complaint filed in the District of Maryland, charging the defendant with conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a lottery scheme, The criminal complaint was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States A more PR

GREENBELT, Maryland, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland issued the following news release: Newton Ofioritse Jemide, a Nigerian national, was extradited from France to the United States on September 13, 2024 to face federal charges for wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies in a scheme to fraudulently obtain federal benefits. Jemide had his initial appearance on September 16, 2024, and is currently detained pending trial. The extradition was announce more PR

DETROIT, Michigan, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: An indictment was unsealed today charging nine individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. U.S. Attorney Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, of the Depart more PR

CONCORD, New Hampshire, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire issued the following news release: A Boscawen woman pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing over $73,000 in U.S. Department of Education funds from the former Capital City Public Charter School in Concord, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Stephanie Alicea, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a program receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Chief Judge  more PR

ALBANY, New York, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York issued the following news release: William Taylor, age 33, of Jamaica, New York, was sentenced to serve 36 months' imprisonment for aggravated identity theft and conspiring with his girlfriend, Patricia Clarke, to commit mail and wire fraud. Clarke, 27, also of Jamaica, was also sentenced to 12 months' and one day imprisonment for the conspiracy. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; U.S. D more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: Oak Street Health, headquartered in Chicago and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Health since 2023, has agreed to pay $60 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to third-party insurance agents in exchange for recruiting seniors to Oak Street Health's primary care clinics. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indir more PR

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John H. Johnson and his wife, Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on September 17, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for committing fraud. John Johnson received a sentence of 97 months in prison, f more PR

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that a medical device distributor, Azon Medical, LLC ("Azon"), has agreed to pay $1,019,307.86 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for allegedly causing improper billing of "P-Stim" devices, in this case branded as "AnSiStim." From approximately September 1, 2016, through October 26, more PR

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Oksana Kredens, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge to 20 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition to her term of incarceration, Kredens was ordered to serve a three-year  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-125) on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "Alabama-Mississippi District: Delivery Operations." Here are excerpts: * * * During the week of July 8, 2024, we performed a self-initiated audit at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) and Mail Processing Annex (MPA) and three delivery units serviced by the P&DC and MPA. The delivery units included the Center Point Branch, B more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-125-1-R24) on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "Center Point Branch, Center Point, Alabama: Delivery Operations." Here are excerpts: * * * Background The U.S. Postal Service's mission is to provide timely, reliable, secure, and affordable mail and package delivery to more than 160 million residential and business addresses across the country. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following report on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "DOJ OIG System Review Report." Here are excerpts: * * * The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ OIG) reviewed the system of quality control for the Office of Audit within the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) in effect for the year ended March 31, 2024. A system of quality control encompasses the USPS OIG's organizatio more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-129-R24) on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "Efficiency of Operations at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex, Birmingham, Alabama." Here are excerpts: * * * Background The U.S. Postal Service needs effective and productive operations to fulfill its mission of providing prompt, reliable, and affordable mail service to the American public. It has  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following report on Sept. 10, 2024, entitled "FY 2025-2027 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Plan." Here are excerpts: * * * As our organization celebrates its first 25 years in existence, it is appropriate that we reflect on and recognize what has made our organization successful over the years -- our people. Our people include the many employees who helped build and grow our organiza more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-103-R24) on Sept. 11, 2024, entitled "Independent Report on Employee Benefits, Withholdings, Contributions and Supplemental Semiannual Headcount Reporting Submitted to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management." Here are excerpts: * * * Background This report presents the results of our performance of the procedures agreed upon by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-107-R24) on Sept. 13, 2024, entitled "Kansas-Missouri District: Delivery Operations." Here are excerpts: * * * During the week of May 13, 2024, we performed audits at the Kansas City Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) and three delivery units serviced by the P&DC in the Kansas City, MO, area. The delivery units included the Hickman Mills Station, Kansas City, MO; the Rob more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-125-2-R24) on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "Northport Post Office, Northport, Alabama: Delivery Operations." Here are excerpts: * * * Background The U.S. Postal Service's mission is to provide timely, reliable, secure, and affordable mail and package delivery to more than 160 million residential and business addresses across the country. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 24-125-3-R24) on Sept. 9, 2024, entitled "Tuscaloosa Post Office, Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Delivery Operations." Here are excerpts: * * * Background The U.S. Postal Service's mission is to provide timely, reliable, secure, and affordable mail and package delivery to more than 160 million residential and business addresses across the country. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspecto more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release on Sept. 19, 2024: Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced H.R. 9645, the We Want Our Healthcare Money Back Act of 2024 to investigate fraud within the Department of Health and Human Services public healthcare programs. Specifically, this legislation would require the Office of Inspector General for HHS to submit a quarterly report to Congress providing detailed updates concerning the ongoing fra more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Missouri, issued the following news release: (Kansas City, MO) Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), Jake LaTurner (R-KS-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), and Sam Graves (R-MO-06) united in a bipartisan effort to address mail delivery delays in the Kansas City area. The group called on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to act on a recent audit's(link is external) recommendations, whi more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Michigan, issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of H.R. 9503, the Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Taliban Theft Act. In May 2024, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that at least $10.9 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars went to the Taliban in the form of taxes, fees, duties, and utilities. Even more troubling, since the Biden-Harr more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Lance Gooden demanded immediate reforms from DHS to address the shocking misplacement and potential loss of over 300,000 unaccompanied alien children (UACs), revealed in a new DHS report. The Biden-Harris Administration has completely mismanaged the border crisis and jeopardized the safety and welfare of thousands of children amidst unprecedented illegal crossings. Since the Biden-Harris A more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Mike Garcia, R-California, issued the following news release: Congressman Mike Garcia's Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 passed the House unanimously, fixing a $2.883 billion budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Without immediate action by September 20, this shortfall would have prevented the VA from processing benefits payments scheduled for October 1st, putting 7 million veterans at ris more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- Rep. Mike Garcia, R-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: Today, Rep. Mike Garcia's (CA-27) legislation, H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, was officially signed into law, securing critical benefits for 7 million veterans. This legislation addresses the $2.883 billion budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensuring that veterans' benefits payments continu more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, issued the following news release: Following the suspension of Rob Malley, the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, for being a potential counterintelligence threat, Republican Senators demanded an investigation into the Biden-Harris Administration's actions. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) concluded that the U.S. Department of State mishandled Malley's suspension and violated the Department's protocols and procedures. U.S. Senator Marco  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota issued the following news release: Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, issued the following news release: Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (SVAC), today attempted to restore accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by passing his Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act as an amendment to a VA supplemental funding package, but it was blocked by Senate Democrats. Following the recent announcement from the VA that the Veterans Benefits A more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 18, 2024: U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on the State Department Office of Inspector General's (IG) report detailing how the State Department mishan more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release: As the State of Maine continues to grieve the lives lost in Lewiston on October 25, 2023, U.S. Senator Susan Collins introduced the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act to require U.S. military services to use state crisis intervention laws when a service member poses a serious threat to him or herself or to others. Senator Angus King is an original cosponsor. Immediately following the Lewi more PR

WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 20 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued a 21-page audit report (No. 012310) on Sept. 3, 2024, entitled "Follow-up on the Accuracy of the Administration's Manual Billing Process to Collect Medicare Premiums." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM To: Martin O'Malley, Commissioner From: Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as Acting Inspector General Subject: Follow-up on the Accuracy of the Soc more PR

WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 20 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued a 11-page audit report (No. 142319) on Aug. 28, 2024, entitled "Security of Common Control Providers." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM To: Martin O'Malley, Commissioner From: Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as Acting Inspector General Subject: Security of Common Control Providers The attached final report summarizes Ernst & Young LLP's (Ernst more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Rep. Earl L. Carter, R-Georgia, issued the following news release: House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing titled "Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending." "I am pleased to welcome our sole witness today, the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sean O'Donnell. "Mr. more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: The Subcommittee on Oversight & Accountability will convene a hearing entitled, "Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America's Impact Abroad," on Thursday, September 26th. What: Hearing - "Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America's Impact Abroad" Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024 Time: 10:00am ET more PR

LAREDO, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 23-year-old Laredo woman has pleaded guilty to smuggling a young child into the United States for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From August to September 2023, Vanessa Valadez and other family members operated a child smuggling ring working to bring young non-citizen children from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. All the ch more PR

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Veteran's Affairs contracting officer in San Antonio was sentenced after a guilty plea to taking a bribe in return for contract. According to court documents, Glenn Dartone Johnson, 50, identified himself as a "consultant" and was hired by codefendant Javor McCoy to help McCoy win bids for VA transportation contracts. Using his acquisition knowledge gained thro more PR

HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 34-year-old former Houston resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From March 2020 until March 2021, Cora Chantail Custard conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent loan applications for financial assistance both personally and on behalf of others. The co-conspirators submitted false a more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking and public hearing, published in the Federal Register on Sept. 17, 2024, entitled "Definition of the Term "Coverage Month" for Computing the Premium Tax Credit." SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations that would amend the definition of "coverage month" and amend certain other rules in existing income tax regulations regarding the computation of an indivi more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis, R-Florida, issued the following news release: Last night, the House passed two key healthcare bills authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These important measures will help preserve the Medicaid program and improve access to telehealth. Representative Bilirakis's Leveraging Integrity and Verification of Eligibility for (LIVE) Beneficiaries Act is a commonsense measure that would require states to check the Social Security Administration's Death  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Agriculture Inspector General issued the following report (No. 11303-0006-12) on Sept. 12, 2024, entitled "Independent Service Auditor's Report on Financial Management Services' Description of Its Financial Systems and the Suitability of the Design and Operating Effectiveness of Controls for the period October 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024." Here are excerpts: * * * TO: Lynn Moaney, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Chief Financial Officer ATTN: Lance  more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the following news release: U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis hosted a Safe Housing Summit in Richmond on Sept. 16 focused on combatting sexual misconduct, promoting environmental justice, and protecting the civil rights of residents in HUD-assisted housing. The summit more PR

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: A Maryland woman who formerly worked as a federal government contracting specialist pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. According to court documents, Kyana C. Washington, 44, worked for a company that contracted with the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to provide support for the Acquisiti more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a new 26-page report, Preserving National Security, Protecting Military Families and Veterans, and Defending Taxpayers, outlining her accomplishments on the Senate Arms Services Committee since her appointment as a member in 2017. The report details Senator Warren's work for servicemembers and their families in Massachusetts and across the co more PR

TAMPA, Florida, Sept. 21 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Willie F. Murray, Jr. (55, West Park) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Murray faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a consecutive two years' imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft offense. Murray has also ag more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- The White House issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2024: On Friday, September 20, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 7377, "Royalty Resiliency Act," which amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to improve the management of royalties from oil and gas leases, and for other purposes. Thank you to Representative Hunt for his leadership. * * * H.R. 9468, "Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations  more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Political] -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following news: The IRS has given 20 unpaid "researchers and student volunteers" access to your sensitive tax data including Personally Identifiable Information, according to a Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) audit made public today. The Personally Identifiable Information includes date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, IP address, vehicle identifiers, passport number, fina more PR