WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Nov. 14, 2024: * * * Caught on Tape: Postmaster Brags About Record Hiring of 'Comrades' in Public Sector Unions By Mike Palicz and Rowan Saydlowski Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was caught on tape praising public sector unions and asking for these unionized "comrades" to celebrate him over his hiring plan, according to a recent report. Reporter Matthew Foldi first revealed the leaked audio clip in a Substack more PR

PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona issued the following news release: Briarwood Country Club, Inc., a private country club located in Sun City has agreed to pay $631,400 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly obtaining a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which it was not eligible. When Congress enacted the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, it authorized forgiva more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: At a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) highlighted the qualifications of David Johnson, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and nominee for Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Mr. Johnson brings over a decade of experience as a federal prosecutor more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Nov. 15 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news: As part of its efforts to help tell the Army story, Association of the U.S. Army staff members are sharing their own experiences as part of the Veterans History Project. Established in 2000, the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts In 2021, the Department of Energy created a new office to manage about $27 billion in funding for clean energy projects. This Q&A report summarizes how DOE developed this office and its responsibilities. The office is funding new projects. In terms of office oversight and staffing, DOE is doing some things well, but could do more going forward. For example:  more PR

DENVER, Colorado, Nov. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado issued the following news release: University of Colorado Health, known as UCHealth and headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in seeking and receiving payment from federal health care programs for visits to its emergency departments, by falsely coding certainEvaluation & Management (E&M) claims submitted to the Medicare more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48209) on Oct. 4, 2024, entitled "A Binding Debt Limit: Background and Possible Consequences" by economic policy analyst D. Andrew Austin. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY In September 2024, gross federal debt was about $35.3 trillion. Debt limit episodes have been a recurring feature of federal fiscal policy since 2001, when federal budget deficits returned after four years of surpluses. The more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48209) on Oct. 4, 2024, entitled "A Binding Debt Limit - Background and Possible Consequences:" (Continued from Part 1 of 4) * * * Treasury Actions in Select Debt Limit Episodes To date, the modern debt limit has not yet prevented Treasury from paying all federal obligations. During debt limit episodes in 1985, 1995-1996, 2002, 2003, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, howeve more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48209) on Oct. 4, 2024, entitled "A Binding Debt Limit - Background and Possible Consequences:" (Continued from Part 2 of 4) * * * Treasury and Federal Reserve Contingency Planning Managing and mitigating risks is an integral part of any large financial institution, no less so for federal agencies responsible for core fiscal operations./127 During the 2011 and 2013 debt limit episodes, Treasu more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48211) on Oct. 4, 2024, entitled "Deferred Maintenance and Repair at Civilian Agencies: Causes, Risks and Policy Options" by American national government specialist Garrett Hatch. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Federal civilian agencies own more than 285,000 buildings and structures, which have been acquired over time to help the government achieve its objectives. As these assets age, thei more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a nomination hearing to consider David Johnson to be U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). As prepared for delivery: "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to our nominee, Mr. Johnson. Congratulations on your nomination and thank you for your willingness to serve. "This po more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following management advisory (No. DODIG-2025-013) on Nov. 8, 2024, entitled "Concerns with the Navy's Handling of Incidents Involving Aqueous Film-Forming Foam at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY OF THE NAVY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY SUBJECT: Management Advisory: Concerns with the Navy's Handling of Incidents  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following report (Report No. DODIG-2025-012) on Nov. 8, 2024, entitled "Evaluation of DoD Actions Related to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility's Contamination of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Community Water System." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY OF THE NAVY SUBJECT: Evaluation of DoD Actions Related to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility's Contamination of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Co more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following report (No. DODIG-2025-011) on Nov. 8, 2024, entitled "Evaluation of the Operation, Maintenance, Safety, and Oversight of the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY SUBJECT: Evaluation of the Operation, Maintenance, Safety, and Oversigh more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- The Defense Inspector General issued the following report (No. DODIG-2025-019) on Nov. 12, 2024, entitled "Evaluation of Security and Accountability Controls for Defense Items Transferred to Ukraine Through Romania." Here are excerpts: * * * MEMORANDUM FOR COMMANDER, U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE DIRECTOR, DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY SUBJECT: Evaluation of Security and Accountability Controls for Defense Items Transferred to Ukraine Through Romania (Report No. DOD more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release: The DoD Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released its Independent Auditor's Reports as part of the DoD's FY 2024 Agency Financial Report, which includes the Agency-Wide Financial Statements for FY 2024 and FY 2023. The Independent Auditor's Reports comprise three separate reports--Report on the Financial Statements, Report on Internal Control over Financial Repo more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2024: Evaluation Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released its report "Evaluation of Security and Accountability Controls for Defense Items Transferred to Ukraine Through Romania." This evaluation is part of an ongoing review of the effectiveness of the DoD's accountability cont more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2024: Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR), DoD Inspector General Robert P. Storch, announced today the release of the fourth quarterly report on OAR to the United States Congress. The Special Inspector General report summarizes U.S. funding, programs, and operations from July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024, in support of Ukr more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2024: Evaluation Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released two reports on the overall safety of the Defense Fuel Support Point Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), including the operation of the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and the actions taken with regard to t more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: In a letter to GSA leadership, Duckworth, Durbin and members of the Illinois delegation urge the agency to prioritize remediating drinking water concerns in four federal buildings Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Eric S more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: In a letter to GSA leadership, Durbin. Duckworth, and members of the Illinois delegation urge the agency to prioritize remediating drinking water concerns in four federal buildings Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Er more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: As part of her continuing effort to prevent sexual misconduct in the prison system, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is supporting the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act to address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates. From 2019-2023 there were 1,600 female staff members attacked by inmates at Thomson Federal Prison, just acro more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: After a report exposed the pervasive culture of harassment and other egregious behavior at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is leading five of her colleagues in demanding the Inspector General (IG) investigate every single one of the more than 500 allegations of misconduct. The senators blasted the agency for allowing a toxic culture to run rampant and urged the  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: Cleveland, Ohio Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) First Vice President and Vice Chair Judith Pryor travelled to Ohio November 12-15 to meet with prospective and current EXIM customers to highlight how EXIM financing can help Ohio businesses grow through exporting.In Barberton, OH, Vice Chair Pryor met with EXIM customer Malco Products, Inc., a manufactur more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: The Board of Directors at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) today unanimously approved its fifth Make More in America (MMIA) deal, bringing the total amount authorized under the flagship initiative to nearly $325 million.The nearly $51 million in financing will go to U.S. small business exporter, Electrovaya USA, Inc. Based in Jamestown, New York, El more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: Today, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis announced that in Fiscal Year 2024, EXIM authorized $8.4 billion in deals, supporting approximately 38,000 jobs across the country. Throughout FY24, EXIM authorized more than 1,400 transactions, and more than 85 percent of deals supported small businesses. Those transactions inclu more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following compliance review (No. COM-2025-001) on Nov. 12, 2024 entitled "Office of the Ombudsman Did Not Meet Two Deadlines When Processing Incoming Submissions." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PURPOSE The Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA or Agency) Office of the Ombudsman (Office) is required by law to consider complaints and appeals regarding the Agency's supervisory activiti more PR

TAMPA, Florida, Nov. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2024: Brandon Eye Associates P.A. (Brandon Eye), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Brandon, Sun City and Plant City, Florida, has agreed to pay $1.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) provided through a kickback arrangeme more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release: The Federal Trade Commission today issued its Fiscal Year 2024 Agency Financial Report which highlights the FTC's accomplishments in protecting consumers and promoting competition and reaffirms the agency's commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and sound financial operations. This report, which is required by the Office of Management and Budget, includes annual audited financial statements, as  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release on Nov. 15, 2024: Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released its "FY 2025 Top DoD Management and Performance Challenges" and "FY 2025 Oversight Plan." The FY 2025 Top DoD Management and Performance Challenges report presents six challenges that we consider to be significant matters facing th more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following news: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert C. Fulford for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. European Command. Fulford is currently serving as commanding general, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley for appoi more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is seeking transparency from federal Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) regarding their efforts to hold employees accountable for sexual misconduct. Grassley sent letters to 76 OIGs requesting data on all sexual harassment settlements OIGs have paid out using taxpayer dollars in the last five years. "Inspectors General are responsible for shining a light on government abu more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are putting the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI on notice to preserve all records related to Special Counsel Jack Smith's criminal investigations into President Donald Trump, in order to ensure Congress' ability to conduct proper oversight. Notably, former FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault who publicly engaged in anti-Trump political p more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai'i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai'i) today released the following joint statement on two reports issued by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (IG) on the overall safety of the Defense Fuel Support Point Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The delegation called for the independent investigations in more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release: Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai'i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai'i) today released the following joint statement on two reports issued by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General on the overall safety of the Defense Fuel Support Point Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The delegation called for the independent investigations in Nove more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act provides $66.16 billion in total discretionary funding. "This bill tackles some of the most urgent challenges facing our country, while also delivering on important Connecticut priorities. It provides important resources to improve border security, help stop the flow of fentanyl and make our immig more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General issued the following news release: Athena Services International, LLC and its Owner Also Agree to Pay More Than $1.6 Million to Resolve Related Allegations. Herndon, Virginia-based contractor Paragon Systems Inc. (Paragon) has agreed to pay to the United States $52 million to settle allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing purported small businesses that it contr more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-North Carolina, chairwoman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, issued the following news release: Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the FAFSA Deadline Act with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 381 to 1. The FAFSA Deadline Act is sponsored by Committee member U.S. Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN) and would give students, families, an more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2024: House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today applauded the House of Representatives' passage of five bills aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, accountability, and security across the federal government. These bills previously passed out of the Oversight Committee, receiving broad bipa more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2024: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) delivered opening statements at today's joint subcommittee hearing on "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing th more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 -- The House Science, Space and Technology Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 118-701) on the NASA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8958), which aims to reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The report was advanced by Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, on Sept. 23, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose and Summary H.R. 8958 provides guidance and direction to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This bill reaffirms the Nation's commitment  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Insurance] -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following news release: A new report by HHS's Office of Inspector General (OIG) finds widespread failure among hospitals to comply with federal price transparency law. What they're saying: "An HHS inspector general's report found that almost half of 100 surveyed hospitals weren't fully complying with CMS' hospital price transparency rule," Axios reports. "Many hospitals are not publishing their prices i more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The Interior Inspector General issued the following report (No. 22-0785) on Nov. 12, 2024, entitled "U.S. Park Police Officers' Use of Deadly Force Following a Pursuit on the George Washington Memorial Parkway." Here are excerpts: * * * EXECUTIVE SUMMARY We investigated whether two U.S. Park Police (USPP) officers, Lucas Vinyard (Officer 1) and Alejandro Amaya (Officer 2), acted in accordance with USPP policies in place at the time during their vehicular pursuit and su more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2024: A Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary (USP) McCreary, in Pine Knot, Kentucky, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in London, Kentucky, for federal civil rights violations, including violating an individual's rights under the color of law, falsifying records to impede an investigation, and witness tampering. The indictment alleges that Zachary Toney,  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2024: Brandon Eye Associates P.A. (Brandon Eye), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Brandon, Sun City and Plant City, Florida, has agreed to pay $1.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Brandon Eye has a more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Nov. 15, 2024: A Michigan home health care company owner was sentenced yesterday to three years and five months in prison for his role in a health care fraud conspiracy that resulted in almost $7.9 million in false and fraudulent claims for home health care services paid by Medicare Part A. According to court documents, Muhammad Zafar, 53, of Wayne County, owned and operated a home health care business i more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: * * * Athena Services International LLC, Athena Joint Venture Services LLC, and Owner Agree to Pay Over $1.6M to Resolve Related Allegations * * * Herndon, Virginia-based contractor Paragon Systems Inc. (Paragon) has agreed to pay to the United States $52 million to settle allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing purported small businesses that it controlled to frau more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: Pharmaceutical company QOL Medical LLC (QOL) and its co-owner and CEO, Frederick E. Cooper, have agreed to pay $47 million to resolve allegations that they caused the submission of false claims to federal health care programs, in violation of the False Claims Act and similar state statutes, by offering kickbacks in the form of free Carbon-13 breath testing services to induce claims for QOL's drug Sucraid.  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: University of Colorado Health, known as UCHealth and headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in seeking and receiving payment from federal health care programs for visits to its emergency departments, by falsely coding certain Evaluation & Management (E&M) claims submitted to the Medicare and TRICARE programs. "Improperly more PR

LONDON, Kentucky, Nov. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2024: A Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary (USP) McCreary, in Pine Knot, Kentucky, was indicted on Thursday by a federal grand jury in London, Kentucky, for federal civil rights violations, including violating an individual's rights under the color of law, falsifying records to impede an investigation, and witness tampering more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- LINTECH GLOBAL, Farmington Hills, Michigan, won a federal contract award for $3,112,171 from the Department of Defense Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) for other computer related services. The document states, about the contract: information technology support services for the office of the inspector general (oig)(3-month bridge). Contract Award Number: HQ003425C0002; ueiSAM: YT1QJBHRM6D5; NAICS Code: 541519; Product Service Code (PSC): 7e20; Solicitation Number: HQ more CTR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: This notification is being issued to the public pursuant to the CBP policy regarding Notification and Review Procedures for Certain Deaths and Deaths in Custody and the Department of Homeland Security FY 2021 Appropriation (H. Rept. 116-458) reporting requirements related to CBP-involved deaths. On November 8, 2024, at approximately 5:42 a.m., a National Guardsman  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland issued the following news release: Herndon, Virginia-based contractor Paragon Systems Inc. (Paragon) has agreed to pay to the United States $52 million to settle allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing purported small businesses that it controlled to fraudulently obtain small business set-aside contracts. The settlement further resolves allegations that Paragon violated th more PR

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Nov. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina issued the following news release: Roger Trent Melchor, 56, of Indian Trail, N.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining $32,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief loans, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to plea documents and the court hearing, between July 2020 to May 2021, Melchor used false informatio more PR

ALBANY, New York, Nov. 15 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2024: * * * Independent Monitors Installed by AG James to Oversee Four Centers Nursing Homes Will Continue Improving Care After Residents Suffered Years of Mistreatment and Neglect Settlement Marks Third Set of Significant Nursing Home Reforms Achieved by AG James to Protect Residents * * * NNew York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a major settlement with the own more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Center for Progressive Reform issued the following statement on Nov. 13, 2024, by policy director James Goodwin: * * * It's hard to know where to begin with President-elect Donald Trump's announcement last night of a new government "efficiency" agency under the leadership of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. It's tempting to dismiss this proposal as deeply unserious -- after all, it adds new bureaucracy that, despite being charged with promoting efficiency in the feder more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts GAO's work yielded $67.5 billion in financial benefits for the federal government in FY 2024--a return of $76 for every dollar invested in us. We did it by recommending ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs and more. For example, we: Prompted the Department of Defense to improve its efforts to identify improper payments--i.e.,  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America issued the following statement on Nov. 12, 2024: * * * Today, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Senior Vice President Alex Schriver released the following statement on the 340B drug pricing program: "We continue to have serious concerns about persistent and often illegal abuse of 340B, which is driving up costs for patients, employers and taxpayers. The law specifically prohibits hospita more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Rep. Timothy Burchett, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) introduced the UAP Whistleblower Protection Act. "We need to protect folks who want to come forward," said Rep. Burchett."Our government spends tens of millions of dollars on looking into UAPs, yet when someone wants to bring something forward, members of our government want to shut it down. People who want to bring the truth to light should be protected." more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2024: Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Mike Braun's (R-IN) bipartisan bill to improve government oversight and effectiveness has passed the U.S. House. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent in November 2023, and will now be sent to President Biden to be signed into law. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) Inspector General Parity Act will strengthen the GAO more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) wrote a letter to Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, who oversees investigations into the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, calling on him to review complaints of a Biden Administration supervisor who directed her team to avoid providing federal assistance to Floridians who displayed support for President-elect Donald Trump. Senator Hawley's letter comes after more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, issued the following news release on Nov. 15, 2024: Today in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) nominations hearing for the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Val Demings, William Zollars, and Gordon Hartogensis on their commitment to combatting rural mail delivery issues. Senator Hawley confronted the nominees about the Postal Service's propo more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release: After a report exposed the pervasive culture of harassment and other egregious behavior at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Joni Ernst and four of their colleagues in demanding the Inspector General (IG) investigate every single one of the more than 500 allegations of misconduct. The senators blasted the agency for allowing a toxic culture to run rampant and u more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement on the TIGTA nomination, on Nov. 14, 2024: * * * The Finance Committee meets this morning to discuss the nomination of David Johnson to serve as Inspector General for Tax Administration. First, on Mr. Johnson's background. This is a non-partisan, down-the-middle nominee for a position that requires exactly that type of individual. Mr. Johnson currently serves as the Assis more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a nomination hearing to consider David Johnson to be U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). As prepared for delivery: "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to our nominee, Mr. Johnson. Congratulations on your nomination a more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee issued a report (S.Rpt. 118-228) on the Facilitating Hazard Mitigation Projects Act (S. 3067), which aims to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct an evaluation and submit to Congress a report on ways to reduce the complexity of the cost effectiveness requirements for hazard mitigation assistance. The report was advanced by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, on Sept. 23, 20 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee issued a report (S.Rpt. 118-220) on the FEHB Protection Act (S. 4035), which aims to require the director of the Office of Personnel Management to take certain actions with respect to the health insurance program carried out under chapter 89 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The report was advanced by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, on Sept. 10, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * I. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY S. 4035, the F more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee issued a report (S.Rpt. 118-226) on the Financial Management Risk Reduction Act (S. 4716), which aims to amend section 7504 of Title 31 of the U.S. Code to improve the single audit requirements. The report was advanced by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, on Sept. 19, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * I. Purpose and Summary S. 4716, the Financial Management Risk Reduction Act, amends Section 7504 of title 31, Uni more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, issued the following news release: Today U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is releasing the latest developments in his ongoing investigation into Covid-19 origins which includes new information from a Department of Defense (DoD) whistleblower. New records from the whistleblower confirm that the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) had access to evidence during its assessment of the COVID-19 origin that points to the virus' laboratory origins at  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: Following reports of Elon Musk's regular contact with Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials for the last two years, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, and Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, are calling for the Departments of Justice and Defense to investigate whether thi more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Representative Don Beyer (all D-VA) released the statement below following the release of a report by the Department of the Interior's Office of the Inspector General on the use of deadly force by U.S. Park Police officers against Bijan Ghaisar. "The death of Bijan Ghaisar remains a great tragedy. Despite the OIG's findings that the officers who killed Bijan Ghai more PR

HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 54-year-old man has been sentenced following his conviction for conspiring to pay and receive health care kickbacks and payment of kickbacks to marketers, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for an hour following a three-day trial before finding Ifeanyi Ozoh guilty on all counts Feb. 14. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2024: Wendy Nicole Villatoro, 40, formerly of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to one count of bank fraud, for a scheme to submit fraudulent applications seeking money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that netted her $844,000. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of  more PR

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Nebraska, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Strategic Command issued the following news: By Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez, 151st Wing SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Utah Air National Guard completed an intensive Nuclear Operations Readiness Exercise Nov. 1-3. The exercise engaged the 151st Wing in around-the-clock operations, preparing members to execute their nuclear mission immediately. This annual exercise reflects UTANG's role in the broader nuclear operations strategy, ensuring readin more PR

ROANOKE, Virginia, Nov. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia issued the following news release: A Dublin, Virginia man, who continued to prescribe pain medication even after he was informed he lacked the necessary license to do so, pled guilty recently to federal charges. Ehikioya Osemobor, 47, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty last week to a one count Information charging him with using an expired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Number more PR

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 16 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the following news release: Inova Health System Foundation, Inova Health Care Services, Inc., and Inova Physician Partners, LLC, (collectively, Inova), located in Falls Church, agreed to pay $2,378,731.06 to settle claims that it submitted claims to Medicaid that contained falsified information. Inova voluntarily submitted written disclosures to the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Virgin more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement to mark the three-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law: "In the past three years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which we authored and helped pass, has been transformative for communities across Virginia. This law has upgraded our roads, railways, and airports, made our air and wate more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement to mark the three-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law: "In the past three years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which we authored and helped pass, has been transformative for communities across Virginia. This law has upgraded our roads, railways, and airports, made our air and wa more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (all D-VA) released the statement below following the release of a report by the Department of the Interior's Office of the Inspector General on the use of deadly force by U.S. Park Police officers against Bijan Ghaisar. "The death of Bijan Ghaisar remains a great tragedy. Despite the OIG's findings that the officers who killed Bijan Ghaisar did not more PR

SPOKANE, Washington, Nov. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington issued the following news release: Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that in the last several months, the office she leads prosecuted several significant cases that protected patients, consumers, and the community from health care fraud. "Safe and affordable health care is critical for a thriving community. Healthcare is a multi-billi more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts This report addresses management issues for the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General. We found these issues during our review of how Justice handles FBI whistleblower protections. The Office still doesn't always contact FBI whistleblower retaliation complainants within 15 days. It failed to meet this requirement in 46% of complaints. Also, more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts Whistleblowers can help fight waste, fraud, and abuse. However, they also risk retaliation, such as demotion. We examined how the Department of Justice handles FBI whistleblower retaliation complaints following our 2015 report. DOJ closed about 5 times more FBI whistleblower retaliation complaints since our 2015 report DOJ took 7 years to update its regulat more PR