WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the following news release: Awards Will Establish the First Domestic Source of 300mm Silicon Wafers for Advanced Chips and Expand Production of 300mm Silicon-on-Insulator Wafers Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce issued direct funding awards to GlobalWafers America, LLC (GWA) and MEMC LLC (MEMC), subsidiaries of GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. (GlobalWafers), of up to $406 million under the  more PR

DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 18 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Dec. 17, 2024, entitled "Employer Costs for Employee Compensation for the Regions - September 2024": * * * Private industry employer costs for employee compensation among the four regions of the country ranged from $39.37 per hour in the South to $53.75 in the Northeast in September 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following report (No. USDL-24-2562) on Dec. 17, 2024, entitled "State Job Openings and Labor Turnover - October 2024": * * * Job openings rates increased in 12 states and decreased in 4 states on the last business day of October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Hires rates decreased in 3 states and increased in 2 states. Total separations rates increased in 5 states and decr more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: BROWNSVILLE, Texas U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry this weekend intercepted alleged cocaine valued at more than $3.3 million in a single enforcement action. "This is a significant amount of cocaine intercepted by our frontline CBP officers and the enforcement action underscores the seriousness of the drug threat w more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: HIDALGO, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry this weekend seized more than $4.2 million in mixed narcotics in a single enforcement action. "This is a high-value, combination load of narcotics and this interception reflects our CBP officers effective use of inspections experience, training and techn more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, at a Gavel Passing Ceremony hosted by Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman-elect August Pfluger (TX-11) announced the appointments of Task Force Chairs who will lead the Committee's policy initiatives in the 119th Congress. "I am proud to announce an exceptional team of conservative leaders who will spearhead the Republican Study Committee's policy in more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12845) on Dec. 11, 2024, by economic development policy analyst Adam G. Levin: * * * The Minority Business Development Agency's Rural Business Center Program According to the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), there are over 544,000 minority business enterprises (MBEs) in rural parts of the United States. MBEs are defined statutorily as busines more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts This Q&A report examines federal assistance for farmers and ranchers who feed livestock. The money is to help them maintain operations when livestock prices are down and revenues decline. From 2018-2023, four USDA programs provided a majority of the assistance to the top 10,000 livestock feeding operations. These operations house a single species in a confine more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Department of Defense today released its newest demographics report on Dec. 16, the "2023 Demographics Profile of the Military Community," which provides a wide range of information about the active duty, National Guard and Reserve enlisted and officer service members and families who make up the United States military. Key takeaways from the lat more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Dr. Stephen E. "Wilbur" Wright will retire on Dec. 17, 2024, closing a 47-year chapter with a 30-year active-duty career and a significant civilian strategist, professor, and mentor role. His legacy is embedded in service, education, and operational excellence within the Air Education and Training Command, profoundly influencing countless Airmen. "D more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (TNSrep) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: Here are excerpts: * * * Fast Facts We reviewed U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers. We found that USDA provided $161 billion in assistance from FY2019-2023. Of that, 42% went to those affected by international trade disruptions, the pandemic, and natural disasters. Additionally, about 1 million farmers and ranchers received assista more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to rein in damaging pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that hurt patients and pharmacies. PBMs are intermediaries that negotiate and manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurance companies, self-insured employers, and government programs. Currently, thre more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2024: Today, Congressman Lance Gooden applauded the passage of his bipartisan Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act (FJSA), legislation introduced alongside Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). This important bill transitions 10 existing temporary federal judgeships to permanent status, providing much-needed stability and efficiency to America's fed more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Florida, issued the following news release: As the 118th Congress draws to a close, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) continues to build support for the Dignity Act (H.R. 3599(link is external)), the only major bipartisan immigration bill in Congress. With conversations about Congress tackling immigration next year, many recognize the Dignity Act as the most consequential piece of immigration legislation that not only secures our southern border but a more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor issued the following weekly report entitled "Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims" for week ending Dec. 7, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending December 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 242,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 224,000 to 225,000. The 4-week moving average was 224 more PR

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release: * * * Grants of up to $50,000 available to nonprofit groups and first responders * * * The Lower Colorado River Authority will accept applications in January for community grants of up to $50,000. Eligible projects include improvements to fire stations, community centers, sports fields, libraries and other facilities, as well as providing updated gear and equipment for emergency responders. LCRA  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke on the House Floor in support of his bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1106 Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, as the "Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office," which passed by unanimous consent. Click to watch(link is external) Remarks as Delivered - Mr. Speaker, You and I just returned from Luxembourg to honor the  more PR

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri issued the following news release: * * * Fraudulently Applied for Dozens of Loans Under the CARES Act * * * A Springfield, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a nearly $14 million wire fraud conspiracy that utilized his businesses, as well as fake businesses, to fraudulently receive loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) A more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2024: Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced the designations of 19 new National Historic Landmarks (NHLs), reflecting the importance of the sites in sharing America's diverse history. The new NHLs are nationally significant properties for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, African Americans, Asian American Pacific Islanders, and wom more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed their legislation to transition 10 temporary federal judgeships including one in California to permanent status. The bipartisan and bicameral Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act will make sure millions of Ca more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its final study aimed at shutting down U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports: "Today's study released by the Biden-Harris White House regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is politicized and reckless. Almost a year ago, the Administration illegally banned LNG exports to ca more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, issued the following news release: Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) has been selected to serve as Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) by Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). HEAT, founded in 2011 by Majority Leader Steve Scalise, is a coalition of House Republicans tasked with championing and promoting commonsense, America First energy policy priorities. These include initiatives to unleash affordabl more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2024: Today, U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Summer Lee (D-Penn.), along with 18 other Members of Congress, are calling on the Biden Administration to adhere to and uphold U.S. law by suspending offensive military transfers to the Israeli government. The letter follows the Biden Administration's Oct. 13, 2024 letter to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Israeli Minister of St more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: This week, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, helped pass the Senate-amended Autism CARES Act of 2024. Congressman Cuellar helped introduce the bill with Representative Chris Smith, which will reauthorize several programs that support autism education, research, and resources. "I am pleased to help pass this bipartisan legislation, a bill I championed along more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2024: Upon his introduction today of the Safeguard American Innovation Act, Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) commented: "The 'Safeguard American Innovation Act' is vital to securing our nation's technology and deterring foreign threats, particularly from China. Recent cyberattacks like SolarWinds and Salt Typhoon have shown how vulnerable our defense and IT systems are to foreign interference. This bill will more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Florida, issued the following statement: * * * Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) released the following statement after the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act) passed the House. "As a former judge, I understand the importance of citizens having access to the courts and receiving a resolution for their cases in a quick and timely matter. Ensuring we have an appropriate number of judges will allow that more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, issued the following statement on Dec. 16, 2024: * * * Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, issued the below statement following the tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. "Today's school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin is devastating--no parent, family, or community should ever have to experience a traged more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Bryanna Lawrence is blazing trails as the youngest supervisor at the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron. Recently recognized among the Civil Engineers '30 Under 30', her achievements reflect a commitment to innovation, leadership, and hard work. CE '30 Under 30' recognizes 30 Civil Engineers under age 30 who have pushed themselves beyond what's expected  more PR

COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Dec. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina issued the following news release: Tyrek Jacquez Carroway, 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Evidence presented to the court showed that undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2024: President Joe Biden today established the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine as the 433rd addition to the National Park System at a signing ceremony at the Department of Labor with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and leaders of the labor and women's rights communities. The new national monument reflects  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following commentary on Dec. 17, 2024: * * * The Twinkliest Towns in Texas The holidays are the perfect time to create memories that will warm your heart for years to come, and there's no better place to celebrate the season than Texas. With millions of lights, Texas-style parades, and calendars full of holiday events, Texas' festive towns offer something for everyone. For 35 years, Johnson City, Texas, has been spreading holiday c more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement on Dec. 17, 2024: * * * U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) announcement that a new direct flight route between San Antonio and Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport serviced by Texas-based American Airlines has been officially established: "As a San Antonio native and staunch advocate of Texas' airline industry, I am pleased more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, passed the House and now heads to t more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statements after their PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, passed the Senate: "For decades, the Internet Crimes Against Children more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Management to deliver a report assessing contracts for services performed along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a plan to improve procurement and delivery of those services, passed the more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The Commander regrets to announce the death of Senior Airman Michael Hamilton, assigned to the 833rd Cyber Operations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. To settle the estate of the deceased, Maj. Ron Puertollano, assigned to the 833rd Cyber Operations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, has been appoint more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Dec. 17, 2024: * * * SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN 1:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the Toys for Tots ceremonial presentation at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) * * * DEPUTY SECRETARY KURT M. CAMPBELL Deputy Secretary Campbell is on travel to Texas from December 17-18, 2024. * * * DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES RICHARD R. VERMA Deputy S more PR

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2024: Governor Greg Abbott today announced the first project to be qualified under the new Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program is Bell Textron, Inc. ("Bell"), a subsidiary of Textron, Inc. ("Textron"), during a press event at Bell's Manufacturing Technology Center in Fort Worth. Bell will add an additional aircraft manufacturing center in Fort Worth to support the U.S. Ar more PR

DEL RIO, Texas, Dec. 17 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: An Arlington woman was sentenced in Del Rio to 168 months in federal prison for her role in a conspiracy to import methamphetamine into the United States. According to court documents, Linnette Rodriguez-Potter, 46, conspired with others to import 3.422 kilograms of methamphetamine which had a purity of 100%. Rodriguez-Potter was referred to a secondary inspection at  more PR

NEWPORT, Rhode Island, Dec. 17 -- The Naval War College issued the following news: The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) hosted the 11th iteration of its Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Symposium onboard Naval Station Newport, Dec. 16-17. The symposium, themed "Rethinking Global Security in a Complex World," aimed to broaden understanding of complex global security challenges and the critical importance of gender perspectives across the continuum of national and international security. "In additi more PR