U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

 

One Small Step… Today marks the 53rd anniversary of one of the greatest adventures in American history. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a four-day trip to the Moon. It famously resulted in mission commander Neil Armstrong becoming the first human to step on the lunar surface. Apollo 11 was the first of six successful trips to take astronauts to the Moon and safely return them to Earth. In total, 12 men walked on the Moon between 1969 and 1972 when the Apollo missions ended. To learn more about the Apollo 11 mission, check out NASA’s official mission page.

FTC and 18 states join forces to protect military consumers from jewelry retailer’s illegal practices By Lesley Fair Take a closer look at some of the companies that publicly proclaim to “Support Our Troops” and you may find illegal conduct suggesting that a more accurate slogan for them could be “Thwart Our Troops.” The FTC and 18 states just announced a settlement with Harris Jewelry, a national retailer alleged to have targeted military families with a host of deceptive and unfair practices, including violations of the Military Lending Act. Among other things, the company must stop collecting millions of dollars of debt, provide refunds for purchased protection plans and refunds for overpayments, and once its obligations under the order are met, complete its shutdown of operations and dissolve pursuant to state laws. Read more > Office of Communications                               CONTACT: Victor Chen & Legislative Affairs                                                           James Ryan 131 M Street NE                                                                Joseph Olivares Washington, DC 20507                                                      Kim Dulic 202-921-3191                                                                     Nicole St. Germain ASL videophone 844-234-5122                                         Zachary Florent newsroom@eeoc.gov                                                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2022 EEOC OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 25TH ANNUAL EXCEL CONFERENCE Featured Speakers Include EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows and OPM Director Kiran Ahuja at Annual Training Event for EEO, HR, and ADR Professionals WASHINGTON – The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today the opening of registration for the annual EXCEL (Examining Conflicts in Employment Laws) training conference. The virtual event, to be held Aug. 23-25, 2022, provides the federal and private employer community tools and strategies to address emerging issues in equal employment opportunity (EEO) law.      Marking a milestone anniversary, the theme for this year’s conference is “25 Years of Excellence.” EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja will open the conference with a fireside chat to discuss the Biden Administration’s whole-of-government approach to equity and the future of work, while highlighting the EEOC and OPM’s efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in America’s workplaces. The conference will feature a wide range of workshops on ongoing and emerging issues such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA); pay equity; racial and systemic discrimination; civil rights and the pandemic; retaliation; and artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making.      The EXCEL conference is geared toward EEO managers, supervisors, practitioners, HR professionals, attorneys, ADR specialists and other interested parties in the federal and private sector. It features more than 30 interactive workshops, virtual networking opportunities and a platform to engage in discussions on EEO hot topics.      Registration for this much-anticipated three-day virtual training conference is $800 per person. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Federal EEO Investigator, and Federal EEO Counselor Refresher credits will be provided.  Additionally, application will be made with the Virginia State Bar for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit and support will be provided for conference attendees to apply for CLE credit in other states.      For a copy of the agenda and to register today visit the EXCEL registration page at www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov.      The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.EEOC.gov.  Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates and follow @EEOC_EXCEL on Twitter for conference updates. ### Jeweler’s deceptive and empty promises took advantage of servicemembers By Carol Kando-Pineda Many companies say they want to serve those who serve. But some companies take advantage of our military personnel and use unlawful practices to lure them into deceptive deals. That’s why the FTC and eighteen states have brought charges against Harris Jewelry for violating federal and state lending and consumer protection laws. This is also the FTC’s first case alleging violations of the Military Lending Act (MLA). Read More> SEC Charges Tampa-Based Health Insurance Distributor and its Former CEO with Making False Statements to Investors 07/20/2022 12:00 PM EDT The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Health Insurance Innovations (HII) and its former CEO Gavin Southwell for concealing extensive consumer complaints about short-term and limited health insurance products HII offered.…     Chair Gary Gensler spoke with the publisher of The Black In House Counsel Annual Report to discuss Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and its importance to the SEC’s workforce and agenda. Read the interview. This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Securities and Exchange Commission · 100 F Street, NE · Washington, DC 20549 · 202-551-4120 Stay Connected with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Joint Statement on the EU – U.S. Joint Financial Regulatory Forum 07/20/2022 U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2022 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs; Press@Treasury.gov Joint Statement on the EU – U.S. Joint Financial Regulatory Forum BRUSSELS—EU and U.S. participants in the EU – U.S. Joint Financial Regulatory Forum (“the Forum”) met on July 13-14, 2022, to exchange views on topics of mutual interest as part of their regular financial regulatory dialogue. EU participants included representatives of the European Commission, the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the Single Resolution Board (SRB). U.S. participants included officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and staff from independent regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). U.S. participants expressed views on issues in their respective areas of responsibility. The Forum emphasised close ongoing EU and U.S. cooperation in a range of areas, including on sanctions, and focused on six themes: (1) market developments and financial stability risks, (2) sustainable finance and climate-related financial risks, (3) regulatory developments in banking and insurance, (4) regulatory and supervisory cooperation in capital markets, (5) operational resilience and digital finance, and (6) anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The current geopolitical situation, triggered by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, coupled with inflationary pressures, exposes a series of downside risks to financial markets both in the EU and in the U.S. However, financial markets have proven to be resilient so far. International cooperation in monitoring and mitigating financial stability risks remains essential in the current global environment in light of the negative impacts on global energy and commodities markets. Participants discussed issues related to sustainable finance and management of climate-related financial risks, acknowledging the importance of addressing climate and other sustainability related challenges for the financial sector, consistent with their respective mandates. Participants discussed their respective work on climate and other sustainability-related financial disclosures. In that regard, SEC staff gave an overview of the SEC’s proposed rulemaking to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors, and the proposed rulemaking to promote consistent, comparable, and reliable information for investors concerning funds’ and advisers’ incorporation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Likewise, ESMA presented its recent Supervisory Guidance on integration of sustainability risks and disclosure in the area of asset management. The EU participants presented the provisional agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will require all large and all listed companies to report on all sustainability issues from a double materiality perspective. An update was also given on the work of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to develop mandatory EU sustainability reporting standards. EU and U.S. participants agreed to continue the bilateral exchange on sustainability-related disclosures and to continue to engage in international fora, including with regard to the standards being developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). A discussion on the management of climate-related financial risks also took place and the ECB presented the aggregate results of its supervisory climate risk stress test assessing the preparedness of banks for financial and economic shocks stemming from climate-related financial risks. Participants from both sides also acknowledged the work being done on sustainable finance issues in international fora, including the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group and the International Platform for Sustainable Finance. Regarding banking, participants discussed the implementation of Basel III reforms, the EU gave an update on the progress made on the Banking Package, and both parties informed each other on the progress and the scope of the implementation of Basel III reforms, including on securitization. Participants also discussed issues relating to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) relevant to citizens and financial firms, and developments in the field of insurance that included climate-related financial risks and the Solvency II review. With regard to capital markets, participants discussed their continued monitoring of the transition from panel reference rates and the progress in their respective legislative and supervisory efforts to ensure a smooth transition away from LIBOR. The EU updated the Forum on the state of the review of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and Regulation, while the SEC staff discussed upcoming work to modernize rules related to equity markets structure. Participants discussed CFTC implementation of new capital and financial reporting requirements for swap dealers. Both sides also provided an update regarding issues under consideration in relation to open-ended fund reforms. Finally, in the field of statutory audit, the European Union provided an update on the progress of the renewal of the two underlying equivalence and adequacy decisions with regard to the PCAOB and SEC. During the meeting, participants shared views on digital finance and operational risk and resilience. The EU updated the U.S. on the provisional agreement reached on the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which will establish a comprehensive framework on cyber resilience for financial entities and information and communication technology (ICT) third-party service providers. The U.S. provided an update on proposed guidance for banking organizations regarding managing risks associated with third-party relationships. Participants also discussed multilateral efforts including at the G7 Cyber Expert Group and the Financial Stability Board regarding the resilience of critical services provided by third-party providers. The discussions also touched upon recent developments regarding crypto-assets, including stablecoins. EU participants also updated the U.S. on the provisional agreement reached on the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA), which will protect consumers, market integrity and financial stability. MiCA will, for the first time in the EU, bring the vast majority of crypto assets including stablecoins under a regulatory framework, and will cover issuers of unbacked crypto-assets, the trading venues and the wallets where crypto-assets are held. The U.S. provided an overview of their work on crypto-assets, including stablecoins. The exchange also took stock of discussions around the development of potential central bank digital currencies. Participants also discussed progress made in strengthening their domestic AML/CFT frameworks. The EU provided an update on its AML/CFT legislative package, and the U.S. participants provided an update on its ongoing implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, together with updates from the 2022 National Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing Risk Assessments and 2022 National Strategy to Combat Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing. Participants acknowledged the importance of the Forum in fostering ongoing financial regulatory dialogue between the U.S. and the EU. They agreed that regular communication on regulatory and supervisory issues of mutual concern is necessary to support financial stability, investor protection, market integrity, and a level playing field. Participants will continue to engage on these topics, as well as on other topics of mutual interest, ahead of the next Forum meeting, which is expected to take place in early 2023. Statement by the Group of Creditors of Ukraine 07/20/2022 U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2022 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs; Press@Treasury.gov Statement by the Group of Creditors of Ukraine We, the Group of Creditors of Ukraine, express our solidarity with and support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression. We note the publication today of a consent solicitation from Ukraine to defer the debt service due to bondholders from August 1st, 2022 and to extend payment maturities. In these exceptional circumstances, and acknowledging Ukraine’s exemplary track record of honoring debt service to date, the members of the Group of creditors of Ukraine support this consent solicitation and strongly encourage bondholders to consent to Ukraine’s request. The members of the Group of Creditors of Ukraine also note the concurrent publication today of a consent solicitation from Ukraine to adjust certain payment mechanisms in the terms of its GDP-linked warrants, and encourage warrantholders to consent to these requests. Bondholders’ and warrant-holders’ approval of Ukraine’s proposals would represent substantive support for the government and people of Ukraine. In light of this, we, as official bilateral creditors of Ukraine, intend to provide a coordinated suspension of debt service due by Ukraine from August 1st, 2022 until end-2023, with the possibility of an additional year, on our claims and consistent with the national laws of the creditor countries. We also strongly encourage all other official bilateral creditors to swiftly reach agreement with Ukraine on a debt service suspension. We will continue to closely coordinate and assess the situation with the support of the IMF and the World Bank. Background note: The Group of Creditors of Ukraine includes Canada, France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Observers to the Group include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on Debt Service Relief by Group of Creditors of Ukraine 07/20/2022 U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2022 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs; Press@Treasury.gov Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on Debt Service Relief by Group of Creditors of Ukraine WASHINGTON — Today, the Group of Creditors of Ukraine, including the United States, announced their intent to honor Ukraine’s request for a coordinated suspension of debt service through the end of 2023. A suspension of debt service will provide substantial support for the Government and people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression. “I welcome this initiative of the group of official creditors to Ukraine, including the United States, who stand ready to provide a debt service deferral to Ukraine,” said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “I reiterate the call to all other bilateral official and private creditors to join this initiative and assist Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war, which has had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s people and economy, with spillover effects throughout the world.” Read the Group of Creditors of Ukraine Statement made July 20, 2022 . July 20, 2022 The Supply Chain Security Training Act of 2021 On June 16, 2022, the President signed the Supply Chain Security Training Act of 2021 into law, requiring FAI to develop a training program for officials with supply chain risk management responsibilities at Federal agencies. At this time, the one-hour course (FAC 093), Introduction to Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), is available via FAI CSOD. As the world becomes more interconnected and as the U.S. and its allies confront more adverse challenges, SCRM is more critical than ever. Learn more about SCRM and strengthen our nation's defenses by taking FAC 093! New Training Video - Buy American Rules are Changing! On March 7, 2022, the FAR Council published FAR Rule 2021-008, which included substantial and complex changes to the requirements of the Buy American statute. FAI has created a five-minute micro-learning video to help contracting professionals understand the changes that take effect on Oct. 25, 2022. In October 2022, FAI will release a new course that will replace FAC 063: Buy American Statute, which will include the new requirements along with a new web-based interactive decision tool to help acquisition workforce members navigate and apply the complex Buy American rules and procedures. Earn your FAC-C-DS via the DITAP Program! A FAC-C-Digital Services (DS) is required prior to being assigned requirements for digital services acquisitions over $7.5 million (or $15 million for acquisitions described in FAR Part 13.500(c)). FAC-C Level II or III certified candidates can earn a FAC-C-DS via the Digital IT Acquisition Professional (DITAP) program. There are several vendors who provide the training with open applications now: Management Concepts, ICF, CivicActions, EAGLES, Skylight and Graduate School USA. Registration is LIVE for Acquisition Training for the Real World - July 25 to Aug. 5! Acquisition Training for the Real World is a two-week program of daily virtual training sessions on GSA’s tools, digital services and the latest information on Federal marketplace initiatives. It is open exclusively to Federal agency personnel. Earn up to 11.5 CLPs. Register today! Professional Services Office Hours Aug. 11 OASIS recently adopted the use of Symphony Procurement Suite—a web-based, commercial off-the-shelf contract management and automation tool developed by Apex Logic. Symphony provides OASIS customers and OASIS contract holders an easy-to-use, highly secure and efficient method to issue, manage and award task order requests and capture information as a database of record for all stakeholders. Join us to learn how to navigate the tool and use it for orders on OASIS. Register and earn one CLP! July 28: Fighting Climate Change by Electrifying Communities Join climate champion Donnel Baird, founder and CEO of BlocPower and White House Federal Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock for a discussion on electrifying and decarbonizing Federal operations to benefit all Americans. This is the third event in the White House's Sustainability Speaker Series for the Federal Community. Federal employees will learn about President Biden's Federal Sustainability Plan and their role in shifting to more sustainable and resilient operations through this series. Free registration. Limited space requires advance registration. Submit questions during registration. This event will have live closed captioning, an ASL interpreter and will be recorded. July 26: Localization and its Impact on International Contracting Join a panel of international contracting experts from USAID, State Department and industry to discuss how buyers and sellers can drive sustainability and project outcomes through localization. Localization is the push to involve local stakeholders in the country where the work is performed to promote sustainability and prioritize local perspectives, which leads to better program outcomes. Participants are encouraged to come with questions to help ensure a common understanding of how we meet localization goals and objectives together. Register here and read more about localization here. Register for Small Business Works' Two-Day FREE Virtual Training Join us for a two-day virtual event that will provide training opportunities for the small business community and the Federal acquisition workforce. On Tuesday, July 26, small businesses can obtain valuable and vital information to help them navigate the Federal government marketplace. Small businesses will also be able to expand their network during the afternoon matchmaking event. On Wednesday, July 27, training on small business programs will be provided for the Federal acquisition workforce, highlighting how each acquisition professional delivers equity in procurement within their own Federal agency. Register for this FREE event HERE! Register Now for FQN 076: Critical Decision Making-Capstone FQN 076: Critical Decision Making-Capstone, teaches acquisition professionals how to synthesize lessons from the prerequisite courses FAC 072, 073, 074 and 075 and how to apply the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act to the acquisition environment. Register through FAI CSOD for the Sept. 14 session. Earn four CLPs at completion! Acquisition Today is published the first and third Wednesday of each month. If you have information that you would like to share with the federal acquisition workforce community via Acquisition Today, you may submit your article for consideration by completing this form. If you have feedback that you would like to share with FAI, please email us at contact@fai.gov. Any reference to, or information discussing, a specific commercial training organization, or its products, processes, or services within this Acquisition Today newsletter does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FAI, GSA, or the United States Government of the commercial training organization, or its products, processes, services, producers, or providers. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document, website, linked information, or any other information, contained in the newsletter regarding a commercial training organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of FAI, GSA, or the United States Government. All references to commercial training organizations are for information purposes only. Neither the FAI, GSA, or the United States Government, nor any of their employees, assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information from a commercial training organization's referenced information, linked information, services, products, producers, or providers.