Federal Reserve Board Notification

Agencies request comment on quality control standards for automated valuation models proposed rule https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20230601a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Reserve Board announces consent order against Silvergate Capital Corporation and Silvergate Bank to facilitate the voluntary self-liquidation that Silvergate announced on March 8, 2023 https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/enforcement20230601a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Beige Book https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/publications/beige-book-default.htm Visit us on the web at Federal Reserve Board.

USDA interesting latest

 

USDA Climate Hubs Go Global Contact: FAS Press For more than a decade, USDA’s Climate Hubs has been at the forefront of supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. Last week, the department significantly boosted its efforts globally, by launching the International Climate Hub. The new hub builds on the experience with 10 regional Climate Hubs throughout the United States and the Caribbean to compile, share and significantly expand knowledge, understanding, and implementation of climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices in the United States. By broadening international awareness and access to information and tools, USDA continues to position itself as a global leader in highlighting agriculture and forestry practices as solutions to address climate change. “We have seen significant investment and interest from the global community in support of tools, resources, and expertise to help meet global adaptation and mitigation goals,” said Jeremy Adamson, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) senior policy advisor. “The International Climate Hub expands our cooperation and sharing, demonstrating approaches that are successful, and connecting users around the world with much-needed tools to help them address climate and sustainability goals.” Please click here to read more >>

The following GAIN reports were released on May 22, 2023. _______     European Union: Dairy and Products Semi-annual

BORD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM,latest

Financial Stability Report

Report summarizing the Federal Reserve Board's framework for assessing the resilience of the U.S. financial system and presenting the Board's current assessment.

https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/financial-stability-report.htm

Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement action with Perry County Bancorp Inc. and Du Quoin State Bank

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/enforcement20230504a.htm

Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

https://www.federalreserve.gov/data/sloos.htm
Federal Reserve Board announces the results from the review of the supervision and regulation of Silicon Valley Bank, led by Vice Chair for Supervision Barr


https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20230428a.htm

Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Visit us on the web at Federal Reserve Board.

THE WHITE HOUSE's briefing room..

BRIEFING ROOM

APRIL 22, 2023

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Situation in Sudan

APRIL 21, 2023

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA

APRIL 21, 2023

Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA

APRIL 20, 2023

Statement from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr

APRIL 20, 2023

Remarks by President Biden on his Vision for the Economy

APRIL 20, 2023

FACT SHEET: President Biden to Catalyze Global Climate Action through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate

APRIL 18, 2023

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Most Sweeping Set of Executive Actions to Improve Care in History

APRIL 17, 2023

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Private and Public Sector Investments for Affordable Electric Vehicles

GAIN reports

The following GAIN reports were released on April 14, 2023.
_______

Argentina: Oilseeds and Products Annual

Post lowers its 2022/2023 estimate for Argentine soybean production to 23.9 million metric tons (MMT). This production estimate is the lowest in 24 year and the yield estimate is the lowest in almost 50 years. As a result of the drought, Post estimates that Argentina will need to import a record 11 MMT of soybeans to achieve a crush of 29.5 MMT. This reduced crush would lead Argentina to export only 18.75 MMT of soybean meal, potentially losing its position as the world's largest exporter of soybean meal. Soybean oil exports are estimated at 3.65 MMT. Sunflowerseed production is estimated unchanged at 4 MMT and peanut production is lowered to 970,000 MT due to the effects of drought. For MY 2023/2024 Post projects a recovery in soybean and peanut production at 50.5 MMT and 1.32 MMT respectively on higher planted acreage and a return to normal weather conditions. Sunflowerseed production is projected down 3.8 MMT on lower planted area.


China: Animal Husbandry Law 2022 Revision

On October 30, 2022, the People's Republic of China (PRC) National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee issued the revised Animal Husbandry Law of the PRC. This revised Law came into effect on March 1, 2023. This report contains an UNOFFICIAL translation of the law.


China: MARA Publishes Information to Improve Public Awareness of Essentially Derived Varieties

On April 10, 2023, the Development Center of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published information designed to improve public understanding of the Essentially Derived Variety (EDV) system. The information is designed as “question” and “answer” materials on the MARA website. Seed industry members report the EDV system will significantly improve the protection of breeders' rights and encourage initial variety breeding.


Haiti: Grain and Feed Annual

Wheat consumption in Haiti in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 (July 2023/June 2024) is forecast at 405,000 metric tons (MT), stable compared to the previous marketing period. Rice imports are forecast at 435,000 MT, up one percent relative to the same period last year. Corn imports for MY2023/24 are projected virtually flat year-over year at 5,000 MT. Meanwhile, sorghum production in MY 2023/24 (July 2023/June 2024) is forecast down by eight percent at 60,000 MT from the same period last year.


Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly

Export and domestic prices of Thai rice increased two percent due to strong export demand for Thai rice and the strengthening of the Thai baht.


Turkey: Meat and Milk Situation in Turkiye

In the past year, meat and milk prices have skyrocketed due to a variety of factors, among which are insufficient cattle inventories, high input costs, semi-effective government policies, and limitations on importing meat and live animals. In an attempt to halt price increases ahead of the upcoming Islamic holidays and the general election, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MinAF) has reluctantly decided to import some beef and cattle. However, these interventions are not expected to adequately address the shortfall in beef and milk production and will have a limited effect on prices.


USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Taylor Launches Trade Mission to the Netherlands

AMSTERDAM, April 17, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor launched the first-ever regional agribusiness trade mission to the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Under Secretary Taylor and her delegation of representatives from 41 agribusiness and farm organizations and 10 state departments of agriculture look to expand economic partnerships between the United States and the Netherlands and markets throughout Scandinavia.

“As the gateway to Europe for U.S. food and agriculture exports, the Netherlands is an important trading partner. I’m delighted that company representatives from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are joining us in Amsterdam this week,” Taylor said. “With combined total agricultural and related exports to these markets topping $4.5 billion in 2022, I’m confident the delegation will be successful in building new relationships that are critical to expanding opportunities for increased trade. While our trade achievements are a tangible demonstration of the strength, the diversity, and the resourcefulness of our farmers and producers, we depend on the work of many organizations and companies to successfully export U.S. products overseas.”

This week, USDA will help facilitate business-to-business meetings between participating small and medium-sized U.S. agribusinesses and regional buyers seeking to import American food and farm products. The trade mission itinerary also includes meetings with Dutch government officials and industry groups to discuss trade issues and the challenges related to climate change, retail promotions featuring U.S. products, and visits to the Food Innovation Academy training center and the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Under Secretary Taylor; California Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross; Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Amanda Beal; Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson; and North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring will hold a media teleconference from Amsterdam on Wed., April 19, at 12 noon EST. Reporters interested in participating should email press-fas@usda.gov for dial-in instructions.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee

 

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, January 31–February 1, 2023 https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20230222a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System   Visit us on the web at Federal Reserve Board.

U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

-


Russia’s National Day
06/12/2022

Russia’s National Day
06/12/2022 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I express my wish for a more peaceful, open future for the people of Russia as they commemorate Russia Day. June 12, 1990, marked an important step in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Russia for freedom, democracy, and the breaking down of barriers that separate them from the rest of the world. Russian citizens, like people everywhere, deserve to live their lives free of repression and to be able to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear of retribution. This includes being able to voice their opinions and peacefully participate in civil and political activities in their own country.

Sadly, that is not the reality in today’s Russia, where the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown against civil society and independent media. Too many Russian citizens are behind bars for the “crime” of speaking truth to power about their government’s actions. This internal repression is occurring as the Kremlin is waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against a sovereign, neighboring state. Russia’s government is attempting to keep its citizens in the dark about the atrocities it is committing against the people of Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s war has left Russia isolated internationally, and it is robbing Russian citizens of the possibility of building a better future in harmony with their neighbors. This isolation is not inevitable, but results from the decisions of Russia’s leaders. On this Russia Day, we recognize the desires of the people of Russia who still seek – as they did in June 1990 – freedom and dignity, often at great personal risk.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
06/13/2022

Speaker Pelosi:"Madam Speaker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the U.S. Speaker of the House"

 

Speaker Pelosi

  ∙  

4 min read

  ∙  

View on Medium

Madam Speaker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the U.S. Speaker of the House

(June 12–18)

On Monday, Speaker Pelosi visited the Maryland Fire Museum, the new home of the fireboat named in honor of her father: the “Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro, Jr.” She then joined President Biden, Vice President Harris and Members of Congress at the White House for the signing of H.R. 352, the Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act.

On Tuesday morning, Speaker Pelosi held a staff meeting with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. In the afternoon, she signed S. 3580, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, which will crack down on unfair shipping practices, level the playing field for exporters and bring down costs for working families. In the evening, she swore in Congresswoman-elect Connie Conway (CA-22).

Speaker Pelosi, on Wednesday afternoon, joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to celebrate the tenthanniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). On Thursday morning, Speaker Pelosi held her weekly press conference. In the afternoon, she held a staff meeting with Areej Al Sadhan, a constituent whose brother Abdulrahman Al Sadhan was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Saudi Arabia for anonymous, satirical tweets. Then, she met with Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to discuss the Congress’ united and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

Continue reading for this week’s behind-the-scenes content:

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France - Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France
FEBRUARY 02, 2022

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France regarding Russia’s continued military build-up on Ukraine’s borders. The two leaders affirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reviewed our ongoing coordination on both diplomacy and preparations to impose swift and severe economic costs on Russia should it further invade Ukraine. President Biden and President Macron agreed their teams will stay in close touch, including in consultation with NATO Allies and EU partners, on our coordinated and comprehensive approach to managing these issues.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 2, 2022
FEBRUARY 02, 2022


James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

12:35 P.M. EST

MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Okay, as you know, today marks the second day of Black History Month. The President and Vice President are committed to fighting for equity, opportunity, and dignity for all Black Americans each and every day.

And yesterday, a couple of people asked me what we were doing, so I just wanted to give you a quick overview.

On Monday, the President issued a proclamation calling on the nation to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.

The President, and Vice President, and First Lady, Second Gentleman, Cabinet officials, and White House staff will host meetings and activities this month centered around the 2022 Black History Month theme: “Black Health and Wellness.” This includes a focus on physical wellness, mental health, environmental justice, economic growth, and spiritual wellness.

White House senior staff will also host important stakeholder discussions on diversity in media, veteran wellness, and increased support for HBCU students.

Last but certainly not least, we will celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable role Black faith leaders have played in communities across the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is, of course, just brief overview. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Zeke, with that, why don’t you kick us off?

Q Thanks, Jen. With the announcement this morning that the President authorized the deployment of 3,000 troops to Europe — the President previewed that announcement last week and then ordered it today. Is there something — some new piece of information or intelligence that he saw in the last few days that sort of went from being a notional thing to something that to — to an actual deployment?

MS. PSAKI: I would not read this as a decision made based on any events over the last 48 hours or couple of days. We’ve been in discussion and under discussion with our partners and Allies in the region where these troops are going for several weeks now.

And I would just outline for you — I know some of you may have watched John Kirby’s briefing, but just to give some more specifics: A thousand service members from the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, which is based in Germany, will reposition to Romania in the coming days. Secretary Austin had discussed this possibility and this deployment to Romania last week in his conversation with the Romanian Defense Minister.

Second, we are moving 1,700 service members from Fort Bragg to Poland, and approximately 300 service members from Fort Bragg to Germany. Both of these moves are to supplement existing U.S. force presence in Poland and Germany.

These forces are separate and in addition to the 8,500 personnel in the United States on heightened alert position — posture that we announced last week.