Source: Gartner – IT Research
Headline: Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2024 London: Day 3 Highlights
We are bringing you news and highlights from the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2024, taking place this week in London, U.K. Below is a collection of the key announcements and insights coming out of Day 3 of the conference.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
09.25.24
Yakima Projects to Reduce Flooding & Recover Salmon Get Federal Investment
Yakima County, in collaboration with the City of Yakima, gets $10.9M federal grants for Cowiche Creek Confluence Projects to restore floodplains and protect the City of Yakima from flooding; Chelan County also receives grant for floodplain restoration on lower Chiwawa River
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Yakima County will receive $9,976,792 to implement Phase I of the Cowiche Creek Confluence Project, which will address recurring flooding of Cowiche Creek, improve fish passage and habitat, and maintain water delivery by constructing a new irrigation delivery pipeline, removing obsolete irrigation structures, and restoring adjacent floodplains and riparian areas along Cowiche Creek. Yakima County will also receive $1,002,149 for Phase II of the Cowiche Creek Confluence Project to complete the study and design on additional floodplain restoration and salmon habitat projects along Cowiche Creek and at the confluence of Cowiche Creek and Naches River.
The Chelan County Natural Resource Department will also receive $806,511 to work with the Yakama Nation to complete designs of a floodplain restoration project at the lower Chiwawa River in the Wenatchee Basin. The grants were awarded from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program.
“Restored floodplains can provide rich fish habitat and protect homes, community infrastructure, and farms from flooding,” said Sen. Cantwell. “These federal funds will enable Yakima County to restore the Cowiche Creek floodplains, helping to reduce flooding, clearing the way for salmon to pass, and improving water delivery to Yakima residents. This funding will also help Chelan County restore a floodplain in the lower Chiwawa River that will revive once-thriving salmon habitat in the Wenatchee Basin.”
Cowiche Creek overflowed into Yakima in 2016 and 2017, and the once-productive floodplain no longer provides optimal spawning habitat for native populations of Steelhead trout and Coho salmon.
With this funding, Yakima County will make progress on two critical projects:
Cowiche Creek Confluence Project Phase I
Construct a new irrigation delivery pipeline to connect to existing surface water irrigation delivery systems on the Naches River to the City of Yakima;
Remove surface irrigation diversion facilities including a dam, fish screen, and bypass facilities to allow restoration of the lower Cowiche Creek to a more natural alignment;
Restore adjacent floodplains and riparian zones on property owned by the Flood Control Zone;
Construct approximately 800 feet of side channel habitat fed by existing cold-water springs in the project area;
Convert approximately 67 acres of current and former orchard into native floodplain vegetation;
Reconfigure existing flood control levees; and
Design a wider Powerhouse Road bridge over Cowiche Creek to further expand the floodplain of Cowiche Creek.
Cowiche Creek Confluence Project Phase II
Complete the 60% design to replace an undersized bridge, remove obsolete irrigation infrastructure, regrade disturbed areas to mimic natural floodplain topography, and replant with native riparian vegetation;
Reorganize lands, easements, and covenants held by the County to facilitate development of a future park; and
Reduce flood potential across 136-acres of floodplain, improve fish passage and riparian habitat in over two river miles of the confluence area, and create a park that will provide recreation opportunities.
With its funding, Chelan County, in partnership with the Yakama Nation, will complete designs for a floodplain restoration project on the lower 13 miles of the Chiwawa River and the lower 0.2 miles of Big Meadow Creek. The project area is afflicted by low baseflows, homogeneous, plane-bed habitat with limited large wood, and high stream temperatures — all of which limits its utility as habitat for endangered salmon.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Sen. Cantwell has been a staunch advocate for protecting and strengthening critical salmon populations. Sen. Cantwell secured a historic $2.85 billion investment in salmon and ecosystem restoration programs in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $400 million for a new community-based restoration program focused on removing fish passage barriers.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) pushed the chamber to pass the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act.
The bill would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities.
The legislation was blocked by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).
Senator Budd said in his speech:
“I do not believe that the federal government should be using official taxpayer resources to advance partisan politics.”
“Congress has attempted to conduct oversight on this order. And citizens have filed Freedom of Information Act lawsuits. The Biden-Harris administration has released only a tiny fraction of these agency plans. In at least one instance, the administration redacted every single paragraph of an agency plan leaving only vague headers. So that begs the question… What does the Biden-Harris administration have to hide?”
WATCH VIDEO OF THE EXCHANGE
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today released a statement following his vote against the Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government for the next three months.
“For the past four years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have treated the American taxpayers like their own personal ATM,” said Senator Tuberville. “We are $35 trillion in debt and have very little to show for it. Rather than going through the appropriations process, Democrats are trying to ram another CR down our throats—setting us up for a massive omnibus at the end of the year. This is completely irresponsible and no way to govern, which is why I voted no. To save this country, we have to turn off the spending faucet in Washington and start putting American taxpayers first.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeff Bleich, Professorial fellow, Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies, Flinders University
In countries with compulsory voting, such as Australia and many in Latin America, the system usually ensures an overwhelming majority of voters cast their ballots election after election.
In the United States, it’s a very different story. Two-thirds of eligible voters turned out to vote in the 2020 presidential election – the highest rate since 1900. Turnout in presidential elections before 2020 tended to hover between 50% and 65%.
Often, it’s the voters choosing to stay home on the couch who effectively decide an election’s outcome.
Under the United States’ unusual Electoral College presidential voting system, the candidate who wins the most votes nationally does not necessarily win the election. Twice in the past 25 years, Democrats have won the popular vote in the presidential race and still lost the election. That includes Donald Trump’s win over Hillary Clinton in 2016.
As such, victory depends on getting more voters “off the couch” in key battleground states where the decisive Electoral College votes are up for grabs. In those states, it doesn’t matter what percentage of people show up to vote, or how much a candidate wins by, it is winner take all.
A voter who doesn’t vote, therefore, actually makes an active choice — they remove a vote from the candidate they would have likely chosen, and so give an important advantage to the person they would not have voted for.
The “couch” is effectively where Americans go to vote against their self-interest.
As this year’s presidential election between Trump and Kamala Harris approaches, we ask a simple question: whose “couch” will decide one of the most consequential elections in living memory?
Recent research demonstrates that partisanship is an important driver of voter choice in presidential elections.
The fact that the US is deeply divided is not news to most, but current survey data show how evenly split along partisan lines it actually is. With about 30% of Americans identifying as a Republican and 30% identifying as a Democrat, there is virtually no difference in the total number of voters who support each major party.
The remaining 40% of Americans identify as “independent” – that is, not loyal to either major political party. Almost seven decades of research on the American voter shows, however, that independents heavily “lean” towards one party or the other, with about half leaning Republican and the other half leaning Democrat.
One possible insight into which group has greater incentive to vote is polling on people’s dissatisfaction with their party’s candidate.
According to the most recent Gallup Poll data, 9% of Republicans currently have an unfavourable opinion of Trump. In contrast, only 5% of Democrats have an unfavourable opinion of Harris.
Partisan voters who are dissatisfied with their party candidate have a massive incentive to “stay on the couch” and refrain from voting. They don’t really want to vote for “the other team”, but they can’t stand their own team anymore either.
For example, Republican women in the suburbs, veterans and traditional Republicans have started to abandon Trump over his stances on reproductive rights and national security, and his temperament. The Trump campaign clearly knows this. At a rally in New York a few days ago, he told attendees to “get your fat ass out of the couch” to go vote for him.
Should these disaffected Republican and Republican-leaning voters stay home on November 5, Harris may well have a decisive edge over Trump.
In 2016, Trump defied the polls and traditional voter turn-out trends by convincing some disaffected, working-class Democrats to stay on the couch, vote for an unelectable third party candidate or, in some cases, vote for him.
Could this happen again? Or will Democrats be able to reverse this phenomenon by getting exhausted Republicans suffering Trump fatigue to stay home, while motivating everyone from Taylor Swift fans to “never Trumpers” to veterans of foreign wars to get out to vote.
Recent trends suggest overall turnout will be comparatively high, in line with the past three federal US elections.
Democrats have traditionally benefited from higher voter turn-out, but it is not as clear this is still the case in 2024. Recent research shows higher turnout rates seem to have favoured the Republican Party since 2016.
Yet both parties still have significant numbers of people who don’t vote. According to the Pew Research Center, 46% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents didn’t vote in the past three elections (2018, 2020 and 2022), compared to the 41% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents.
So again, who sits on the couch matters. Inevitably, many of those who stay home will get precisely what they don’t want. When the couch wins, America loses.
Jeff Bleich is a former US ambassador to Australia and a member of the National Security Leaders for America, a group of 700 former generals, admirals, service secretaries, ambassadors, and other national security professionals, that has endorsed Kamala Harris in the presidential election. He was also special counsel to President Barack Obama and served as chair of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board under President Donald Trump and as a member of President Joe Biden’s (non-partisan) National Security Education Board.
Rodrigo Praino receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Government Department of Defence, and SmartSat CRC.
– ref. In a US presidential election with razor-thin margins, will ‘couch-sitters’ decide who wins? – https://theconversation.com/in-a-us-presidential-election-with-razor-thin-margins-will-couch-sitters-decide-who-wins-239394
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in a resolution to designate November 17, 2024, as National Warrior Call Day. This resolution passed the Senate unanimously yesterday. This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the need for all Americans to reach out and build meaningful relationships with both those currently serving our country and our veterans who have served. These meaningful relationships can help fight mental illness and combat the epidemic of suicide among the military and veteran communities.
“As the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the challenges that many of those who serve can face,” said Senator Tuberville. “I am determined to make sure that both those who are currently serving and those who have served our country have the resources and support they need to live long, healthy, meaningful lives. I was proud to see it unanimously pass the Senate last night.”
U.S. Senators Tuberville, Cotton, and Shaheen were joined by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-NC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in co-sponsoring this resolution.
Read full text of the resolution here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Drug Caucus Co-Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and caucus member Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are seeking to extend through December 31, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s temporary order classifying fentanyl-related drugs as Schedule I. Congress has passed this extension multiple times since 2018; the current order is set to expire on December 31 of this year.
“Prior to 2018, it was near impossible to combat fentanyl look-a-likes. The DEA’s emergency restrictions have helped law enforcement identify these deadly drugs and prevent them from reaching our communities. We can’t afford to let our guard down by allowing these critical restrictions to sunset. Meanwhile, lawmakers, researchers and others will keep working towards permanent solutions,” Grassley said.
“New Hampshire knows all too well the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis on our communities,” Hassan said. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will extend prohibitions against fentanyl-related substances so that law enforcement can continue to investigate and interdict these harmful substances as we continue to combat the fentanyl epidemic on all fronts.”
Grassley and Hassan are joined by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Background:
Fentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning U.S. statute prohibits its use. However, illicit drug manufacturers and traffickers, often in China and Mexico, are sidestepping the law by producing fentanyl analogues – drugs that are substantially similar to fentanyl, but tweaked ever so slightly – to push potent substances that can slip into the U.S. on a technicality.
To keep pace with rapidly evolving drugs and combat opioid-related deaths, DEA in 2018 temporarily restricted all fentanyl analogues. This legislation would extend that 2018 restriction. Grassley and Hassan also teamed up on the SIMSA Act, a long-term solution that would stiffen criminal penalties against those who manufacture, export and import fentanyl analogues and equip law enforcement with effective tools to crack down on cartels and other drug threats.
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Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced a new Samsung Health Software Development Kit (SDK) Suite. Designed to better support developers and researchers in creating innovative healthcare solutions, the SDK Suite leverages Samsung’s advanced sensor technology and comprehensive Samsung Health platform.1 The new complete package of sensor, data, accessory and research stack components is now readily accessible to an expanded range of partners, developers and researchers.
Sensor SDK: Fueling Health Services Development through Advanced Sensor Technology
The Sensor SDK provides developers with Samsung’s powerful BioActive Sensor algorithm on the Galaxy Watch2, empowering them to explore new sectors of health services and create advanced new solutions. The BioActive Sensor measures a diverse range of health metrics including heart rate3, skin temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG)4 and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). A notable update features continuous access to Photoplethysmogram (PPG) Infrared (IR) and Red LED sensor data for the first time. This advancement will help enhance health services related to blood oxygen level (SpO2)5 to improve sleep quality and beyond. The upgraded BIA now provides additional measurements—magnitude and degree—expanding on the existing eight indicators6, including skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass, to present more precise body composition7 analysis to offer deeper insights into overall physical health.
Data SDK: Comprehensive Health Insights Unlock New Value in Health Services
Starting from October, the newly added Data SDK enables developers to utilize integrated health data gathered from diverse devices such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring, smartphones or even third-party devices to create innovative digital health solutions. Data SDK provides access to health metrics on the Samsung Health app—including sleep8, exercise, food intake, and blood glucose levels—analyzed by its advanced algorithm. These streamlined insights generated by Samsung Health enable developers to enhance their productivity when developing the healthcare services.
Accessory SDK: Holistic Health Insights from Various Health Devices in One Place
With Accessory SDK, developers can integrate compatible third-party heath devices—such as fitness devices like bike sensors, heart rate monitors and even glucose monitors—through the Samsung Health app. This makes it easy to view health status information in one place without activating separate third-party apps, promoting a seamless and simplified experience and expanding the ecosystem for end-to-end health management.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced legislation to detect and halt counterfeit imports. Specifically, the bipartisan bill authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to share suspected counterfeits’ packaging and shipping information with intellectual property rights holders, e-commerce platforms and transportation carriers. The text of their legislation has been included as an amendment in the “manager’s package” of the committee-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
“Counterfeits are an affront to consumers’ well-being, economic vitality and common decency,” Grassley said. “Our bipartisan bill establishes a straightforward approach to cut back on counterfeits by boosting information sharing between CBP, rights holders and commerce professionals.”
“This bipartisan bill gives Customs and Border Protection the tools that they need to more effectively stop counterfeit goods from crossing our borders,” Hassan said. “By strengthening law enforcement efforts to identify and interdict counterfeit imports, we can better protect American businesses and create jobs.”
Background
Grassley is the co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Grassley’s 2019 “Fight Against Fakes” report, released during his time as Finance Chairman, detailed bad actors’ efforts to exploit the marketplace at the expense of consumers’ pocketbooks and personal safety. Building on the report, Grassley first introduced legislation in 2021 to enhance information sharing between CBP and private sector partners.
The Grassley-Hassan bill (S.5160) is supported by the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2), International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM), The Toy Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Download bill text HERE.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is accepting applications from Iowa high school students who wish to be considered for appointments to U.S. service academies. Students must submit their applications to Grassley’s office by Friday, October 25. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Nominations will be finalized by December 31, 2024.
“U.S. service academies offer students the opportunity to receive a world-class education while serving our great nation,” Grassley said. “It’s a privilege to nominate Iowa’s best and brightest to these prestigious academies. I encourage any interested student to apply.”
Grassley’s academy nomination application can be found HERE. Students may hand-deliver their applications to any of Grassley’s Iowa offices, or mail them to the following address:
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Attn: Nominations Coordinator
721 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
NOTE: Applicants must also submit preliminary applications to the academies of their choice and ask that a pre-candidate file be opened on their behalf.
Additional Information:
The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy each select at least one student from Grassley’s nominations every year. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states’ representation in Congress. Students are encouraged to apply to more than one service academy and seek additional recommendations from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and their federal representative in the House of Representatives.
For more information, please contact Grassley’s Des Moines office at (515) 288-1145 or academy_nominations@grassley.senate.gov.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are introducing the Health Care Affordability Act—legislation making permanent the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage as extended through the Inflation Reduction Act. The enhanced PTCs, which have made health care more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans, are currently set to expire at the end of 2025. If these credits expire, over 20 million Americans will see a sudden increase in their health insurance costs, an estimated three million Americans could lose their health insurance entirely and nearly nine million people will pay more—roughly $406 per person—for coverage. U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) is introducing identical legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senator spoke in support of her bill during a press conference in the Capitol today.
“For years, the ACA enhanced premium tax credits have significantly lowered costs and increased access to health insurance for families in New Hampshire and across the country. But let’s be very clear: if Congress fails to act before these tax credits expire, tens of millions of Americans will suffer a substantial increase in health care costs and millions of individuals could lose their health insurance entirely,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s time to extend these highly effective tax credits to keep costs from skyrocketing and ensure health care is within reach for every American, and I’m proud that our Health Care Affordability Act does just that.”
“I’m focused on the kitchen table issues that keep families up at night and the skyrocketing cost of health care and prescription drugs is high on that list. I fought hard to cut health care costs for Wisconsinites – saving thousands of families hundreds of dollars each year – and I refuse to let us go backward,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our legislation will stop millions of hard-working Americans from having their healthcare costs jacked up, giving families peace of mind that they can get the quality health care they need at a price they can afford.”
The?Health Care Affordability Act?would make permanent the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) enhanced premium tax credits for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage as extended through the Inflation Reduction Act. Those enhanced tax credits increased the value of the tax credits available to people with income between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) while expanding eligibility for premium tax credits to include individuals with income above 400 percent of FPL.
Cosponsors of Shaheen and Baldwin’s bill include U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), John Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), George Helmy (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
The bill has been endorsed by: Keep Americans Covered, Protect Our Care, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Center for American Progress, UnidosUS, United States of Care, National Partnership for Women and Families, Young Invincibles, Families USA, American Heart Association, National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, National Health Council, Epilepsy Foundation, Hemophilia Federation of America, American Kidney Fund, The AIDS Institute, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Susan G. Komen, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Third Way, Community Catalyst, Alliance of Community Health Plans, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, WomenHeart, CancerCare, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Federation of American Hospitals, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Last week, Shaheen and Underwood penned letters to Congressional leaders and called on them to act before the enhanced PTCs expire at the end of 2025 to protect the millions of Americans who rely on these tax credits for affordable health care.
Shaheen has spearheaded efforts to lower premiums to make health insurance more affordable for patients through her signature legislation, the Improving Health Insurance Affordability Act. Shaheen successfully secured premium tax credit enhancement provisions in the American Rescue Plan. This expansion of premium tax credits marked the biggest improvement to the ACA since it became law over a decade ago. When the tax credits were set to expire at the end of last year, Shaheen successfully extended their authorization through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Source: Gartner – IT Research
Headline: Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2024 London: Day 3 Highlights
We are bringing you news and highlights from the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2024, taking place this week in London, U.K. Below is a collection of the key announcements and insights coming out of Day 3 of the conference.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
09.25.24
Yakima Projects to Reduce Flooding & Recover Salmon Get Federal Investment
Yakima County, in collaboration with the City of Yakima, gets $10.9M federal grants for Cowiche Creek Confluence Projects to restore floodplains and protect the City of Yakima from flooding; Chelan County also receives grant for floodplain restoration on lower Chiwawa River
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Yakima County will receive $9,976,792 to implement Phase I of the Cowiche Creek Confluence Project, which will address recurring flooding of Cowiche Creek, improve fish passage and habitat, and maintain water delivery by constructing a new irrigation delivery pipeline, removing obsolete irrigation structures, and restoring adjacent floodplains and riparian areas along Cowiche Creek. Yakima County will also receive $1,002,149 for Phase II of the Cowiche Creek Confluence Project to complete the study and design on additional floodplain restoration and salmon habitat projects along Cowiche Creek and at the confluence of Cowiche Creek and Naches River.
The Chelan County Natural Resource Department will also receive $806,511 to work with the Yakama Nation to complete designs of a floodplain restoration project at the lower Chiwawa River in the Wenatchee Basin. The grants were awarded from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program.
“Restored floodplains can provide rich fish habitat and protect homes, community infrastructure, and farms from flooding,” said Sen. Cantwell. “These federal funds will enable Yakima County to restore the Cowiche Creek floodplains, helping to reduce flooding, clearing the way for salmon to pass, and improving water delivery to Yakima residents. This funding will also help Chelan County restore a floodplain in the lower Chiwawa River that will revive once-thriving salmon habitat in the Wenatchee Basin.”
Cowiche Creek overflowed into Yakima in 2016 and 2017, and the once-productive floodplain no longer provides optimal spawning habitat for native populations of Steelhead trout and Coho salmon.
With this funding, Yakima County will make progress on two critical projects:
Cowiche Creek Confluence Project Phase I
Construct a new irrigation delivery pipeline to connect to existing surface water irrigation delivery systems on the Naches River to the City of Yakima;
Remove surface irrigation diversion facilities including a dam, fish screen, and bypass facilities to allow restoration of the lower Cowiche Creek to a more natural alignment;
Restore adjacent floodplains and riparian zones on property owned by the Flood Control Zone;
Construct approximately 800 feet of side channel habitat fed by existing cold-water springs in the project area;
Convert approximately 67 acres of current and former orchard into native floodplain vegetation;
Reconfigure existing flood control levees; and
Design a wider Powerhouse Road bridge over Cowiche Creek to further expand the floodplain of Cowiche Creek.
Cowiche Creek Confluence Project Phase II
Complete the 60% design to replace an undersized bridge, remove obsolete irrigation infrastructure, regrade disturbed areas to mimic natural floodplain topography, and replant with native riparian vegetation;
Reorganize lands, easements, and covenants held by the County to facilitate development of a future park; and
Reduce flood potential across 136-acres of floodplain, improve fish passage and riparian habitat in over two river miles of the confluence area, and create a park that will provide recreation opportunities.
With its funding, Chelan County, in partnership with the Yakama Nation, will complete designs for a floodplain restoration project on the lower 13 miles of the Chiwawa River and the lower 0.2 miles of Big Meadow Creek. The project area is afflicted by low baseflows, homogeneous, plane-bed habitat with limited large wood, and high stream temperatures — all of which limits its utility as habitat for endangered salmon.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Sen. Cantwell has been a staunch advocate for protecting and strengthening critical salmon populations. Sen. Cantwell secured a historic $2.85 billion investment in salmon and ecosystem restoration programs in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $400 million for a new community-based restoration program focused on removing fish passage barriers.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
FTP for TV stations of her remarks is available here.
Cortez Masto highlighted the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s Resiliency and Justice Center that has helped survivors and their families access the resources they need
Washington, D.C. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) spoke on the Senate floor today ahead of the 7th anniversary of the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017, the deadliest in modern American history.
Cortez Masto honored the victims and their families, and she highlighted the work being done at the Resiliency and Justice Center in Las Vegas to connect survivors of violent crime with resources to help them heal.
Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
M. President, I rise today along with my colleague from Nevada, Senator Jacky Rosen, to commemorate seven years since the deadliest mass shooting in America’s recent memory.
Seven years ago, people from across the country gathered in Las Vegas for the Route 91 Harvest music festival – three days of live performances, dancing, and fun.
On October 1st, what was supposed to be a joyous conclusion to the festival turned into a nightmare.
In just 10 minutes, from the window of a nearby hotel, a gunman fired more than 1,000 shots into the festival crowd.
58 people were killed, and two more died later from their injuries. More than 800 were wounded. Thousands of families were forever changed.
I remember sitting with some of them at the Reunification Center, hoping and praying that their loved ones would return to them. Some prayers were never answered.
But as the city of Las Vegas mourned, we also came together. Neighbors reached out to one another and helped each other heal. Programs were created to help our city cope and move forward. We were resilient. We are Vegas Strong.
Out of tragedy and suffering, there was hope.
Let me tell you about something that gives me hope.
Three weeks after the events of 1 October, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and Clark County set up the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center as a resource for survivors of the Route 91 Harvest Festival and their families.
After a tragedy like a mass shooting, the families of victims and survivors alike have to adjust to a new normal. Imagine living through the horrors of that October night, healing from injuries, or grieving the loss of a loved one whose life was taken so suddenly by a senseless act of violence.
And then imagine, after you’ve been left with all that trauma, that you’re now faced with the complexities of paying medical bills, or dealing with insurance companies. It’s overwhelming. Where do you even begin? How are you going to navigate it all?
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center was designed to ensure families didn’t have to go through this process alone.
The Center brought community partners with different resources to the table to deliver anything survivors might need – from support groups to mental health services to financial advice.
I’ve seen some of their great work myself.
Their incredible Executive Director, Tennille [ten-KNEEL] Pereira [puh-RARE-uh], shared the story of a survivor of 1 October who, after recovering from being shot that night, could no longer make her way up the stairs to reach her apartment. In response, her landlord threatened to evict her!
So, she got in touch with the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center. The Center contacted her landlord, got them to back down, and then helped their client move to another apartment that was accessible to her.
This is what happens when the community comes together to help each other. The Resiliency Center connected survivors with the resources they needed – right when they needed them. It gave survivors hope, and it helped them find light in the darkness.
In the seven years since its establishment, the Center not only helped survivors of the Route 91 Harvest Festival, but through the lessons learned from that crisis, it actually improved services for victims of violent crime throughout Southern Nevada.
That includes human trafficking survivors, domestic abuse survivors, and even first responders who have post-traumatic stress.
And when Las Vegas was struck by another tragedy last year, after a gunman killed three people at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the staff at the Resiliency Center were able to immediately respond, providing resources and programs for students, families, faculty, and staff.
In January of this year, the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center was renamed the Resiliency and Justice Center, and its mission expanded to serve all survivors of violent crime in Southern Nevada. They are continuing to grow their staff and their resources, and they’re even getting ready to expand their offices.
I’m proud to support the work of the Resiliency and Justice Center. At a time when our city was shaken to its core, they were there to help us get back on our feet. To help us remember that life goes on after loss. To help us find the strength to rebuild as a community.
And now, as we mark seven years since that terrible evening at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, we also mark seven years of hope and resilience in the city of Las Vegas. We hold the victims and their families in our hearts forever, and we remain Vegas Strong.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) pushed the chamber to pass the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act.
The bill would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities.
The legislation was blocked by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).
Senator Budd said in his speech:
“I do not believe that the federal government should be using official taxpayer resources to advance partisan politics.”
“Congress has attempted to conduct oversight on this order. And citizens have filed Freedom of Information Act lawsuits. The Biden-Harris administration has released only a tiny fraction of these agency plans. In at least one instance, the administration redacted every single paragraph of an agency plan leaving only vague headers. So that begs the question… What does the Biden-Harris administration have to hide?”
WATCH VIDEO OF THE EXCHANGE
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) released the following statements after the Senate Indian Affairs Committee voted to pass their bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act. Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.
“I hear it often from Tribes in Nevada—law enforcement officers are stretched thin in their communities and it’s having an impact on everyone, especially when it comes to combating the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud of our bipartisan work to pass the BADGES for Native Communities Act through committee today. This bill to give Tribal police the resources and tools they need to fight crime and keep their communities safe is one step closer to becoming law.”
“Securing committee approval of our legislation is an important step toward strengthening the resources available to Tribal law enforcement,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our bill authorizes the BIA to conduct its own background check of law enforcement applicants, which empowers Tribes to meet their law enforcement staffing and infrastructure needs, enhances public safety and helps bring offenders to justice.”
Senator Cortez Masto is a strong supporter of Tribal communities and has passed two bipartisan bills, the Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act, to combat the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. The commission created by the Not Invisible Act specifically called for passage of Cortez Masto’s BADGES for Native Communities Act to help law enforcement better serve Native communities. The BADGES for Native Communities Act would:
Increase Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.
Require a comprehensive report on Tribal law enforcement needs.
Allow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants in order to speed up and improve officer recruitment.
Establish a grant program to help states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations coordinate efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.
Ensure BIA officers and Tribal police have access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs.
Senator Cortez Masto has repeatedly called on the administration to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, including securing federal funding to protect Native communities, urging the administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis. She’s also fought to ensure that law enforcement officers across the country have the support they need. She secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program in the FY2022 omnibus. The program is the leading source of criminal justice funding for state, local, and Tribal governments and provides support for programs related to crime prevention, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and mental and behavioral health.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)
Washington, DC — Today, Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica Wilson, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Larsen, President of Brightline Mike Reininger, and the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose remain committed to promoting rail safety. For that reason, Ranking Member Wilson introduced a Resolution to name the week of September 23rd through September 29th, “See Tracks? Think Train! Week” to reduce highway-rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.
“Every week, we see new headlines of folks getting hurt in grade crossing accidents across my community and the nation. These deaths are preventable, and we must do more to help prevent these accidents and raise awareness for grade crossing incidents,” Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson said. “That is why I am making this week “See Tracks? Think Train! Week”. Everyone across the private and public sectors doesn’t want these deaths to happen. That is why we are all united to raise awareness for grade crossings, and I, along with Transportation Democrats, are united to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce grade crossings.”
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, highway-rail grade crossings lead to more than 2,000 incidents and 200 fatalities each year. Highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents constituted approximately 96 percent of all rail-related fatalities in 2023.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities like Blaine and Burlington in Northwest Washington have the funding they need to improve safety at grade crossings,” Ranking Member Rick Larsen said. “That said, Congress must do more to prevent the nearly 2,200 grade crossing accidents that happen across the country each year. During “See Track, Think Train!” grade crossing safety awareness week, T&I Democrats reaffirm our commitment to passing bipartisan legislation to help prevent accidents at rail grade crossings in communities in Washington state and across the country.”
“Rail safety requires many voices to amplify the message, and we appreciate Rep. Frederica Wilson and Rep. Rick Larsen taking leading roles in raising awareness for See Tracks? Think Train! Week and Operation Lifesaver,” said Patrick Goddard, President for Brightline Florida. “Incidents around grade crossings and tracks can be avoided if we all recognize that a few extra seconds isn’t worth your life.”
“The Federal Railroad Administrator’s top priority is safety. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, FRA has issued new rules, drawn attention to safety concerns, conducted safety audits, invested in rail safety upgrades, and undertaken new, focused efforts to keep people working on, living near, and traveling along railroads safe,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “We cannot accept business as usual when it comes to rail safety, and we invite others to join us to build on actions already taken and push to do even more to make rail safer.”
“We know all too well that highway-rail grade crossing-related injuries are far too frequent and preventable,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Rail Subcommittee, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation led by Ranking Members Wilson and Larsen to educate our constituents about rail safety to prevent these injuries and deaths from taking place on grade crossings.”
“Rail safety is a critical issue for so many communities, including my own in Western Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Ninety-five percent of my constituents live within five miles of the tracks, and raising awareness about safety near grade crossings can help save lives in my district and across the country. Thank you to Ranking Members Wilson and Larsen for leading this effort. I look forward to keeping up the push in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make freight rail safer for all of us.”
“Since the tragic train derailment in East Palestine last year happened just miles from my district, rail safety has been top of mind for people in our communities. No one wants to see train accidents or derailments in their own backyards. I’m glad to partner with Rep. Wilson to introduce this resolution to increase awareness about the importance of rail safety and emphasize why Congress must immediately pass rail safety legislation like my bipartisan RAIL Act,” said Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, supported the passage of a short-term funding bill to keep the federal government open and serving the American people. The bill was adopted by a bipartisan vote of 341-82 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for approval.
Current federal funding expires at the end of this month. This bill would extend funding through mid-December. The measure was necessary as Congressional Democrats continue to work towards a final, full-year funding bill with their Republican colleagues.
“As Members of Congress, it is our key Constitutional duty to ensure that the government is funded and serving the people. I am glad that we were able to come to a bipartisan compromise – a short-term funding bill that gets us through to mid-December and avoids immediate catastrophe,” said Congressman Bishop. “However, I hope the House majority has learned after several months of failed attempts to pass partisan appropriations bills that we must put poison pill amendments and culture war politics aside. We must pass a bipartisan, full-year funding bill so that our federal and local governments can provide uninterrupted services to our citizens as well as plan their budgets for the year ahead.”
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Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Australia will join Germany, Canada and the Netherlands to take unprecedented action to hold Afghanistan to account under international law for the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.
This action is being brought against Afghanistan for violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to which Afghanistan is a party.
We urge Afghanistan to participate in negotiations, as provided for under the Convention.
Australia is strongly committed to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls at home and around the world.
Today we were united with partners from all regions of the world on the importance of strong international action in response to the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.
The Taliban has demonstrated contempt for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan, through a campaign of sustained and systematic oppression.
This includes denying girls their right to education and attempting to erase women from public life.
We will not stand by and allow the situation in Afghanistan to become a ‘new normal’.
We have heard the calls of Afghan women and we are committed to defending their human rights and amplifying their voices.
The participation of women and girls in society is essential to achieving peaceful societies and sustainable development.
Source: Ministers for Social Services
The Australian Government is working closely with the South Australian Government to support tomato industry workers stood down due to the impacts of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and ensuring their financial wellbeing is a priority in what is a difficult time for them and their families.
Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said workers who have been stood down as a result of quarantine measures, would have access to personalised information about the government payments and services available for their circumstances.
“Services Australia has stepped in quickly to provide priority access to its specialist Financial Information Services (FIS) Officers, who can provide comprehensive information on termination payments, superannuation and Centrelink payments,” Minister Shorten said.
“They’ll be working hand-in-hand with the South Australian state government’s taskforce to help these workers through their next steps.
“While this is an evolving situation, the bottom line is that workers impacted should take advantage of the support available through Services Australia, as it’s really important they understand their options.
“Of course income support payments such as Job Seeker may be available, but individual circumstances can impact on eligibility, which is why tailored assistance can be so valuable.
“The FIS staff are highly knowledgeable and can help those facing uncertainty make the right decisions for their personal situation, for the short and longer term.”
For information on how best to manage your financial situation, call our free Financial Information Service on 132 300.
Services Australia also provides comprehensive services for those that do not speak English as a first language, including free interpreting and translation services in over 200 languages. Customers can call the Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 or visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/yourlanguage
Additionally, the Government is also aware that Pacific and Timor-Leste workers engaged under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are affected by the stand down. Services Australia will provide social workers to connect those affected with further supports.
The PALM scheme settings require approved employers to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is working closely with the approved employer to initiate contingency arrangements including redeployment of impacted PALM workers to ensure that they continue to achieve the benefits of participating in the PALM scheme.
PALM workers who have concerns or questions should contact DEWR on 1800 51 51 31.
South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions is responsible for leading the biosecurity response to the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.
The Australian Government continues to provide support to state and territory governments and domestic industries, and to engage with our trading partners to minimise its impact.
Australia’s biosecurity system is one to be envied, with its strength coming from us all working together and playing our role in protecting Australia from exotic pests, diseases and weeds.
Australia has strong food safety standards and there is no concern for the quality or safety for the purchase of tomatoes. There is no immediate risk to supply chain disruption from the current outbreak in South Australia.
Source: United Nations secretary general
Madam President, Excellencies,
Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.
As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation.
Lebanon is at the brink.
Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years.
But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.
Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.
The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701.
The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.
Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory. We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Madam President,
Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.
Many lives have been lost.
All this must stop.
The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.
Madam President,
Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.
The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.
Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation.
The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.
Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.
Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women. Over 1,800 people were injured.
Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October.
Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.
Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.
Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.
Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.
The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.
At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.
Madam President,
The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.
According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured.
Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.
Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.
The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.
Monsieur le Président,
Les efforts diplomatiques se sont intensifiés afin de parvenir à un cessez-le-feu temporaire – permettant l’acheminement de l’aide humanitaire et ouvrant la voie au rétablissement d’une paix plus durable.
Nous soutenons pleinement ces efforts.
En début de semaine, la coordinatrice spéciale de l’ONU pour le Liban, Mme Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, s’est rendue en Israël pour des consultations, insistant sur le fait qu’une escalade militaire n’était pas dans l’intérêt de personne.
Le Chef de mission et Commandant de la Force intérimaire des Nations unies au Liban – la FINUL – le Général Aroldo Lazaro, est resté en contact étroit avec les parties, soutenant l’accès humanitaire partout où cela est possible et continuant d’appeler à une désescalade immédiate.
Malgré les conditions dangereuses, nos soldats de la paix restent en poste.
Afin de réduire les risques pour le personnel de la mission, la plupart du personnel civil a été temporairement transféré au nord du fleuve Litani.
Quelques membres essentiels du personnel restent dans la zone d’opérations de la mission, en compagnie de nos Casques bleus.
Je tiens à réaffirmer notre profonde reconnaissance envers nos agents de la paix – civils et militaires – qui servent le long de la Ligne bleue, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble de tous les pays contributeurs de troupes.
Madam President,
I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire.
The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.
Civilians must be protected.
Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.
The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured.
International law must be respected.
To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:
Stop the killing and destruction.
Tone down the rhetoric and threats.
Step back from the brink.
An all-out war must be avoided at all costs. It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.
The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.
And I thank you.
***
[all-English]
Madam President, Excellencies,
Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.
As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation.
Lebanon is at the brink.
Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years.
But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.
Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.
The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701.
The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.
Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory. We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Madam President,
Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.
Many lives have been lost.
All this must stop.
The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.
Madam President,
Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.
The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.
Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation.
The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.
Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.
Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women. Over 1,800 people were injured.
Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October.
Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.
Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.
Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.
Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.
The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.
At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.
Madam President,
The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.
According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured.
Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.
Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.
The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.
Madam President,
Diplomatic efforts have intensified to achieve a temporary ceasefire – allowing for delivery of humanitarian relief and paving the way for the resumption of more durable peace.
We fully support these efforts.
Earlier this week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon –
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert – travelled to Israel for consultations, underscoring that military escalation is in no one’s interest.
The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL – General Aroldo Lazaro – has continued his close engagement with the parties, supporting humanitarian access wherever possible and continuing to urge immediate de-escalation.
Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position.
To mitigate the risk to mission personnel, most civilian personnel have temporarily relocated north of the Litani River.
A few critical staff members remain in the mission’s area of operations, together with the Blue Helmets.
I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to our peacekeepers – civilian and military – who serve along the Blue Line, as well as to all the troop-contributing-countries.
Madam President,
I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire.
The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.
Civilians must be protected.
Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.
The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured.
International law must be respected.
To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:
Stop the killing and destruction.
Tone down the rhetoric and threats.
Step back from the brink.
An all-out war must be avoided at all costs. It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.
The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.
And I thank you.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to keep the government funded and working for the American people:
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to pursuing common sense solutions on the issues affecting our nation and delivering tangible results for my district,” said Ciscomani. “A government shutdown is bad policy that hurts my constituents, disrupts the functioning of critical federal agencies, like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and would harm our federal employees, including members of the Armed Forces, CBP Agents, postal workers, air traffic control, and others who would be furloughed or have their pay delayed. The American people should not be made to suffer for Washington’s dysfunction. While this legislation isn’t perfect, it accomplishes the goal of keeping the government open and working. However, this is only a temporary solution and we still have major work to do on the budget before the end of the year.”
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and four other House Democrats to reintroduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act, two bills that address America’s child care crisis with robust investment in early learning facilities and educators. Alongside Congresswoman McClellan, these bills are also co-led by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).
“As one of the 6 percent of members of Congress who is a mother to young children, I know firsthand the challenges working families face when seeking quality, affordable child care,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “House Democrats are fighting every day to address the child care crisis and give hardworking American families some relief from exorbitant costs. I’m grateful for Democratic Whip Katherine Clark’s leadership on this pressing issue, as we introduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. These bills will bolster federal investment in our nation’s child care industry and incentivize care workers and early childhood educators to continue their invaluable work.”
“Democrats are focused on one of the most urgent challenges facing everyday families: the outrageous cost of child care,” said Whip Clark. “This pair of bills will build out child care facilities across the country while recruiting talented Americans to pursue careers in early education. This investment would mark a critical step forward in House Democrats’ fight to lower costs for parents, create opportunities for our children, and build an economy that works for working families. While Republicans ignore the child care crisis, we are ready with solutions.”
“Child care is infrastructure and an important investment for children, families, and the economy,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The ongoing hurdles child care providers and families face are limiting economic growth, threatening employers and small businesses, and holding back working families. I’m grateful to partner with Whip Clark to introduce legislation that will provide funding to improve and build facilities to help meet the demand for affordable, accessible child care.”
“As a father and the founder of the Dads Caucus, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find affordable child care, and I know that the working parents of this nation face the same concern. Many families today are living in child care deserts, where there aren’t enough quality, affordable daycares nearby—my colleagues and I are fighting to change that,” said Congressman Gomez. “I’m proud to join Whip Clark on these two bills that will make becoming an early childhood educator more attainable for students, expand our child care provider workforce and fund building new daycares as key infrastructure investments. Working families should rest assured that their children are being looked after in quality facilities with qualified educators who are supported.”
“As a working mom of a four-year-old son with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find affordable child care and the struggles families in my district are facing, especially in more rural communities,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “That’s why I’m proud to help reintroduce these two pieces of legislation to bolster our child care workforce, help lower costs for parents, and ensure every family can access the care they need for their children to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership of Whip Clark and my colleagues who joined today.”
“The rising cost of child care has made it difficult for millions of parents to balance earning a living with caring for their families. Nonetheless, my Republican colleagues refused to join us in supporting working parents and allowed vital federal child care stabilization funding to expire last year. Our working families deserve better. Without additional action by Congress, the unaffordability and unavailability of child care in the U.S. will only worsen,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “As a mother of two boys that has to make tough choices, I’m proud to join our Democratic Whip, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, in introducing the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. Together, these bills will provide for greater investment in the programs and the people we entrust to take care of our kids so they can continue serving children and families across the country.”
The Child Care Infrastructure Act would:
The Child Care Workforce Development Act would:
Congresswoman McClellan has championed child care during her time in Congress. Last year, McClellan and Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01)introduced H.R. 5581, the bipartisan Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act, to increase short-term child care access for mothers and their families during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. McClellan and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)convened a roundtable discussion with parents and child care providers to discuss the child care crisis in America following a tour of Kidz with Goals Unlimited, a child care and early education center in Hopewell. Earlier this year, McClellan and Whip Clark toured Sprout School at Second Presbyterian in Richmond and convened a roundtable discussion at YWCA Richmond with child care providers, advocates, and community leaders to discuss federal funding for child care resources. Congresswoman McClellan is a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Mamas Caucus, and the Bipartisan Congressional Pre-K and Child Care Caucus.
Photos of the press conference can be found HERE. The full press conference can be viewed HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in reintroducing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act.
The bill would protect warehouse workers by prohibiting dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries. The newly reintroduced legislation includes new enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as an exemption for small businesses.
“Corporations too often prioritize profit over their workers’ safety and well-being, treating them like cogs in a machine. It has to stop. This legislation combats the warehouse industry’s worst practices while ensuring corporations do right by their employees in treating them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley.
“The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is about protecting the health and dignity of workers from the scourge of corporate greed at Amazon and other large companies,” said Senator Markey. “This movement is strong and growing, and we will not rest until warehouse workers know when they clock in that they will return home unharmed.”
The Warehouse Worker Protection Act was also sponsored by Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa). With Senator Hawley’s support, the legislation now has bipartisan momentum.
Senator Hawley has consistently advocated for American workers, including standing with and voting to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, fighting to keep jobs here in the U.S., and protecting United States Postal Service workers. More information about his past work in support of the American worker can be found on his website.
A copy of the reintroduced legislation can be found here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast. One in three older Americans dies with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And Congress needs to wisely prioritize research dollars to effectively combat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The fight to find a cure and new treatments for Alzheimer’s got a significant boost this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a pair of bipartisan bills backed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that previously cleared the U.S. Senate.
Now that they have cleared both chambers, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA), are headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
The NAPA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes NAPA through 2035 as a much needed roadmap for coordinated federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Since NAPA was first passed in 2011, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased seven-fold. Today, funding for research into Alzheimer’s and other dementias totals over $3.8 billion.
The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals. This will help ensure Congress can make a well-informed decision to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels.
“This is a positive step toward renewing the nation’s commitment to healthy aging, boosting funding for Alzheimer’s research, and improving dementia care in Rhode Island and nationwide,” said Senator Reed, a cosponsor of both bills. “Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that impacts millions of families. While real progress has been made over the last decade since we enacted NAPA, we’ve got to keep up the positive momentum. These bipartisan bills will help ensure federal research investments into Alzheimer’s and dementia are wisely allocated and can fund breakthroughs, a cure, and effective help for caregivers and families struggling with this disease.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million older Americans – including 22,000 Rhode Islanders — are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, a nationwide increase of about 200,000 cases over last year, and the population is projected to nearly double by 2060 to 14 million people.
Alzheimer’s costs the United States an astonishing $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, up $15 billion over the previous year
As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senator Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill. In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
In 2011, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (P.L. 111-375), which Senator Reed supported. NAPA convened a panel of experts, who created a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. The law was set to expire soon and needed to be reauthorized to ensure that research investments remain coordinated, and their impact is maximized.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statements following a phone call he had with Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe earlier today:
“I just had an extraordinary conversation with Director Rowe at the Secret Service, who called me personally to dispute a whistleblower allegation—but refuses to respond in writing. Just as he has declined to respond substantively to ANY of the whistleblowers’ allegations.
“Rowe complained about whistleblowers & complained about requests for information based on whistleblower reports. I informed him it is his JOB to provide the facts to the public & Congress. Stonewalling must stop. And I reminded him whistleblowers are *protected under federal law.*
“I emphasized to Rowe that it is indefensible that his agency has not cooperated fully with congressional investigators – to the point that today the Homeland Security Committee again adopted my legislation to COMPEL Secret Service & DHS to cooperate.
“The Interim Report today from the Homeland Security Committee details multiple leadership failures at USSS – including evidence that Rowe gave misleading testimony to Congress in July. There must be accountability.”
Today’s conversation with Acting Director Rowe comes after Senator Hawley revealed his latest whistleblower allegation just yesterday, detailing the Secret Service’s refusal to provide former President Donald Trump with the resources and manpower needed for a rally in Wisconsin—effectively forcing his campaign to cancel the event.
Today the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) also unanimously passed Senator Hawley’s legislation requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to HSGAC any and all information in the possession of DHS and the Secret Service pertaining to both the July 13 and September 15 assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump.
Source: US State of Colorado
LITTLETON – Today, Governor Polis helped kick off two new facilities that will support Colorado’s climate goals and protect the state for future generations. First, Governor Polis attended the grand opening of the new agrivoltaics Solar Farm at Denver Botanic Gardens’s Chatfield Farms. This solar farm, funded through Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency, will create clean energy to power the entire site while generating low-cost energy for 150 Denver Public School families. The Governor joined Denver Mayor Mike Johnston at the Chatfield ribbon cutting.
“Colorado is a national leader in clean energy and conservation solutions. Harnessing the power of agrivoltaics, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms will continue to provide a habitat for hundreds of plant species and butterflies, while creating clean, low-cost energy for hardworking families and businesses. The Botanic Gardens is an example of how innovative solutions are lowering costs, creating a more sustainable future, and enhancing our Colorado way of life,” said Governor Polis.
Earlier this month the Department of Agriculture announced $500,000 in new awards for agrivoltaics efforts around the state. Governor Polis then attended and provided remarks at the Auraria Sustainable Campus Compost Program Launch. This first-in-Colorado student-led composting effort will reduce campus waste to create compost for trees, plants, and grass across campus. This initiative received a $129,150 Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) Grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
“Thanks to these students and their passion for sustainability, Auraria Campus will reduce waste and ensure healthy green spaces for the community to enjoy. By utilizing a state grant this effort will boost sustainability on campus while helping the state identify how to reduce landfill waste,” said Governor Polis.
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Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from June 22 – July 8, 2024.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to the Tribal Nation on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by wildfires Yakama Nation.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Tonia Pence has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
amy.ashbridge
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-226-8467
Washington, D.C. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement after the House passed Rep. Lisa McClain’s (R-MI) H.R. 3334, the Sanction Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party (STOP CCP) Act of 2024, which sanctions top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials responsible for threatening Hong Kong and Taiwan, violating human rights in China, and infringing upon the sovereignty of Tibet.
“Weakness invites aggression. The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to confront the malign actions of the CCP has emboldened Chairman Xi and the perpetrators of territorial aggression across the Indo-Pacific to commit egregious human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet. Earlier this year, I met with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India and learned firsthand about the abuses the CCP has committed against the Tibetan people, as well as CCP efforts to undermine Tibetan culture, language, and religious beliefs. When the U.S. projects strength through action like this, the world listens.”
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Washington businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzmanannounced.
The declaration covers the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation as a result of wildfires that occurred June 22 – July 8.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Washington’s small businesses and residents impacted by wildfires,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.