Congressional News

Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 16, 2023
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Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) named Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) its November 2023 Porker of the Month for trying to take away everyone's credit card benefits.

Key Points: 
  • Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) named Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) its November 2023 Porker of the Month for trying to take away everyone's credit card benefits.
  • In 2010, Sen. Durbin led the effort to pass the Durbin Amendment, which set a limit on fees that banks charge retailers for debit card transactions.
  • Now, Sen. Durbin is at it again by proposing legislation that would expand the Durbin Amendment to credit cards.
  • For trying to take away credit card benefits and rewards, Sen. Durbin was an easy choice for this month’s Porker.”
    Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

Pacific Defense Showcases its SOSA/CMOSS Equipped Demonstration Vehicle ‘Ares’ at Bold Quest 2023, Camp Pendleton, CA

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Pacific Defense, an emerging defense contractor specializing in Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions, recently conducted a series of demonstrations at the Bold Quest 2023 field exercise at Camp Pendleton, CA, in support of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) ENDOR Future Naval Capability (FNC) initiative.

Key Points: 
  • Pacific Defense, an emerging defense contractor specializing in Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions, recently conducted a series of demonstrations at the Bold Quest 2023 field exercise at Camp Pendleton, CA, in support of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) ENDOR Future Naval Capability (FNC) initiative.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115820281/en/
    Pacific Defense Ares Vehicle (Photo: Business Wire)
    Bold Quest is a recurring US and coalition field exercise focused on interoperability across elements of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2).
  • Pacific Defense brought to Bold Quest 2023 its integrated system demonstration vehicle called Ares, equipped with Sensor Open System Architecture™ (SOSA) / C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) multi-function RF systems, antennas, and operator terminals.
  • “Our products are built on a fully Open Standards architecture that leverages best-in-breed hardware and software from industry leaders,” said Dr. Niraj Srivastava, VP of Integrated CMOSS Systems at Pacific Defense.

Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) Elects Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its New Chairman

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) announced it has elected Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its new chairman.

Key Points: 
  • The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) announced it has elected Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its new chairman.
  • Over 20 Republican attorneys general joined together to express unflinching resolve to stand with Israel.
  • Reyes is a past multiple term vice chairman for RAGA, the national organization currently representing 28 Republican attorneys general in America.
  • For more information about Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, visit www.seanreyes.com.

The FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order Will Harm Deployment

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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But with the adoption of the Digital Discrimination Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (GN Docket No.

Key Points: 
  • But with the adoption of the Digital Discrimination Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (GN Docket No.
  • 22-69) even if there is no evidence of intent to discriminate, which is the standard for such liability, fault can still be found.
  • As currently written, the Digital Discrimination Report and Order is problematic and will do more to harm consumers than help them, particularly for those still living on the wrong side of the digital divide.
  • Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

Milliman analysis: Public pension funded ratio drops to 71.4% in October, the same level as one year ago

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released the latest results of its Public Pension Funding Index (PPFI), which analyzes data from the nation’s 100 largest public defined benefit plans.

Key Points: 
  • Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released the latest results of its Public Pension Funding Index (PPFI), which analyzes data from the nation’s 100 largest public defined benefit plans.
  • During October, the Milliman 100 PPFI funded ratio slipped from 73.2% as of September 30 to 71.4% as of October 31.
  • “At the end of October, only 12 of the plans were more than 90% funded, while 26 were below the 60% funding mark.”
    For more information, and to view the full Milliman 100 Public Pension Funding Index, go to http://www.milliman.com/ppfi/ .
  • To receive regular updates of Milliman’s pension funding analysis, contact us at [email protected] .

MetLife and MetLife Foundation Make a $30 Million Multi-Year Commitment to Support Upstate New York

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) and MetLife Foundation today announced a $30 million multi-year commitment to support Upstate New York, which includes pledges of $5 million in funding and impact investments by the Foundation and $25 million in impact investments by MetLife.

Key Points: 
  • MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) and MetLife Foundation today announced a $30 million multi-year commitment to support Upstate New York, which includes pledges of $5 million in funding and impact investments by the Foundation and $25 million in impact investments by MetLife.
  • As part of this commitment, MetLife Foundation has made an impact investment of $1 million to Launch NY to promote entrepreneurship.
  • “I’m committed to lifting up every community in New York and helping people grow and thrive,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
  • With MetLife employees living and working in the Utica area, the commitment by MetLife and the Foundation will provide ongoing support to the community and residents.

Vizient Hosts Congressional Briefing on Mental and Behavioral Health

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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Yesterday on Capitol Hill, Vizient, Inc. held a policy briefing titled, “Communities in Crisis: How Hospitals are Addressing Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges in their Communities” at the Rayburn House Office Building.

Key Points: 
  • Yesterday on Capitol Hill, Vizient, Inc. held a policy briefing titled, “Communities in Crisis: How Hospitals are Addressing Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges in their Communities” at the Rayburn House Office Building.
  • The event focused on hospitals’ critical role in providing mental and behavioral health treatment and support, drawing attendance from more than 60 deeply engaged congressional staff and industry stakeholders.
  • Notably, the panelists highlighted various programs and partnerships that aim to increase access and enhance care quality, such as an innovative program focused on post-discharge care, a new behavioral health urgent care model, and collaborative efforts with schools and pediatricians to promote youth mental health.
  • Vizient looks forward to continuing to work closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers to promote policies and initiatives that increase access to high-quality mental and behavioral healthcare services.

D-Wave Supports New Congressional Legislation Designed to Expand U.S. Quantum Program

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023
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D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, today announced its support for legislation intended to expand the National Quantum Initiative (NQI).

Key Points: 
  • D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, today announced its support for legislation intended to expand the National Quantum Initiative (NQI).
  • The newly introduced language pushes for additional commercialization efforts, support for industry engagement within U.S. quantum programs, a dedicated near-term quantum application development program, and an overarching inclusion of all quantum computing systems and quantum-hybrid technologies.
  • This legislation will rebalance the U.S. quantum programs to include important application development that is occurring daily via annealing quantum computing systems and quantum-hybrid technologies.
  • “We commend the House Science Committee for introducing NQI legislation that is inclusive of all quantum technologies, including quantum annealing and quantum-hybrid technologies,” said D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz.

Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Issues Statement on Antisemitism

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 3, 2023
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As a firm, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has a long and proud history of standing behind the Jewish community and we believe that the time has come for law firms like ours to speak up publicly against such abhorrent behavior.

Key Points: 
  • As a firm, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has a long and proud history of standing behind the Jewish community and we believe that the time has come for law firms like ours to speak up publicly against such abhorrent behavior.
  • We were heartened to see the public letter that was issued by a number of prominent law firms to law school deans on Wednesday.
  • We echo those sentiments and state unequivocally that MSK condemns all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and bigotry.
  • All of us in this country and the international community must unite behind enforcing that line and protecting the targets of such hatred.

National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill 2024 Renter Preferences Survey Report Reveals Renters' Evolving Priorities

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023
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The report features input from 172,703 renters living in 4,220 communities nationwide, with data available in 77 markets.

Key Points: 
  • The report features input from 172,703 renters living in 4,220 communities nationwide, with data available in 77 markets.
  • The following are just a few examples:
    The Reality of Renter Satisfaction: The report finds that, by and large, renters enjoy living in their rental communities and feel valued by their housing providers.
  • Most respondents reported that they agree or strongly agree (85%) with this statement: I enjoy living in my community.
  • The 2024 version includes several new lines of questioning around property type, renters' financial health, connectivity and community values.