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U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon Introduces Cybersecurity Legislation for Small Businesses

U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon Introduces Cybersecurity Legislation for Small Businesses

U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon, a Democrat from California's 12th congressional district, has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at bolstering cybersecurity for small businesses. This legislation, known as the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act, was unanimously passed in the House. The act mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to compile a comprehensive report on federal cybersecurity resources available to small business owners. This report will cover the most common cybersecurity threats faced by small businesses, assess the awareness and integration of federal resources, and provide recommendations for improving these tools. The legislation is part of a broader bipartisan effort led by Senators Adam Schiff and Todd Young to enhance federal cybersecurity tools and resources for small businesses, which are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.

Senate Passes Murkowski-Coons ALS Legislation to Advance Treatment Access

Senate Passes Murkowski-Coons ALS Legislation to Advance Treatment Access

The U.S. Senate has passed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Chris Coons. This legislation aims to reauthorize the ACT for ALS for five years, enhancing access to promising treatments for ALS patients and advancing research into neurodegenerative diseases. The bill also mandates a new five-year FDA Action Plan and a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs. The legislation has received endorsements from several organizations, including I AM ALS and the ALS Association. The next step involves the House and Senate appointing conferees to reconcile differences between their respective bills.

Senate confirms Hamilton to lead FEMA and clears more than 70 other Trump nominees

Senate confirms Hamilton to lead FEMA and clears more than 70 other Trump nominees

The Senate has confirmed Cameron Hamilton as head of the embattled Federal Emergency Management Agency

Underwood's Legislation to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Fallen Soldier Advances in Senate

Underwood's Legislation to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Fallen Soldier Advances in Senate

Representative Lauren Underwood's legislation to rename the Plainfield Post Office in honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. has passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill, which was previously passed by the House, is now set to be voted on by the full Senate. The initiative is supported by the entire Illinois congressional delegation, including notable figures such as Senator Tammy Duckworth, who leads the Senate version of the bill. Staff Sergeant Dueñez, a beloved community member and U.S. Army soldier, was killed during a training exercise in Lithuania in 2025. The post office at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois, will be named the 'Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building' to honor his service and sacrifice.

US Senate confirms Trump nominees for labor board, cementing Republican control

US Senate confirms Trump nominees for labor board, cementing Republican control

By Daniel Wiessner Aug 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Friday confirmed President Donald Trump's nominees for two spots on the agency that enforces federal labor law, giving Republicans enough votes to undo a series of key decisions that were widely seen as a boost to union organizing.

Audit Reveals Inaccuracies in Department of Government Efficiency's Reported Savings

Audit Reveals Inaccuracies in Department of Government Efficiency's Reported Savings

An audit by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found inaccuracies in the reported savings by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department, established by President Donald Trump, claimed significant savings through its 'Wall of Receipts' initiative, which listed terminated contracts and leases. However, the GAO audit revealed that many of these savings were either incorrect or lacked supporting evidence. For instance, DOGE reported $1.7 billion in savings from a Department of Defense contract that was never canceled. The audit also found that 108 of 264 leases were already in the process of termination before DOGE's establishment. The report criticized DOGE for its lack of transparency and unreliable data, which undermines public trust in government.

Legislation to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Advances in Senate

Legislation to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Advances in Senate

Representative Lauren Underwood's legislation to rename the Plainfield Post Office in honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. has passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill, which has already passed the House, is now set to be voted on by the full Senate. The legislation is co-led in the Senate by Senator Tammy Duckworth. Staff Sergeant Dueñez, who was killed during a training exercise in Lithuania, is remembered for his service and dedication, having been deployed overseas multiple times and receiving numerous commendations.

Senator McConnell's Medical Leave Highlights Paid Leave Disparities in U.S.

Senator McConnell's Medical Leave Highlights Paid Leave Disparities in U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell has been on medical leave since June 14, raising questions about the fairness of paid leave policies in the U.S. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for McConnell to address his capacity to serve or resign. McConnell's absence has reignited debates over the lack of mandatory paid sick leave for American workers, a policy he has historically opposed. The U.S. remains an outlier globally for not requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, a stance McConnell has supported throughout his career. His absence has also drawn attention to the benefits he receives as a public official, contrasting with the limited leave options available to most Americans.

FEMA Workforce Cuts Criticized for Lack of Planning, GAO Report Finds

FEMA Workforce Cuts Criticized for Lack of Planning, GAO Report Finds

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reducing its workforce without adequate planning for future needs. Since President Trump took office, FEMA has reduced its staff by over 6,400 employees, with plans to hire 350 more. However, the GAO report highlights that these decisions were not based on a thorough analysis of workforce requirements, leaving FEMA potentially unprepared for future disasters. The report calls for increased accountability and workforce planning to ensure FEMA can meet its mission needs effectively.

Government watchdog: DOGE overstated billions in savings

Government watchdog: DOGE overstated billions in savings

A new GAO report reveals the Department of Government Efficiency overstated savings and misled the public.

Tennessee Awaits Congressional Decision on Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Tennessee Awaits Congressional Decision on Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The U.S. House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make daylight saving time permanent across the nation. Tennessee has a trigger law in place that would allow the state to adopt year-round daylight saving time if the federal bill becomes law. This change would mean that winter sunrises and sunsets would occur an hour later than they currently do. The bill, supported by President Trump, still requires approval from the U.S. Senate. If enacted, Tennessee residents would experience more evening daylight during the winter months.

GAO Report Highlights Student Loan Servicers' Challenges with Education Department Changes

GAO Report Highlights Student Loan Servicers' Challenges with Education Department Changes

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report detailing the challenges faced by federal student-loan servicers in implementing changes mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. The report highlights issues such as a lack of clear instructions from the department, which has led to administrative errors and delays in communication with borrowers. The GAO recommends that the Federal Student Aid office develop criteria for early coordination with servicers to better prepare for complex changes. However, the Education Department has expressed disagreement with this recommendation, citing potential challenges and risks. The report comes in the wake of President Trump's student-loan repayment overhaul, which introduced new income-driven repayment plans and borrowing caps.