Money and Computing
Women's Congressional Policy Institute: Bill to Assist States in Carrying Out Projects To Expand Child Workforce; Joint Resolution Removing Deadline For Ratification of Equal Rights Amendment; Bill to Reserve Access to Abortion
Women's Congressional Policy Institute: "A resolution supporting the observation of National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month to raise awareness of, and opposition to, human trafficking and modern slavery; A bill to amend Family and Medical Leave Act to expand employees eligible for leave and employers subject to leave requirements; A bill to assist states in carrying out projects to expand the child care workforce and child care facilities in the states. . A bill to prohibit the interference, under color of state law, with the provision of interstate abortion services." more »
GAO-23-106556: Emergency Relief Funds: Significant Improvements Are Needed to Address Fraud and Improper Payments
"Three programs — SBA's PPP and COVID-19 EIDL program, and DOL's UI program—account for a large portion of COVID-19 relief funding. Based on GAO's findings and other audits, GAO added SBA's emergency loans for small businesses issued under PPP and COVID-19 EIDL, and the UI system to its High-Risk List in March 2021 and June 2022, respectively. This testimony summarizes (1) fraud, improper payments, and accountability deficiencies in COVID-19 relief programs; (2) shortcomings in agencies' fraud risk management practices and internal controls; and (3) the status of recommended actions to improve these practices in the future. GAO reviewed its prior COVID-19 findings and recommendations on internal controls and fraud risk management practices." more »
A Berkeley Study: With Rapidly Increasing Heat and Drought, Can Plants Adapt?
"An intensive study of a group of plants that first invaded emerging deserts millions of years ago concludes that these pioneers — rock daisies — did not come unequipped to deal with heat, scorching sun and lack of water. They had developed adaptations to such stresses while living on dry, exposed rock outcroppings within older, more moist areas and even tropical forests, all of which made it easier for them to invade expanding arid areas." more »
Justice Department Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks on Charges and New Arrest in Connection with Assassination Plot Directed from Iran
"This case also highlights the evolving threat and increasingly brazen conduct emanating from Iran. I have spoken before about the threat Iran poses to our homeland through its networks and proxies. In the last year, we have charged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with a plot to murder the former U.S. National Security Advisor; We’ve indicted Iranian hackers for targeting utility companies and other critical U.S. infrastructure; And we’ve called out Iran for a destructive cyberattack that crippled a partner government’s computer networks. We will not tolerate this belligerent and criminal conduct. Instead, we will hold accountable those who would bring Iran’s campaign of violence to our shores. We will hold accountable those who seek to silence voices for human rights and women’s rights." more »