Editor’s Notes:

Treasury Secretary Yellen warns Congress that the US Government may run out of money as early as June 1, 2023.

HHS is investing $5 billion in new COVID-19 vaccines, antibodies, and production technologies.

Department of Education to spend over $100 million to double the number of school counselors, social workers, and other school-based mental health professionals.

Through the USDA, $11 billion is available for Rural Energy and Utility Providers to pursue clean energy initiatives.

A new proposed rule from HHS and EDU would allow schools to bill Medicaid for students with disabilities.

HHS is working with Pride organizers and community groups to prevent another outbreak of Monkeypox this summer.

DOE announces $51 million grant for EV charging networks.

The US Government will purchase up to 3 million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to replenish the reserve stockpile.

$500 million is available through the USDA for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

DOI released updated guidance for Mining Claims.

$220 million in grant funding is available to improve or modernize passenger ferry service

New HUD regulations seek to make reverse mortgage approvals easier to help pay homeowners faster.

[End of Editor’s Notes]

Health Care

‘Project NextGen’ - A $5 Billion HHS Initiative to Stay Ahead of COVID-19

HHS is investing $5 billion in Project NextGen, aimed at developing next-generation COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Project NextGen is based at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and led by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The program will focus on mucosal vaccines, vaccines against variants and providing longer protection, pan-coronavirus vaccines, durable monoclonal antibodies, and advancing new production technologies. Full Press Release

Biden-Harris Administration Takes Action to Help Schools Deliver Critical Health Care Services to Millions of Students

HHS and the Department of Education propose regulations to expand mental health services in schools by making it easier for schools to bill Medicaid. The new rule seeks to streamline Medicaid billing for students with disabilities, impacting nearly 300,000 students eligible for Medicaid. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new guidance to ease school billing for Medicaid and approves requests from New Mexico and Oregon to expand school-based health care services. Full Press Release

HHS Announces Additional $200 Million in Funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

HHS, via SAMHSA, announces over $200 million in funding to bolster 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related crisis services across states, territories, and tribes. Breakdown of funding: $177.35 million for local response improvement and workforce development in states and U.S. territories; $17.8 million for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to enhance crisis support; $5 million for 988 Lifeline crisis follow-up programs. Full Press Release

HHS Announces Over $65 Million to Address the Maternal Health Crisis and Invest in New Approaches to Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded over $65 million to 35 HRSA-funded health centers to combat the maternal mortality crisis. This funding aims to implement innovative methods to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities, particularly for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women. Full Press Release

Joint Press Release on the Launch of the EU-U.S. Health Task [Force]

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, and U.S. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra launched the EU-U.S. Health Task Force in Brussels aiming to expand health partnership. Task Force to focus on cancer, global health threats, and global health architecture, with technical working groups being established for these areas. Task Force established expert-level working groups on childhood/young adult cancer and lung cancer. Discussed health threats like avian influenza, Marburg disease, anti-microbial resistance and post-COVID-19 conditions. Full Press Release

Fact Sheet: HHS Provides Resources on Ways Communities Can Stay Protected from Mpox in Advance of Summer Months

Last summer, the U.S. faced a severe mpox outbreak which was addressed by a concerted response from the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which resulted in a 99% decline in daily cases since August 2022. Mpox is a flu-like disease with most cases being associated with skin-to-skin contact among men. In preparation for the summer Pride events, the White House and HHS have engaged with numerous LGBTQI+ organizations, advocates, and event organizers. Full Press Release

Energy

$251 Million to Expand Infrastructure to Support CO2 Transport and Storage

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $251 million in 12 projects across seven states to enhance the nation’s carbon management capabilities. These projects seek to improve carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation and storage infrastructure, helping to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from power generation and industrial operations. The DOE also announced the second opening of a $2.25 billion, five-year funding opportunity to further develop commercial-scale carbon storage infrastructure. Full Press Release

$51 Million Grant Opportunity for America’s Electric Vehicle Charging Network

$51 million funding opportunity named “Ride and Drive Electric” to speed up the electrification of the U.S. transportation sector and encourage private sector investments in clean transportation. DOE also launched the National Charging Experience Consortium, which aims to promote the development of rapid and convenient EV charging solutions across the U.S., with a focus on chargers manufactured domestically. Full Press Release

U.S. Department of Energy Announces Purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to purchase up to 3 million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Previous SPR releases, along with international partner contributions, reportedly reduced gasoline prices by up to 40 cents per gallon. The replenishment strategy aims to repurchase crude at a price lower than the 2022 average of $95 per barrel. Further purchases are expected later this year. Full Press Release

Agriculture & Rural Development

$11 Billion Available to Advance Rural Clean Energy

$11 billion in grants and loan opportunities are available for rural energy and utility providers for clean energy initiatives. The funds are available through two programs under the Inflation Reduction Act: (1) Empowering Rural America program ($9.7 billion); and (2) Powering Affordable Clean Energy program ($1 billion). Full Press Release

USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced plans to distribute $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and livestock producers affected by natural disasters in 2022. The funding comes from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022. Full Press Release

$500 Million for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program to Better Support Partners, Producers

The Biden-Harris Administration announced $500 million for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to advance conservation on agricultural land via public-private partnerships. The funding increase for 2023 is facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to streamline the program and improve partner, producer, and employee experiences. RCPP improvements focus on seven areas including reducing the number of agreements, improving the RCPP portal, and simplifying the partner reimbursement process. Full Press Release

USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

USDA seeks nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, open from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023. The Committee provides input on policy and identifies barriers to urban agriculture. Full Press Release

USDA Funds 36 Projects Aimed at Connecting Families to WIC

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) have granted $16 million to 36 projects for enhancing outreach and equity in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project (CIAO) aims to increase participation in WIC, targeting the 50% eligible non-participants. Full Press Release

Interior & Public Lands

Interior Department Announces Updated Guidance for Mining Claims

The US Department of the Interior has released a Solicitor’s Opinion to provide guidance for waste rock and tailings facility siting on federal lands under the General Mining Act of 1872. The Opinion, aiming to enhance permitting consistency for mining operators, offers various options for companies when there’s no evidence of mineral discovery on federal lands. Options include submitting additional discovery evidence, redesignating mining claims as mill sites, applying for a BLM permit, lease or right-of-way, or seeking a land exchange. Full Press Release

Biden-Harris Administration Advances SunZia Southwest Transmission Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the Record of Decision for the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, a step towards delivering 4,500 megawatts of renewable energy from New Mexico to Arizona and California. The SunZia Project includes two 500-kilovolt transmission lines spanning 520 miles across New Mexico and Arizona. Full Press Release

Treasury & IRS

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit

The letter is a follow-up regarding the debt limit and the Treasury Department’s financing capacity for federal operations. Secretary Yellen reiterates a May 1, 2023, letter that if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit by early June, Treasury may not meet all government obligations. Full Press Release

Treasury Department Announces Awards to Connect More Families and Businesses to High-Speed Internet as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

Delaware is set to receive $65.9 million for Delaware’s Multi-Purpose Community Facility Program, which will fund the construction and renovation of 29 non-profit community facilities, offering a variety of services, including public Wi-Fi access and health services for seniors.

Idaho is slated to receive $120 million for broadband infrastructure, which the state estimates will serve 35,000 locations. Full Press Release

Transportation

First U.S.-Canada Electric Vehicle Corridor Established in Michigan

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the first Binational Electric Vehicle (EV) Corridor, which will span from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Quebec City, Quebec, and will feature DC fast chargers roughly every 50 miles. The EV Corridor is part of a US-Canada commitment to harmonize EV charging standards and develop cross-border alternative fuel corridors. The Corridor will facilitate cross-border travel, making refueling or charging hassle-free, aiding in the achievement of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA/BIL) provides a commitment of $7.5 billion in federal funding for the construction of 500,000 public EV chargers. Full Press Release

Announces Availability of $220 Million to Modernize Ferry Service and Better Connect Rural Communities

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $220 million to improve or modernize passenger ferry service across the U.S. Approximately three million people utilize ferry services monthly. Two grant programs are introduced: Passenger Ferry Program, with $50.1 million available (including $5 million specifically for low- or zero-emission ferries); and the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program, with $170 million available for FY 2023. Full Press Release

Justice & Labor

$15 Million Available to Support Training Needed to Access Good Jobs in High-Demand Careers

The US Department of Labor has announced $15 million in grants to improve job training in critical sectors such as care, climate resiliency, and hospitality. The Critical Sectors Job Quality grants will aid various organizations including state and local workforce boards, labor unions, employers, tribal governments. The grants will support industry-led, worker-centered sector strategies, built through labor-management partnerships, aiming to address equity, job quality, and worker voice in training models and prepare workers for family-supporting jobs. Full Press Release

$1.5 Million Funding Availability to Support Policy Development to Expand Employment of Disabled Youth

The U.S. Department of Labor announces a $1.5 million fund to support the operations of a policy development center aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for disabled youth. Administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the funding will continue to sustain the Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth, founded in 2019. Full Press Release

Public & Affordable Housing

Federal Housing Administration Finalizes Policies to Expedite Claims Processing for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announces new policies expected to hasten payment of funds to mortgagees when they assign a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) or reverse mortgage to HUD. FHA mortgage holders can now request Preliminary Title Approval earlier and with fewer documents, shortening the time between a loan’s eligibility for assignment to HUD and the payment of claim funds to the mortgagee. Full Press Release

Education

Department of Education Releases Proposed Rules on Accountability for Certificate and For-Profit Programs and Transparency into Unaffordable Student Debt

The U.S. Department of Education proposed new regulations aimed at protecting students from unaffordable debt and insufficient earnings from career training programs. This includes the Gainful Employment (GE) rule, which would cut Federal financial aid to programs that leave graduates with excessive debt or low earnings, potentially affecting over 700,000 students in 1,800 programs. These regulations would require students to acknowledge these costs before accepting federal financial aid for high-debt programs. Full Press Release

$100 Million in Continued Support for Mental Health and Student Wellness Through Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

The Department of Education is allocating over $95 million across 35 states to increase access to mental health services in schools and expand the pool of mental health professionals in high-need districts. Department of Education aims to double the number of school counselors, social workers, and other school-based mental health professionals. Full Press Release

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