National News

Congressman Vargas Cosponsors “Disabled Veterans Nutrition Fairness Act of 2013”

Washington, DC - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proudly cosponsoring the “Disabled Veterans Nutrition Fairness Act of 2013”, introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14), which would allow veterans to file for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under the status of disabled while their disability claims are pending at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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State Department Hosts Workshop Promoting Labor and Human Rights Through Investment

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Harvard Law School’s Pensions and Capital Stewardship Project Labor and Worklife Program, hosted a workshop titled “Promoting Labor and Human Rights through Investment.” The May 16, 2013 event attracted representatives from the investment community, international organizations, academic institutions, and U.S. Government agencies.

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FTC-3PO

Washington, DC - We've been patient.  It's been years since "Star Wars" came out and we still don't have a gold-plated droid to do our bidding.  But companies have introduced a slew of "smart" products that perform a lot of the same functions.

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Operators of Two Bogus Tech Support Schemes Settle FTC Charges

Washington, DC - Two operators of alleged tech support scams have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission complaints and give up their ill-gotten gains.

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Inspector General Report on the Handling of Former Known or Suspected Terrorists Admitted into the Federal Witness Security Program

Washington, DC - For more than 40 years, the federal Witness Security (WitSec) Program has enabled the government to bring to justice the most dangerous criminals by providing critical protection for witnesses fearing for their safety. 

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President Obama Appoints Daniel Werfel as Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue

Washington, DC - President Obama today announced the appointment of Daniel Werfel as Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue, effective Wednesday, May 22.  As Acting Commissioner, Mr. Werfel will lead efforts to ensure the IRS implements new safeguards to restore public trust and administers the tax code with fairness and integrity. 

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Senators Boxer, Gillibrand, Collins Join Colleagues to Introduce Legislation to Help Ensure Justice for Military Sexual Assault Survivors

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Representatives Dan Benishek (R-MI), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Richard Hanna (R-NY) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) were joined today by survivors of military sexual assault and organizations who assist victims of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) to announce new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would reform the military justice system by removing the decision to prosecute certain serious crimes from the chain of command.

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Congressman Vargas Cosponsors “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013” to Promote Healthy Food Options

Washington, DC - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proudly cosponsoring H.R. 1414, the “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013”, introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-1), which would expand opportunities for local and regional farmers, make it easier for consumers to have access to healthy foods, and provide purchase incentive programs for fruits and vegetables to those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

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