Senate bill supports Biden efforts to rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal
A group of Senators introduced legislation supporting President Joe Biden’s efforts to rejoin the Iran Nuclear Deal, also called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Iran Diplomacy Act Full says the United States and Iran should promptly return to full compliance with all of... Read More »
Emergency Reporting Act introduced in Congress
Legislation recently introduced in both houses of Congress seeks to improve the resiliency of communications networks during emergencies. With extreme weather events on the rise, it is critical to engage the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help local governments prepare for and... Read More »
Bill offers combat-wounded veterans support
Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) recently introduced a bill that seeks to offer bolstered support to combat-wounded veterans. The Major Richard Star Act would allow veterans wounded in combat with less than 20 years of... Read More »
Bill targets firefighter PFAS chemical exposure
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has introduced a bill designed to better protect firefighters in New York and nationwide from toxic exposure to PFAS chemicals. PFAS are used as an ingredient in special foam used to fight fires, called aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The use of the foam,... Read More »
COVAX delivers first COVID-19 vaccine doses to Ghana to start global rollout
The first 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine allocated to the COVAX Facility have been delivered to Ghana, with further deliveries expected to reach Cote d’Ivoire later this week. It marks the beginning of a global rollout long in the planning and the first COVAX vaccine... Read More »
National Cancer Institute study suggests those infected by SARS-CoV-2 may be protected from reinfection
According to a new study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), at least a few months of protection may be granted against reinfection to those with SARS-CoV-2. As part of the National Institutes of Health, NCI worked with healthcare data analytics companies HealthVerity and Aetion, Inc. and... Read More »
Bipartisan bill would extend concealed carry privileges for law enforcement officers
Bipartisan legislation was introduced in this House of Representatives this week that would extend concealed carry privileges for qualified retired and active law enforcement officials. The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act (H.R. 1210) would allow active and retired law... Read More »
Bipartisan Cyber Diplomacy Act introduced in House
A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure that the U.S. strengthens partnerships with international allies to combat cyberattacks in a unified approach. The Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021 (H.R. 1251), sponsored by Michael McCaul (R-TX), would also advocate for the State... Read More »
Lockheed Martin secures Navy, Air Force missile contract
The Navy and Air Force have awarded Lockheed Martin a $414 million contract for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) production. The agreement represents the largest LRASM production pact in the program's history. The combined Lot 4/5 contract continues production of the air-launched variant of... Read More »
Lawmakers probe Facebook’s alleged role in extremist content growth
A group of lawmakers recently forwarded correspondence to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seeking insight regarding the company’s alleged role in knowingly allowing extremist content and groups growth on its platform. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Oversight... Read More »
Phase 1B clinical trial of INOVIO’s DNA vaccine for Lassa fever commences dosing
A Phase 1B clinical trial of Lassa fever vaccine INO-4500, developed by INOVIO, began dosing its first patient this week in Ghana. The vaccine is a first on several fronts: the first candidate for Lassa fever to begin human trials and the first to have trials conducted in West Africa, where the... Read More »
Regeneron monoclonal antibodies display efficacy against MERS in first human testing
A pair of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed by Regeneron have shown promising signs against the coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in a phase one clinical trial that marked the first such test conducted on people. In all, the National Institute of Allergy and... Read More »
Valneva initiates Phase 3 study for its chikungunya vaccine candidate
Specialty vaccine company Valneva has initiated a Phase 3 study for its single-shot chikungunya vaccine candidate, VLA1553. VLA1553 is the only chikungunya vaccine candidate in Phase 3 clinical trials. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV).... Read More »
DHS announces plan to increase efforts to enhance cybersecurity
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking steps to elevate cybersecurity and mitigate risks throughout the federal government. As part of its plan, DHS is strengthening its partnerships with the private sector and expanding its investment in the infrastructure and people required to... Read More »