On June 4, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants-totaling $60 million-for 13 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories. The 2009 allocations reflect President Obama's increased emphasis on the Southwest border in response to cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Based on greater risk, heavy cross-border traffic and border-related threat intelligence, nearly 76 percent of Operation Stonegarden funds will go to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas-up from 59 percent in fiscal year 2008. (DHS press release, dated 06/04/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1244070019405.shtm.)
Mexico's National Cargo Transportation Association (Canacar) announced on June 1, that it is suing the U.S. for $6 billion because of its refusal to allow Mexican haulers onto its roads as required under the North American Free Trade Agreement. About 4,500 Mexican trucking companies are involved in the lawsuit, according to Canacar. (Notice, available at http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=79026)
An FCC report on rural broadband prescribes government intervention to spur availability and demand. The report, released publicly on Wednesday, was required by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and did not require sign off by all commissioners. Instead, writing in the first-person, acting Chairman Michael Copps highlighted common problems affecting rural broadband, including technological challenges, lack of data and high network costs. Copps also urged a revamp of the Universal Service Fund, new rules on network openness and an audit of all spectrum that the FCC has licensed, with an eye on where it is being used effectively or should be subject to more use on a secondary basis.
An FCC report on rural broadband prescribes government intervention to spur availability and demand. The report, released publicly on Wednesday, was required by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and did not require sign off by all commissioners.
An FCC report on rural broadband prescribes government intervention to spur availability and demand. The report, released publicly on Wednesday, was required by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and did not require sign off by all commissioners. Instead, writing in the first-person, acting Chairman Michael Copps highlighted common problems affecting rural broadband, including technological challenges, lack of data and high network costs. Copps also urged a revamp of the Universal Service Fund, new rules on network openness and an audit of all spectrum that the FCC has licensed, with an eye on where it is being used effectively or could see more use on a secondary basis.
The land and sea portion of the 2008 Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department is effective June 1, 2009.
In the week since landing its contested $3.5 million contract to provide the FCC with DTV transition consumer education support (CD May 12 p7), Burson-Marsteller has given it “a comprehensive list of media outlets that directly serve our at-risk constituents in the 49 hot spot markets and beyond,” said Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Cathy Seidel. Speaking at the commission’s Wednesday meeting, she was referring to those who are least prepared for the June 12 analog cutoff.
In the week since landing its contested $3.5 million contract to provide the FCC with DTV transition consumer education support (CED May 12 p1), Burson-Marsteller has given the commission “a comprehensive list of media outlets that directly serve our at-risk constituents in the 49 hot spot markets and beyond,” said Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Cathy Seidel. Speaking at the commission’s Wednesday meeting, she was referring to those who are least prepared for the June 12 analog cutoff.
The FCC Wireline Bureau wants comment on a petition by Smith Bagley to increase universal service subsidies for low- income consumers living on tribal lands. If adopted, the proposal would increase Lifeline tier-four funds to $30 per month, from $25 monthly. Comments are due June 3, replies June 18.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message announcing that on April 25, 2009, the Automated Commercial Environment was modified to accept all Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant travel document types.