The Education Department has released its initial list of political appointees. The list is available here.
Category: Administration
JCORE Publishes Report on Research Security, White House Issues Accompanying Memo
The National Science and Technology Council Joint Committee on the Research Environment, Subcommittee on Research Security released its final report Recommended Practices for Strengthening the Security and Integrity of America’s Science and Technology Research Enterprise. The report is developed by the Subcommittee, in coordination with the National Security Council, and aims to protect US research integrity and the R&D enterprise.
The document outlines several recommended practices for research organizations based on the following high-level objectives:
Demonstrate organizational leadership and oversight;
Establish an expectation of openness and transparency;
Provide and share training, support, and information;
Ensure effective mechanisms for compliance with organizational policies; and
Manage potential risks associated with collaborations and data.
The full report is available here. In addition, the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 33, available here, outlining guidance for agencies to implement best practices. A fact sheet on the memo is available here.
Confirmation Hearings Start Today
With the swearing-in of the new Biden Administration scheduled for tomorrow, the first set of confirmation hearings for several key posts within the Administration are set to start today. These include:
- Lloyd Austin– Secretary of Defense
- Alejandro Mayorkas– Secretary of Homeland Security
- Antony Blinken– Secretary of State
- Avril Haines– Director of National Intelligence
- Janet Yellen– Secretary of Treasury
Read more about the nominees and the confirmation process here, here, and here.
DeVos, Chao Resign
US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has reportedly resigned following yesterday’s violence at the US Capitol. An Acting Secretary has not been named. Information here.
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has also resigned effective Monday, for the same reason. Steven Bradbury will serve as Acting Secretary of Transportation until the end of President Trump’s term. See here.
Check back for updates.
Hill Overrides Trump Veto as Administration Comes to a Close
On Friday, the Senate followed the lead of the House by voting to override Trump’s veto of the NDAA. The Senate margin was 81 to 13, more than enough necessary to overcome the 2/3 majority requirement. This was the first Congressional veto override of the Trump Administration.
Read more here.