AICPA

Business Executives’ Mixed View on Economy Reflects Continued Uncertainty, AICPA & CIMA Survey Finds
Dec 6, 2023

AICPA Continues Advocacy on Digital Assets with Recent Comments on Proposed Regulations for Broker Reporting Rules for Digital Asset Transactions
Dec 6, 2023

AICPA & CIMA Registers First 100 Apprentices and Signs 17 Employers to Apprenticeship Program in Inaugural Year
Dec 5, 2023

CBO

Cost Estimate
Estimated Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act
December 8, 2023
As posted on the website of the Clerk of the House on December 5, 2023
https://tinyurl.com/h2vpjp8a

Cost Estimate
H.R. 6323, Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023
December 8, 2023
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on November 14, 2023

Report
Monthly Budget Review: November 2023
December 8, 2023
The federal budget deficit totaled $383 billion in October and November 2023, the first two months of fiscal year 2024, CBO estimates. That amount is $47 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year.

Cost Estimate
S. 2020, Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2023
December 8, 2023
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on September 21, 2023

Cost Estimate
H.R. 5512, Russia and Belarus Financial Sanctions Act of 2023
December 7, 2023
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on September 20, 2023

Report
Administrative Costs of Federal Credit Programs
December 6, 2023
To assess the full costs of federal loans and loan guarantees, CBO has developed a method for estimating the present value of the lifetime administrative costs of certain federal credit programs.

Cost Estimate
CBO Estimate of Senate Amendment 1371, the National Security and Border Act, 2024
December 6, 2023
As posted on the website of the Senate Committee on Appropriations on December 5, 2023
https://tinyurl.com/2x945xe8

Presentation
CBO’s Role and Most Recent Long-Term Budget Projections
December 6, 2023
Presentation by Molly Dahl, Chief of CBO’s Long-Term Analysis Unit, at a meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Budget Working Group.

Cost Estimate
H.J. Res. 96, Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023
December 6, 2023
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on November 8, 2023

Cost Estimate
Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of December 11, 2023
December 6, 2023
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues.

Graphic
Atlas of Military Compensation
December 5, 2023
In the President’s 2024 budget request, total military compensation is $551 billion, including veterans' benefits. That amount represents an increase of 134 percent since 1999 after removing the effects of inflation.

Cost Estimate
H.R. 1042, Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act
December 5, 2023
As reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on December 1, 2023

Cost Estimate
H.R. 5923, Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023
December 5, 2023
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on November 14, 2023

Cost Estimate
H.R. 6015, Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023
December 5, 2023
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on November 14, 2023

Cost Estimate
S. 1405, Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration Exchange Act of 2023
December 5, 2023
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on September 21, 2023

GAO

Nuclear Materials:
DOE Plans for Savannah River Site's H-Canyon Facility
GAO-24-106494
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
The Department of Energy uses the H-Canyon facility in South Carolina to help process certain nuclear materials for disposal—such as spent nuclear fuel that contains highly enriched uranium. Some of these materials have no other means of disposal, are unstable, and pose risks to people and the environment. Several programs within DOE and one at another federal agency rely on this facility that may close...

Troubled Asset Relief Program:
Lifetime Cost
GAO-24-107033
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program was created to help stabilize the U.S. financial system, restart economic growth, and prevent avoidable foreclosures during the 2008 financial crisis. TARP was originally authorized to purchase or guarantee up to $700 billion in assets to assist financial institutions and markets, businesses, and individuals. As of September 30, 2023, when all TARP-funded programs were fully wrapped up, the total amount...

Armed Forces Retirement Home:
Congress and Agency Management Should Take Actions to Improve Financial Sustainability
GAO-24-106171
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an independent federal entity that provides housing, health care, and other services to certain retired and disabled military personnel. AFRH faces serious financial challenges as revenues decrease and costs increase over time. The trust fund that finances AFRH's operations is at risk of being exhausted in 20 years. AFRH has some proposals to address these challenges, but it needs...

Bureau of Indian Education:
Information on Efforts to Count Students for an Educational Services Program
GAO-24-106844
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
The Bureau of Indian Education oversees the Johnson O'Malley Program, which provides educational services for American Indian and Alaska Native students—such as language enrichment and buying school supplies. This Q&A report looks at the steps the Bureau took, or plans to take, to update its count of students and allocate funding for the program. In 2018, Congress required the Bureau to estimate the number of...

Federal Contracting:
Opportunities Exist to Improve the Reporting of Waivers to Domestic Preference Laws
GAO-24-106166
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
Buy American and other domestic preference laws require federal agencies to buy goods made in the U.S. These laws can be waived, such as when a needed item isn't made here. To improve transparency, a law required the General Services Administration to make a website for agencies to post such waivers. The Office of Management and Budget helped determine website elements and reviews the waivers...

Improper Payments and Fraud:
How They Are Related but Different
GAO-24-106608
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
It's estimated that improper payments and fraud have collectively cost taxpayers trillions of dollars and affect the integrity of many federal programs. Improper payments are payments that shouldn't have been made or that were made in the wrong amount. This Q&A report looks at the distinct but related concepts of improper payments and fraud and why they occur. For example, fraud may be the reason...

Railroad Retirement Board:
Agency Could Strengthen Plans to Address Key Management Challenges
GAO-24-105545
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
The Railroad Retirement Board handles retirement and other benefits for railroad workers and their families. But the Board's programs are at risk for fraud and abuse and the agency faces a looming wave of retirements and aging IT systems. The Board is addressing some key management challenges. For example, it has assessed the agency's IT needs and has created a modernization plan that includes providing...

West Bank and Gaza Aid:
USAID Generally Ensured Compliance with Anti-terrorism Policies and Addressed Instances of Noncompliance GAO-24-106243
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
Since 1993, the U.S. government has provided more than $7.6 billion in assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza—primarily through the U.S. Agency for International Development. USAID has used the funds to provide humanitarian relief and increase economic opportunity in the region, among other things. Federal law prohibits providing support to individuals or groups associated with terrorism. USAID also has internal policies and...

Commercial Space Transportation:
FAA Should Improve Its Mishap Investigation Process
GAO-24-105561
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
The commercial space industry is rapidly growing as private companies transport cargo, satellites, and people to space. But not all launches go smoothly. Some have exploded or otherwise failed, which can endanger the public. Usually, FAA is responsible for finding out what caused such mishaps. Although FAA can investigate a mishap itself, it has always opted to authorize the launch operator to investigate under agency...

Low-Dose Radiation:
Agency Leadership and Collaboration Are Needed to Set the Direction of Future Research
GAO-24-106317
Published: Dec 7, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2023
Exposure to high doses of radiation is unhealthy—but what about low doses? The Department of Energy and other agencies have been supporting and conducting research to answer this question for more than 2 decades. In 2018, Congress directed DOE to lead a low-dose radiation research program. Congress also directed DOE to work with the National Academies to outline research priorities for the program. Its June...

Cosmetic Safety:
Better Planning Would Enhance FDA Efforts to Implement New Law
GAO-24-105542
Published: Dec 6, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 6, 2023
Cosmetics include makeup, shampoo, toothpaste, and more—and many people use multiple cosmetics in their daily or weekly routines. Research has shown that cosmetics may contain harmful substances that can be present intentionally, e.g., as preservatives, or unintentionally, e.g., as natural impurities in ingredients. In late 2022, a law expanded the Food and Drug Administration's authority to oversee cosmetic safety. While FDA has taken steps to...

K-12 Education:
Updated Federal Guidance Would Assist Title I Schools in Meeting Parent and Family Engagement Requirements
GAO-24-106143
Published: Nov 6, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 6, 2023
The Department of Education provides grants to schools with high numbers of low-income students through its Title I program. Title I schools are required to engage students' families via outreach efforts like annual meetings. We found little difference in how parents from Title I and non-Title I schools participate in and receive information from their schools, and in how satisfied they were with schools' communication...

Veterans Health Administration:
Actions Needed to Address Persistent Control Weaknesses and Related Risks in Employee Screening Processes
GAO-24-107188
Published: Dec 6, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 5, 2023
This testimony discusses our prior work reviewing the Veterans Health Administration's employee screening processes. The Drug Enforcement Administration requires VHA medical centers to get a waiver before employing anyone with a controlled substance-related felony conviction whose job gives them access to such substances. But VHA doesn't have a policy to help it determine when to request such a waiver—so its screening process might miss individuals...

Quantum Technologies:
Defense Laboratories Should Take Steps to Improve Workforce Planning
GAO-24-106284
Published: Dec 5, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 5, 2023
Quantum technologies build on quantum physics to process and communicate information in ways that existing technologies can't. Nations leading quantum research and development may have an edge in cryptography and computing—which are critical to national security. DOD has created multiple pathways to recruit highly specialized staff in physics, chemistry, and math and followed leading practices to build its quantum workforce. But some defense laboratories haven't...

National Science Foundation:
Additional Steps Would Improve Cost Estimate for Antarctic Research Infrastructure Project
GAO-24-106380
Published: Dec 5, 2023
Publicly Released: Dec 5, 2023
The National Science Foundation funds and oversees the design, construction, and operations of science and engineering research infrastructure—like telescopes and research facilities. We report annually on these projects. In July 2022, we reported that the pandemic led to cost increases and schedule delays for NSF's major facilities projects. NSF has decided to adjust the cost and schedule for 5 major projects—including a project to modernize...

IASB

Join the staff—Project Manager (Technology Initiatives)
Careers
11 Dec 2023

Call for members—IFRS Taxonomy Consultative Group
Appointment
11 Dec 2023

IFRS Foundation announces appointments to the Capital Markets Advisory Committee from 2024
Appointment
8 Dec 2023

November 2023 IFRIC Update now available
Update
7 Dec 2023

IASB summarises its completed project on extractive activities
Project Summary
7 Dec 2023

New member to Global Preparers Forum brings banking expertise
Appointment
6 Dec 2023

December 2023 International Sustainability Standards Board agenda and meeting papers now available
Meeting
5 Dec 2023

IRS

Get ready to file in 2024: What’s new and what to consider
IR-2023-235, Dec. 11, 2023 — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to take important actions now to help them file their 2023 federal income tax return next year.

IRS: 2024 Flexible Spending Arrangement contribution limit rises by $150
IR-2023-234, Dec. 8, 2023 — During open enrollment season for Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that they may be eligible to use tax-free dollars to pay medical expenses not covered by other health plans through their FSA.

IRS Independent Office of Appeals releases fiscal year 2024 priorities; focus on improving taxpayer service
IR-2023-233, Dec. 8, 2023 — The Internal Revenue Service’s Independent Office of Appeals today released its Focus Guide for fiscal year 2024.

IRS honored with the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management’s Luminary Award
IR-2023-232, Dec. 8, 2023 — The Internal Revenue Service recently received the prestigious Enterprise Risk Management Luminary Award at the Annual ERM Summit.

IRS requests applications for 2024 ETAAC membership
IR-2023-231, Dec. 7, 2023 — The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applicants for nomination to the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) through Jan. 31, 2024.

IRS expands work on aggressive Employee Retention Credit claims; 20,000 disallowance letters being mailed, more action and voluntary disclosure program coming
IR-2023-230, Dec. 6, 2023 — As part of continuing efforts to combat dubious Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims, the Internal Revenue Service is sending an initial round of more than 20,000 letters to taxpayers notifying them of disallowed ERC claims.

NYS

Statement by DFS Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris on Decision Upholding Modernized Check Cashing Regulation
December 7, 2023

PCAOB

Chair Williams: “Too Much is At Stake to Let Complacency Win”
Dec. 4, 2023

SEC

Daniel R. Gregus, Director of the Chicago Regional Office, to Depart the SEC
2023-246
Washington D.C., Dec. 7, 2023 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Daniel R. Gregus, Director of the Chicago Regional Office, will leave the agency at the end of December after more than 30 years of service. Vanessa Horton and Kathryn Pyszka will become Acting Co-Directors upon Mr. Gregus’s departure

SEC Charges Five Unregistered Brokers, Four Companies in Widespread Pre-IPO Fraud Scheme
2023-245
Washington D.C., Dec. 7, 2023 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Raymond J. Pirrello, Jr., Marcello Follano, Robert Cassino, Anthony DiTucci, Joseph Rivera, and their New Jersey or New York-based companies Prior 2 IPO Inc., Late Stage Asset Management, LLC, Pre IPO Marketing Inc., and JL Rivera Enterprises Ltd. for making fraudulent offerings relating to investments in pre-initial public offering (IPO) companies.

SEC Office of the Investor Advocate Publishes Its Policy Recommendations on Mandatory Arbitration and Registered Index-Linked Annuities Research
2023-244
Washington D.C., Dec. 5, 2023 — The Office of the Investor Advocate of the Securities and Exchange Commission today published its Report on Activities for the Fiscal Year 2023 to Congress. The report highlights the work of the Office during the fiscal year.