Washington, DC - Today, I have signed into law H.R. 3151, the “Taxpayer First Act” (the “Act”).  Sections 1001(a) and 2101(a) of the Act require the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to appoint persons to positions responsible for significant functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  Such persons are likely inferior officers under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.  Because the IRS is a component of the Department of the Treasury, the Commissioner is not the head of a department and thus lacks constitutional authority to appoint inferior officers.  I therefore direct the Secretary of the Treasury, as the head of the department, to approve any appointments made pursuant to sections 1001(a) and 2101(a) of the Act.

Washington, DC - This month, we celebrate Pledge to America’s Workers Month.  Last year, I signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s National Council for the American Worker.  The Council, made up of 14 Federal agencies, is charged with developing a national strategy for training and reskilling workers for high-demand occupations and the industries of the future. 

Washington, DC - The Spring 2020 White House Internship Program application is now open.

Washington, DC - Larry D. Meyers, the former head of the securities lending desk at Banca IMI Securities Corp., pleaded guilty to a criminal antitrust charge for his involvement in a bid-rigging conspiracy for certain financial instruments, the Department of Justice announced.

West Lafayette, Indiana - A Purdue University professor can speak on the recent insulin pump recalls, as warned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last week.

Washington, DC - A seven-count indictment was returned Wednesday charging a former Assistant Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, with engaging in a scheme to conceal material facts, making false statements and falsification of records.