Dan Novak

Dan Novak

Dan Novak is the regulatory reporter for the National Law Journal, focusing on the environment, securities, and antitrust. He is based in Washington, DC. You can reach him at [email protected].

January 24, 2025 | National Law Journal

SEC Revokes Biden-Era Crypto Accounting Guidance

Critics of the guidance said it effectively prevented banks from holding digital assets in custody and evaded normal commission rulemaking. Congress passed a measure repealing the guidance in May but former President Joe Biden vetoed it.

By Dan Novak

3 minute read

January 23, 2025 | National Law Journal

FTC Finalizes Child Online Privacy Rule Updates, But Ferguson Eyes Further Changes

The updates “contain several measures improving data privacy and security protections for children” but “no one should have any doubt that these issues are the result of the Biden-Harris FTC’s frantic rush to finalize rules on their way out the door," wrote now-Republican Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson. "The Commission under President Trump should address these issues and fix the mess that the outgoing majority leaves in its wake.”

By Dan Novak

4 minute read

January 22, 2025 | National Law Journal

'Something Else Is Coming': DOGE Established, but With Limited Scope

Under Trump's executive order, the U.S. Digital Service will be renamed the U.S. DOGE Service, charged with “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” The order also directs each agency head to create a DOGE team of at least four employees.

By Dan Novak

3 minute read

January 21, 2025 | National Law Journal

CFPB Resolves Flurry of Enforcement Actions in Biden's Final Week

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed one lawsuit and reached five settlements last week, totaling nearly $206.6 million in civil resolutions and redress.

By Dan Novak

3 minute read

January 17, 2025 | National Law Journal

Skadden and Steptoe, Defending Amex GBT, Blasts Biden DOJ's Antitrust Lawsuit Over Merger Proposal

Amex GBT's Biden-bashing defense strategy may have no influence on the ultimate outcome of the government's lawsuit opposing Amex GBT's proposed acquisition of rival travel management company CWT, according to antitrust litigation experts.

By Dan Novak and Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman

4 minute read

January 16, 2025 | National Law Journal

EPA Nominee Zeldin Says Climate Change Is Real, Agency Shouldn't Suffocate Economy

“I believe that climate change is real," Lee Zeldin told senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee. He added that environmental policies should not hamper economic growth.

By Dan Novak

4 minute read

January 15, 2025 | National Law Journal

DOT Nominee Duffy Pledges Safety, Faster Infrastructure Spending in Confirmation Hearing

“Whether driving, flying or traveling by train, no federal agency impacts Americans’ daily lives and loved ones more than the Department of Transportation,” said DOT Secretary-nominee Sean Duffy. “If confirmed, I will work to reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently [and] we use the tax dollar well.”

By Dan Novak

4 minute read

January 14, 2025 | National Law Journal

DOT Nominee Duffy Will Face Senate Confirmation With Strong Industry Backing

“He is really smart," attorney Michael Borden said of Transportation Secretary-nominee Sean Duffy. “He is a really quick study. Everybody likes him. And he can be very, very effective.”

By Dan Novak

3 minute read

January 10, 2025 | National Law Journal

DOJ Files Antitrust Suit to Block Amex GBT's Acquisition of Competitor

The deal would mark Amex GBT’s fifth acquisition of a travel management company since 2018 and would substantially harm competition in the industry, DOJ stated.

By Dan Novak

3 minute read

January 08, 2025 | National Law Journal

Khan Defends FTC Tenure, Does Not Address Post-Inauguration Plans

"It's humbling to realize what we've achieved in such a short time, and this extraordinarily level of impact from this small a team is virtually unheard of in government," Khan said. "This work, though, is far from over, and the FTC must remain vigilant, agile, and deeply committed to enforcing the law without fear or favor."

By Dan Novak

3 minute read


More from ALM