Search Results for agency_names:"Office of the Secretary"

The Department of Defense has issued a notification of a proposed arms sale to Kazakhstan, which includes various military equipment such as Raytheon AST TITAN Communication Intelligence Sensor Suites, King Air B300ER Scorpion aircraft, and other related systems. The total estimated value of this sale is $128.1 million and aims to enhance Kazakhstan's defense capabilities, helping it to address regional threats and ensure border security. This deal supports U.S. foreign policy goals and has been found not to affect the military balance in the region or U.S. defense readiness. The primary contractor for this sale will be Sierra Nevada Corporation.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on an information collection request in connection with the Black Lung Benefits Act. This collection helps ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet eligibility requirements by updating details such as income and marital status. The collection process includes forms that now offer an electronic filing option. Comments can be submitted until March 15, 2021, as the proposal is under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) according to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Department of Labor is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a proposed information collection under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Public comments on this collection, which involves medical and compensation claims for federal employees, are invited until March 19, 2021. The goal is to ensure the process is necessary, efficient, and minimizes the burden on respondents. The Department is looking for input on the utility, clarity, and cost-effectiveness of this information collection.

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to the Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment Standard. This proposal, submitted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as per the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public is invited to comment on various aspects of the information collection, including its necessity, utility, and the burden it may impose. Comments are accepted until March 12, 2021, and can be submitted via the website www.reginfo.gov.

The Department of Labor is proposing changes to improve the rules for administrative hearings before its Office of Administrative Law Judges. The main update is to require electronic filing and service of documents, making it easier and more efficient for lawyers and their clients. These rules also allow self-represented individuals to choose between electronic and traditional methods for filing papers. The Department has considered potential impacts and ensured that changes comply with relevant laws and regulations.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on an information collection request related to employee benefits laws. This request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments are due by February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through the regulations website. The department aims to ensure the collected information is useful, accurate, and not overly burdensome for respondents.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has proposed a new rule to modify a system of records called the "Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database," which is intended to collect data related to sexual assault cases involving members of the Armed Forces. The rule seeks to exempt certain records within this database from parts of the Privacy Act to allow for better handling of legal actions or investigations without interference. The rule also invites the public to submit comments before it becomes final, and it explains that it won't significantly affect small businesses or impose compliance costs on state, local, or Tribal governments. The proposal is primarily focused on maintaining the privacy and integrity of ongoing investigations and ensuring a streamlined process for handling reports of sexual assault.

The Department of Transportation has introduced a new rule that clarifies rules around denied boarding compensation (DBC) and domestic baggage liability for airlines. Under the new rule, airlines are prohibited from involuntarily removing passengers from flights once their boarding passes are collected or scanned. It also raises the liability limits for denied boarding compensation from $675 to $775 and from $1,350 to $1,550, reflecting changes in the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, the rule adjusts the maximum compensation for mishandled baggage from $3,500 to $3,800. These changes aim to enhance consumer protection without significantly impacting airlines' operations.

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule that updates the penalties for violations of certain DOT regulations to account for inflation, as required by legislation from 2015. These updates affect various areas such as air and motor vehicle safety, hazardous materials transportation, and railroad operations. The changes include adjustments in the minimum and maximum fines that can be imposed for different types of violations. The rule was implemented immediately and did not include a notice and comment period, as per the stipulations of the legislation enabling these adjustments.

The Department of Commerce is requesting public comments on its information collection activities related to a Foreign National Request Form. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, the department seeks feedback to help reduce the public's reporting burden and assess the impact of its information requirements. Individuals have until May 30, 2025, to submit comments. The collected information will be used to manage access by foreign nationals to Commerce facilities, with the goal of ensuring security and compliance with current guidelines.