Search Results for agency_names:"State Department"

The Department of State has issued a new rule updating the eligibility for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). This change, effective December 10, 2024, now includes the surviving spouses and children of U.S. Government employees who have served faithfully for 15 years or were killed in the line of duty abroad. The rule aims to support recruitment and retention of local employees by ensuring their families can receive visas if the employee dies. These updates are in response to the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (ESSAA) and reflect the Department's efforts to enhance diplomatic staff's conditions globally.

The Department of State issued a final rule to update the civil monetary penalties (CMP) it imposes due to inflation, following guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. This adjustment is based on the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and requires annual modifications. The new penalties will affect various parts of the department's regulations, such as fraud, chemical weapons, arms exports, and lobbying activities and will apply to offenses assessed from February 2, 2021, onward.

The Department of State issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties (CMP) across several regulatory areas, including fraud, chemical weapons, arms control, and lobbying. The adjustments align with annual inflation guidelines set by the Office of Management and Budget based on a December 2024 cost-of-living adjustment multiplier. These new penalty amounts will apply to violations occurring on or after the rule's effective date, January 10, 2025. The rule ensures penalties keep up with inflation, following mandates from recent legislation and guidelines.

The State Department has issued a notice regarding the delegation of authority in debt collection and waiver claims. The Secretary of State has granted the Principal Officer at a post the power to make decisions about certain financial claims, such as compromises or settlements, involving the Department of State, provided the claims are less than $500. This authority is non-transferable, meaning these powers cannot be delegated further beyond the Principal Officer. The delegation of authority has been published in the Federal Register as required.

The State Department has released a report required by the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, detailing the actions taken under this law in 2024. During the year, the U.S. designated 70 foreign individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption across 19 countries. These actions were part of efforts to hold accountable those involved in serious crimes like violence against women, bribery, and political repression. The report also highlights international cooperation with countries like Canada and the UK in enforcing these sanctions globally.

The Department of State has announced notifications for proposed commercial export licenses for defense articles, technical data, and defense services, which were submitted to Congress on various dates. Some key transactions involve exports to countries like Germany, UAE, and the UK for items like radar systems and firearms. The notifications are required by the Arms Export Control Act and were published to inform the public, emphasizing that the U.S. government considers factors such as politics and human rights before licensing these exports. The licenses include sales over $50,000,000, with detailed business information withheld to protect U.S. firms from competitive harm.

The Department of State has issued a final rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), specifically adjusting the fees required for registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). The updated rule increases the registration fees for the first time in fifteen years, necessary to cover rising operational costs and prevent budget deficits. Responses to public comments were considered, particularly concerning the impact on small businesses, leading to the introduction of a discounted fee for qualifying Tier 1 registrants. The changes aim to maintain DDTC operations while ensuring fair distribution of costs among registrants.

The State Department has approved the use of up to $16 million for foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This money will support countries participating in the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. The decision, authorized by Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma, was made possible by overriding other legal provisions. This determination will be reported to Congress and published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State has released a detailed report on gifts received by federal employees from foreign governments in 2023. This report, compiled by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, includes gifts that exceed a minimal value of $480, as defined by U.S. law and regulations. It also incorporates certain gifts from prior years that were not included in earlier reports because they were not reported on time. The publication of this report in the Federal Register is required by federal law.

The Department of State is updating the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by revising the U.S. Munitions List (USML) to include or remove items and clarify certain entries. These changes aim to better control defense articles and services, ensuring they continue to provide a critical military or intelligence advantage. While the new rules are set to take effect on September 15, 2025, the department is also seeking public comments by March 18, 2025, to further refine the regulations.