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The Department of State has issued a delegation of authority that allows the Deputy Comptroller in Charleston, South Carolina, to manage debt collection activities. This includes the power to waive interest, penalties, and costs, as well as to compromise, suspend, and end the collection of claims against debtors of the Department. The delegation is made under various U.S. laws and regulations, and the authority cannot be re-delegated to others. This delegation of authority will be published in the Federal Register.

The State Department has determined that certain culturally significant objects from abroad will be temporarily displayed in the "Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers" exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas. These objects are being brought in under agreements with their foreign owners and will help foster cultural exchange and enhance public understanding. This decision, deemed to be in the national interest, was made under the authority of several statutes and executive orders and intends for public notification through the Federal Register.

The State Department has announced that certain artworks will be temporarily imported from abroad for an exhibition titled "Lorna Simpson: Source Notes" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and possibly other locations. These artworks are deemed culturally significant, and their display in the U.S. is considered beneficial to the national interest. This decision is published in the Federal Register, and for additional questions, Reed Liriano at the State Department can be contacted.

The Department of State will hold a public meeting on March 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET to prepare for the upcoming International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) session. The meeting will occur both in person at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. Participants can discuss agenda items like air pollution prevention, energy efficiency of ships, and marine plastic litter reduction. Interested individuals should RSVP by March 21, 2025, to ensure a spot and receive teleconference details.

The U.S. State Department has announced a new rule that gives foreign missions and international organizations an exemption from charges by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York for driving into the "Congestion Relief Zone". This benefit is part of ongoing efforts to protect U.S. interests and fulfill legal obligations. The exemption applies to specific foreign missions, international organizations, and their personnel who have similar privileges and may use diplomatic plates. This decision ensures reciprocal treatment for U.S. missions abroad and helps maintain positive international relations.

The Department of State has updated the Exchange Visitors Skills List, which identifies countries that need people with certain specialized skills. This list is used to see if someone in the U.S. on a "J" nonimmigrant exchange visa must spend two years in their home country before applying for other U.S. visas. This updated list replaces the previous version from 2009 and incorporates factors like a country’s GDP and migration rates to decide which skills are necessary. This list helps with U.S. foreign policy and doesn't require the usual public comment process due to its relation to foreign affairs.

The State Department is publishing a Delegation of Authority signed by the Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, on December 20, 2024. This document delegates authority to Todd D. Robinson, allowing him to perform the role of the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, using the powers given to him by U.S. law. The delegation is set to be effective on January 10, 2025, and will remain in force until a new Under Secretary officially takes office or the delegation is revoked. The document will be officially recorded in the Federal Register.

The Department of State has made a public announcement regarding the proposal to extend and amend the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Egypt. This agreement focuses on imposing import restrictions on specific categories of archaeological material from Egypt. The proposal seeks to continue protecting Egypt's cultural heritage by regulating the import of these artifacts into the U.S. For more details, interested individuals can check the Cultural Heritage Center's website.

The Department of State will hold a public meeting on March 7, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming 49th session of the International Maritime Organization's Facilitation Committee in London. Participants can join either in-person in Washington, DC, or virtually via Microsoft Teams. The meeting will discuss various agenda items related to maritime regulations, digitalization, cybersecurity, and other issues important for maritime operations. Interested individuals must contact James Bull by February 21, 2025, to RSVP or request accommodations.

The State Department has decided that certain culturally significant objects will be imported to the U.S. to be displayed in the exhibition “The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower” at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, as well as possibly in other locations. This exhibition is considered to be in the national interest. Public Notice of these determinations will be published in the Federal Register.