Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting comments from the public and other federal agencies to help reduce paperwork, as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are particularly interested in feedback from small businesses with fewer than 25 employees about how to lessen their information collection burdens. The FCC has outlined specific information collection topics, including burden estimates and ways to improve the clarity and usefulness of collected information. Comments must be submitted by March 22, 2021, through the provided channels.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates the process for requesting special flight authorizations for supersonic aircraft in the U.S. This rule simplifies the application procedure for testing these aircrafts at speeds over Mach 1, mainly for purposes like checking airworthiness and reducing sonic boom impacts. While the rule streamlines administrative requirements, it does not change the long-standing general ban on routine overland supersonic flight. The FAA still heavily focuses on ensuring these tests consider potential environmental impacts, following regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to improve care coordination and individual engagement. These changes aim to facilitate better communication among healthcare providers, payors, and individuals, reducing unnecessary barriers and maintaining patient privacy. The proposed modifications include new definitions for terms like "electronic health record" and adjustments to individual rights for accessing their health information. HHS seeks public comments on these proposals by March 22, 2021, to ensure that the regulations support the shift to value-based healthcare.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes. This directive is a response to information about electrical harness installations that do not meet approved designs, which could cause issues like wire chafing, arcing, or failure. These problems might lead to loss of system redundancy or other safety hazards. To address this, the AD requires modifications to the electrical harness installations, which will cost about $1,775 per aircraft to implement.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is planning to renew its information collection request (ICR) aimed at helping motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers meet financial responsibility requirements. They are seeking public comments on this renewal, which involves specific documentation and forms related to insurance and surety bonds. These include forms demonstrating liability insurance coverage and surety bonds necessary for registration while also discussing updates to forms due to new rules impacting financial responsibilities set to take effect in 2026. This request covers an estimated 200,147 respondents, who must submit information for compliance with FMCSA's requirements.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a rule setting the 2021 allocation of Pacific whiting fishery resources. This rule allocates 17.5% of the U.S. total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific whiting to Pacific Coast Indian tribes, honoring their treaty rights. The remaining TAC will be divided among various non-tribal fishing sectors, with a focus on preventing overfishing and achieving optimal yields. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 18, 2021, emphasizing the importance of community input.

The Coast Guard has proposed a new rule to improve the schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, FL. The proposed changes aim to make the bridge operation more predictable and reliable due to increased railway activity. The new schedule would ensure the bridge remains open for navigation except when allowing trains to pass, with fixed 10-minute opening periods each hour. The proposal seeks public comments, highlighting the importance of public participation in shaping the final decision.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a final rule to revise its regulations regarding brokered deposits and interest rate restrictions for less than well-capitalized banks. For brokered deposits, the rule creates a new framework to determine what qualifies as a "deposit broker," including an evaluation of what it means to "facilitate," and introduces several designated exceptions that qualify for this exception without requiring an application. For interest rate restrictions, the FDIC has updated how it calculates the national and local rate caps that less than well-capitalized banks can offer on deposits, aiming to ensure these caps more accurately reflect market conditions. The rule aims to provide clarity to banks while still promoting safety and soundness in their operations.

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 Department of the Interior has announced programs and fiscal targets for 2025 that can be part of self-governance funding agreements with Indian Tribes, excluding the Bureau of Indian Affairs. These agreements allow Tribes to manage certain federal programs that relate to managing resources like lands and waters. The document lists eligible programs from different offices such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, and highlights the objective to strengthen tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and collaboration in managing federal lands. Self-governance agreements have been made with several Tribes across various areas.