Search Results for agency_names:"Centers for Medicare

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending its test of using facial recognition technology to help airlines and ships meet passenger information regulations for two more years, now ending on February 16, 2027. This voluntary test allows participating carriers to use CBP's Traveler Verification Service (TVS) to compare travelers' facial images with images already on file, potentially speeding up passenger processing. Travelers can opt out if they do not want their photos taken, requiring the carriers to verify their identities manually. The test aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in verifying traveler identities while maintaining privacy and data protection standards.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule clarifying the test procedures for general service lamps (GSLs). These clarifications emphasize that GSLs shouldn't be tested as colored lamps, and if a lamp includes extra components not affecting light output, those components should be turned off during tests. For non-integrated lamps, the rule specifies testing with a ballast or driver that's compatible and commercially available, where possible. The final rule is designed to ensure consistent testing without imposing additional costs or burdens on manufacturers.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing changes to its regulations to align with the updated guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These changes would update cross-references, implement new rules for loan guarantee programs, and attempt to streamline and clarify requirements for recipients of federal financial assistance. HUD also seeks to better align specific programs like the Housing Trust Fund program with these updates, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency in managing federal financial assistance.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a rule clarifying how spectrum sharing will work between different generations of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems. The rule sets specific technical criteria, including a limit on interference to earlier established satellite systems to promote effective coordination and protect network operations. A transitional protection period of ten years is specified, after which later systems must share spectrum equally with earlier systems. These measures aim to ensure efficient use of satellite spectrum and facilitate a competitive environment for new satellite entries.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is inviting public comments on the Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program) Application. This program, managed by the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, provides financial assistance to help institutions offer small, affordable loans and to promote financial inclusion. The Treasury seeks input on various aspects of the application process, including the appropriateness of grant sizes, transparency of required data, and adequacy of information requested to demonstrate the need for financial support. Comments must be submitted by February 4, 2025.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced new maximum amounts for civil monetary penalties, which will start on January 15, 2025. These adjustments are based on the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, and follow a cost-of-living increase set by recent guidance. The penalty for standard violations under the Antarctic Conservation Act has been adjusted to $21,568, while knowing violations will be penalized with up to $36,498. For violations under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, the maximum penalty is now $14,308.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated the maximum civil monetary penalties to account for inflation, as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments are effective from January 15, 2025, through January 14, 2026. For example, the penalty for fraud facilitators in positions of trust will increase from $9,704 to $9,956, and for violative broadcasts, the penalty will rise from $63,991 to $65,653. The SSA uses the October Consumer Price Index and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget to calculate these annual updates.

The final regulations from the Internal Revenue Service under the Treasury Department focus on implementing credits for producing clean hydrogen as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. These regulations cover how to assess greenhouse gas emissions, verify clean hydrogen production, and apply energy credits for hydrogen production facilities. They impact all taxpayers who either produce qualified clean hydrogen or use renewable energy sources to make it, aiming to encourage cleaner hydrogen production processes. The rules are effective from January 10, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is requesting feedback on the development of Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects. These projects, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, will allow Tribes and Tribal organizations to take on roles traditionally held by State agencies in administering school meal programs. The USDA is seeking input from Tribes, Tribal organizations, State agencies, and others on topics like eligibility criteria and the selection process for these pilot projects. Written comments are being accepted until March 24, 2025, to help shape the application process and evaluate potential challenges and support needs.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to seek approval to extend a currently approved information collection known as the Agritourism Directory. This directory helps small and medium-sized farmers enhance market access by listing working farms, ranches, and related operations that provide recreational and educational opportunities. The information gathered will be used to update the USDA's National Local Food Directories, which connect consumers and wholesale buyers with local food sources. Comments on the notice are invited and must be received by March 24, 2025.