Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is seeking comments on a new information collection effort. This initiative involves conducting the SAFECOM Nationwide Surveys to evaluate the emergency communications capabilities of responders across different levels of government. The surveys will help assess current capabilities and identify needs and gaps, with the data being shared with relevant emergency communication stakeholders. CISA aims to minimize the burden on respondents by offering various submission methods, including electronic forms. Comments on the proposed information collection are due by April 19, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), is introducing a temporary rule to help U.S. businesses struggling from a lack of workers by increasing the number of H-2B visas available for Fiscal Year 2025 by up to 64,716. These visas will be distributed over the fiscal year in four allocations, with a portion reserved specifically for nationals of certain countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Haiti. The rule also allows greater job flexibility for H-2B workers already in the U.S. by letting them change employers more easily. Businesses must attest they are facing severe loss without these workers for their applications to be considered.

The document outlines an interim final rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Homeland Security and Treasury Departments, to implement regulations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This rule amends existing regulations to provide guidance on preferential tariff treatment and related customs measures for various goods, including textiles and automotive products. It establishes certification requirements for importers and manufacturers, recordkeeping responsibilities, and procedures for protests and verifications. The rule aims to ensure compliance with the new trade agreement and streamline the process for benefiting from the preferential treatment under the USMCA.

The Coast Guard is proposing to remove a security zone regulation for Rattlesnake, Tampa, FL, because the Chemical Formulators Chlorine Facility there is no longer operating. This change would lift existing restrictions on vessel movement in the area. The public is invited to share their comments on the proposal by April 14, 2025, through the Federal Decision-Making Portal. The proposal aims to update the security measures to reflect current needs, with no significant economic impact expected on small entities.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking public comments on a proposed new information collection initiative. This initiative involves gathering applicants' social media identifiers to enhance identity verification and national security screening as directed by Executive Order 14161. The public can submit comments on this proposal within the 60-day period ending on May 5, 2025, through the regulations.gov website. The initiative estimates a total of approximately 285,999 hours of public burden, yet no additional costs are anticipated for respondents beyond current requirements.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking public comments on changes to a previously approved information collection related to training evaluation forms. These forms help FEMA assess the effectiveness of its training programs by collecting feedback from participants several months after completing the training. This helps FEMA understand how the training impacts the participants’ jobs and if the skills learned are being applied in real-life situations. FEMA invites comments on the necessity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this data collection to improve its processes.

The proposed rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland Security mandates that rail carriers electronically submit export manifest data for trains leaving the U.S. This new regulation aims to enhance cargo security by requiring pre-departure information through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), improving risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with U.S. export laws. The rule also outlines the parties eligible to submit data and specifies timelines for data submissions to minimize the risk of undocumented and potentially hazardous cargo leaving the country. Additionally, the economic analysis suggests that the regulation could result in significant cost savings for both CBP and the trade industry by streamlining the export process and reducing reliance on paper documentation.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is revising its information collection activities related to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Program. This notice outlines efforts to streamline the process, including the introduction of online renewals and fee reductions for certain applicants, which aim to reduce both cost and time burdens on applicants. TSA collects biographic and biometric information to conduct security threat assessments (STAs) for TWIC applicants and holders. Comments on the proposed changes can be submitted by March 26, 2021, as part of their review under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule allowing for electronic submission of mariner credential applications and the payment of fees through an online system, aiming to modernize and streamline the process. The rule eliminates the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath in person, updates certain procedures related to the issuance of credentials, and makes technical amendments like adopting gender-neutral language. The changes, effective January 19, 2025, are designed to improve efficiency and clarity, making it easier for mariners to manage their credentials.

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.