Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has finalized a rule that amends the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan to introduce Amendment 8. This rule establishes a new Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rule that considers the role of herring in the ecosystem and prohibits midwater trawling within federal waters inshore from the U.S./Canada border to the Rhode Island/Connecticut border. The aim is to sustainably manage herring resources, addressing both overfishing risks and potential conflicts between different user groups such as commercial fishermen and ecotourism operators, while ensuring herring is available as essential forage for other marine species. These measures respond to the declining herring biomass and are expected to provide both ecological and long-term economic benefits, despite potential short-term economic impacts on the fishing industry.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new final rule to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to make these distinctions clearer by providing guidance based on economic realities, which consider factors like a worker’s control over their work and the potential for profit or loss. Two main factors, related to control and profit potential, are seen as more significant in determining a worker's status. The rule aims to increase predictability for both workers and businesses across all industries.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has revised the critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 3.5 million acres across Washington, Oregon, and California. These exclusions reflect a reconsideration of various impacts, including economic and environmental factors, as well as new information since the 2012 designation. The decision is based on the determination that these exclusions will not lead to the extinction of the species, considering the threats posed by invasive barred owls and ongoing habitat conservation efforts. The revised designation continues to protect critical habitat areas for the owl's survival while balancing other land management priorities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an interim final rule implementing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw Loans under section 311 of the Economic Aid Act. This program is designed to provide financial support to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 that already received a first PPP loan. Eligibility criteria include having 300 or fewer employees and experiencing a revenue decline of at least 25% compared to 2019. Second Draw PPP Loans have terms similar to the first draw loans and are eligible for loan forgiveness if conditions are met. Comments are invited until February 16, 2021.

The Census Bureau of the Commerce Department is inviting public comments on updates to the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS). This survey, conducted every two weeks, provides important real-time data on how businesses are doing in the U.S., such as changes in revenue, employment, and the use of technologies like artificial intelligence. The bureau aims to improve the quality of data and reduce the reporting burden on businesses. Comments are welcomed to help assess and refine these updates before seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The America First Trade Policy memorandum outlines a plan by the President to prioritize American economic and national security interests in trade policy. It directs various government officials to investigate and address issues like unfair trade practices, large trade deficits, and currency manipulation. The memo also emphasizes reviewing trade relations with China, exploring tariff adjustments, and examining the effectiveness of existing U.S. export controls. The goal is to enhance the United States' industrial and technological strengths, protect workers, and ensure fair trade practices with global partners.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), part of the Department of Commerce, has issued a notice regarding the mandatory Quarterly Survey of Transactions in Selected Services and Intellectual Property with Foreign Persons (BE-125). This survey collects data to measure the U.S.'s trade in services and its impact on the economy. U.S. individuals or organizations meeting certain sales or purchase thresholds with foreign persons are required to report. The survey must be submitted within 30 days after each fiscal quarter ends, except for the final quarter, which has a 45-day deadline. The survey process is approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0608-0067.

The Department of Defense has issued a notice about a planned arms sale involving Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) support to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. (TECRO). This sale includes maintenance and improvement of existing systems, spare parts, training, and support services under the Syun An program and is worth an estimated $300 million. The proposal seeks to bolster the defense capabilities of the recipient without affecting the military balance in the region. The notice also mentions that about 26 U.S. government personnel and 83 contractors will be involved in providing the necessary support and services.

The Copyright Royalty Judges have issued a decision on how to interpret a regulation about “Gross Proceeds” for royalty payments under the 17 U.S.C. 112 license. This interpretation was needed due to a dispute between SoundExchange and Music Choice about how much Music Choice should pay in royalties for using digital sound recordings in business establishments. The Judges concluded that all fees and payments should be considered in these "Gross Proceeds," except certain in-kind payments, which only count if they're strictly for helping with the business service's operation. This decision was made to clarify the ambiguity in the existing regulations and ensure fair compensation for the use of music in business settings.

The Department of Defense published a notice about an arms sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO). The proposed $75 million sale involves various communication and data security equipment, including GPS receivers, without any major defense equipment. This sale aims to support Taiwan in modernizing its military and maintaining regional security while ensuring there is no significant shift in the military balance. The transaction requires U.S. personnel for technical support but will not affect U.S. defense readiness.