Search Results for agency_names:"Office of the Secretary"

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting public comments on an information collection request (ICR) related to the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation. The request, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, aims to gather necessary data to process medical bills for certain employees under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Feedback is needed on the necessity, timeliness, and accuracy of the information collected, as well as suggestions for minimizing the burden on respondents. Comments must be submitted by February 18, 2021.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on an information collection request in connection with the Black Lung Benefits Act. This collection helps ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet eligibility requirements by updating details such as income and marital status. The collection process includes forms that now offer an electronic filing option. Comments can be submitted until March 15, 2021, as the proposal is under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) according to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a proposed sale of military equipment to the Government of Greece, including up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and various supporting items, with an estimated total cost of $8.6 billion. This sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy by strengthening the military capabilities of Greece, a NATO ally, and improving its ability to maintain regional security. The equipment will help Greece modernize its air force and enhance its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. The DoD assures that this sale will not negatively affect U.S. defense readiness and has been authorized for export to Greece.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public feedback on potential new rules to protect airline passengers from financial losses caused by flight disruptions. These rules could require airlines to provide cash compensation, free rebooking, and amenities like meals and lodging when flights are significantly delayed or canceled due to reasons within the airline's control. The DOT is also considering how to ensure passengers quickly receive accurate information about their rights and options in these situations. The goal is to offer clear and automatic processes for passengers to obtain compensation and services, especially for travelers with disabilities who may face additional challenges.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is inviting public comments on its information collection request (ICR) related to the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which recognizes employers for their efforts to hire veterans. This request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are encouraged to address the necessity and utility of the information collected, as well as ways to reduce the burden on respondents. The DOL intends for the OMB's authorization to last for three years, with the current comment period ending on February 16, 2021.

The Department of Labor has introduced a new rule focusing on electronic filing and service procedures for cases handled by the Office of Administrative Law Judges. This rule mandates attorneys and representatives to use the Department's electronic system for filing and serving documents, making it easier and more streamlined. Individuals representing themselves can choose between electronic and traditional filing methods. Additionally, the rule covers various technical details, such as electronic signatures, the scheduling of hearings, and modifications to existing regulations to accommodate these new procedures.

The Department of Labor submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This request is focused on collecting data related to the safety and health measures for refuse piles and impoundment structures in mining operations, which are critical for preventing accidents and injuries. Public comments are invited on whether the information collection is necessary and how it might be improved, with all feedback due by February 18, 2021. The Department aims to minimize the burden on businesses by using efficient data collection methods.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on an information collection request related to employee benefits laws. This request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments are due by February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through the regulations website. The department aims to ensure the collected information is useful, accurate, and not overly burdensome for respondents.

The Health and Human Services Department has issued a final rule updating the standards for electronic transactions in retail pharmacies under HIPAA. The rule adopts modifications to improve data exchange, enhance patient safety, and streamline processes, like replacing several free text fields with specific data fields. These changes include implementing the NCPDP Telecommunication Standard Implementation Guide, Version F6, and the NCPDP Batch Standard Subrogation Implementation Guide, Version 10, specifically for Medicaid agencies. The new standards are set to take effect beginning February 11, 2028, with compliance required 36 months after the final rule's publication, including an 8-month transition period to ease the changes.