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The Coast Guard is making a correction to an earlier notice that asked for public comments on using Safety Management Systems to enhance safety on U.S.-flagged passenger vessels. This correction involves fixing a mistake in the January 15, 2021, notice where there was a wrong reference in a list of questions meant for the public. Specifically, they have changed a reference from “question 4” to “question 6” in one of the questions. The corrected question now asks about comparing the costs and benefits of expanding existing regulations versus requiring Safety Management Systems for all passenger vessels.

The Coast Guard has established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is launching a Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE) Pilot to collect facial images from certain non-U.S. citizens leaving the United States. This pilot, starting on March 19, 2025, will use a mobile app to gather and verify biometrics, aiming to improve the accuracy of entry-exit records by using facial recognition and geolocation technology. The pilot will help CBP evaluate the effectiveness and user-friendliness of this technology, potentially creating a more automated and secure system for tracking exits. Participation is voluntary, focusing on those subject to the I-94 form requirements.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking public comment on an information collection request that it plans to submit for extension. This request involves gathering ratings and written comments from students who finish TSA instructor-led classroom training, which includes various canine handler courses. The feedback aims to evaluate the quality of the training and make improvements as necessary. The public is encouraged to submit their comments by February 3, 2025.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice amending a major disaster declaration for Louisiana, originally declared on August 28, 2020. The amendment specifically adds Richland Parish to the list of areas affected by the disaster, making it eligible for certain federal assistance programs like debris removal and permanent work support. This includes a range of assistance categories like public assistance and help for individuals and households impacted by the disaster. The amendment was officially issued on January 13, 2021.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has approved the Native American tribal card issued by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as a valid travel document. This card can be used by U.S. and Canadian citizen members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to show their identity and citizenship when entering the United States at land and sea borders. This approval is part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which lists documents that are acceptable for crossing U.S. borders. The use of these cards is voluntary, and they must meet certain standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced that the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) will meet on February 26, 2025, via teleconference. This meeting will cover discussions on the committee's current activities, cybersecurity initiatives, and will feature talks from administration and CISA leaders. Public participation is allowed, but individuals must register by February 24, 2025. Interested parties can submit comments by February 19, 2025, and access meeting materials at the provided online link.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of an approved information collection related to the Registration for Classification as a Refugee. This notice aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to gather input on the need, accuracy, quality, and burden of the information collection process. The public can submit comments until March 4, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The estimated total burden time for this collection is about 183,223 hours annually, at an estimated cost burden of $12,000.

The Coast Guard announced that it will enforce a security zone in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, along with nearby waters in Washington, DC, for the 59th Presidential Inauguration events from January 17 to 25, 2021. This measure is to protect government officials and enhance safety, especially against potential threats. During this period, people and vessels are not allowed to enter or stay in the zone unless they have permission from the Captain of the Port. The Coast Guard, along with other law enforcement agencies, will enforce this rule, and updates will be announced if the conditions change.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued an amendment to a major disaster declaration for Massachusetts originally dated March 27, 2020. This amendment, which took effect on January 14, 2021, appoints Paul F. Ford as the new Federal Coordinating Officer, replacing W. Russell Webster. The document specifies several federal assistance programs available under the disaster declaration for affected individuals and communities.