Search Results for keywords:"national security"

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce has made changes to the Export Administration Regulations by adding eight entities to the Entity List. These include two entities in Burma, two in China, and four in Russia. This action is taken because these entities are involved in activities opposing U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, such as supporting human rights violations and mass surveillance. As a result, a license will now be required for the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of items to these entities, with applications generally presumed to be denied.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set up rules to protect US communications networks from equipment considered a national security threat. Specifically, they are mandating that carriers using federal funds remove and replace risky equipment, which includes creating a reimbursement program to help small service providers cover the costs. This program prioritizes funding based on the size of the provider and the type of network equipment being replaced. A carefully monitored process ensures transparency and accountability, including regular updates and compliance checks, to prevent misuse of the funds.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to modify its Partner-Vetting System, a system used to vet directors, officers, and employees of non-governmental organizations seeking funds from USAID. The system collects personal data to ensure that USAID’s funds do not inadvertently support individuals or entities posing a risk to national security. Changes include removing certain categories of individuals from its coverage and clarifying details in the system’s records. USAID invites the public to submit comments on the proposed changes by February 12, 2021.

The Executive Order 13981, issued by President Donald J. Trump, focuses on protecting the United States from security risks associated with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) made by foreign adversaries. The order outlines steps to prevent the use of taxpayer money for buying UAS that present security threats, calls for assessments of current government UAS use, and encourages prioritizing domestically produced UAS. It defines "covered UAS" as those manufactured or containing components from nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and emphasizes examining how these systems are used by federal agencies. The order also directs agencies to consider replacing these UAS in future budgets.

On September 6, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce published a rule in the Federal Register that accidentally contained some errors. This new rule, effective December 27, 2024, corrects those errors related to national security, regional stability, and special reporting/export controls in specific sections of the Export Administration Regulations. The changes involve correcting incorrect citations and redesignating paragraph numbers to ensure the proper application of export control laws, in line with the Export Control Reform Act of 2018.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has submitted a plan to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for reviewing a proposal to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal involves the National Language Service Corps, which recruits U.S. citizens willing to volunteer their language skills for national security work in situations where other resources aren't available. The information collection request is for an extension, and it includes forms DD 2932, 2933, and 2934. Comments on this proposal can be submitted until February 10, 2025, via www.reginfo.gov.

In a new interim final rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced changes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regarding advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing items. These changes include new controls on semiconductor equipment, high bandwidth memory, and software keys. The rule aims to limit specific exports to countries of concern, such as China, due to national security risks. The refinements include foreign direct product rules, license requirements, and clarifications to assist compliance.

The Department of the Treasury has issued a final rule to exempt a new system called the Outbound Investment Security Program Notification System from certain parts of the Privacy Act. This system is connected to an Executive Order that deals with national security threats from foreign countries. The exemption aims to protect sensitive information and complies with legal limitations on disclosing certain kinds of data. Public comments were received, highlighting the need for transparency, but the Treasury emphasized that the exemptions are crucial for safeguarding national security and maintaining confidentiality.

The Executive Order 14237 aims to address activities by the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss) that the administration deems harmful to national interests. It directs immediate suspension of security clearances for Paul Weiss employees and an evaluation of existing government contracts with the firm. The order also outlines measures to prevent future business with the firm unless it aligns with American interests and instructs agencies to limit interactions with Paul Weiss employees when national security is a concern. Additionally, it emphasizes the administration's commitment to eliminating racial discrimination in federal contracting practices.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised the Export Administration Regulations by adding 13 entities to the Entity List, which includes organizations acting against the national security interests of the U.S., from countries like Burma, China, and Pakistan. This amendment primarily targets entities tied to military modernization and human rights abuses. As a consequence, these entities now have stricter requirements for licenses on exports and transfers. Additionally, the rule corrects minor errors and offers transitional provisions for items already in transit.