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NASA is announcing its intention to grant Aquatherm LP a partially exclusive license for several U.S. patents related to wireless sensors and other technologies. This license is focused on polypropylene and plastic containers and pipes in residential settings. NASA is accepting written objections until January 29, 2021, for those who believe this license would not align with federal requirements. If objections are submitted, they will remain confidential under the Freedom of Information Act.

In Executive Order 14175, the President outlines a process to consider designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under U.S. law. This decision follows Ansar Allah's aggressive actions, including attacks on U.S. Navy ships and civilians, and their role in destabilizing the Middle East. The order instructs the Secretary of State to report on the designation within 30 days and take appropriate steps thereafter, while also requiring USAID to review and possibly terminate relationships with entities connected to Ansar Allah. The order highlights the need for cooperation with regional partners to counter threats posed by Ansar Allah.

The State Department has designated a group known as Ansarallah, also called Ansar Allah or Partisans of God, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This decision is based on their involvement or risk of involvement in terrorist activities that threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy. The order prevents any advance notice to the individuals affected, as this could undermine the government's ability to effectively block their assets. Michael R. Pompeo, who was the Secretary of State at the time, signed the order on January 12, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final order to stop the use of a chemical called Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) on dogs, cats, and in kennels and dog houses. This decision was made after the company Chem-Tech, Ltd voluntarily requested to end these uses, and no public comments were received during the comment period that would change this decision. The order is effective from February 18, 2021, meaning that any sale, distribution, or use of products with TCVP must comply with the new rules. Existing stocks can still be used or sold until they run out, as long as it's done according to the existing labeling.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a rule that allows honey and honeycomb to have residues of oxalic acid without setting a maximum permissible level. This decision was made because oxalic acid is already found naturally in many plants and honey, and studies have shown that the residues are harmless. The rule also applies to the use of oxalic acid as a miticide in honeybee hives, ensuring no harm to humans, including infants and children, from exposure to this substance. This action supports the regulation of agricultural commodities while simplifying the process by not requiring any enforcement method for oxalic acid levels in honey-related products.

The Federal Reserve Board has updated its Regulation A to decrease the interest rates for loans given to banks. The primary credit rate has been lowered from 4.75% to 4.50%, and the secondary credit rate from 5.25% to 5.00%. These changes reflect adjustments in line with the Federal Open Market Committee's decision on the target federal funds rate. The Board has bypassed the usual procedures for public notice and comment because the changes are deemed urgent and relate to loans.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, is planning to renew the Higher Education Research and Development Survey. This survey collects data on research and development expenditures across various fields in higher education and other sectors. Public comments are being solicited as part of this renewal process, and interested parties have until March 11, 2025, to submit their input. The survey aims to provide ongoing, detailed information to be used by researchers, policymakers, and the public to understand trends in scientific research spending.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an interim final rule allowing certain businesses in the 8(a) Business Development program to extend their participation by one year due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension applies to companies in the program on March 13, 2020, as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the National Defense Authorization Act 2021. Firms that have left the program since March 13, 2020, can also be readmitted if they notify the SBA and confirm they still meet eligibility criteria. The rule is effective immediately, although the public can comment on the rule until March 15, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on renewing an information collection related to operating commercial launch sites. This information is necessary for evaluating applications to ensure they meet safety and security standards. The FAA estimates that about two applicants will apply, with each application requiring about 2,322 hours to complete. Public comments on this process can be submitted by March 15, 2021, through various means, including online, mail, or fax.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) issued a Statement of Policy about notifying respondents when a court remands a case involving election issues back to the FEC. If a court tells the FEC to reconsider a case, they will notify the parties involved within 48 hours by email and physical mail, enclosing the court's decision and instructions for possible further responses. This new policy aims to keep everyone informed but doesn't change any legal rights or create new requirements for public input. It ensures the respondents in these cases have a chance to update their responses as needed.