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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking public comments on Form 6765, which relates to the Credit for Increasing Research Activities. This request is part of an effort to reduce paperwork and make the process easier for individuals and businesses that use the form to report research-related tax credits. Comments from the public and other agencies are welcomed to ensure the form meets its purpose efficiently, and should be submitted by April 19, 2021. The form’s usage is governed by the Paperwork Reduction Act, and it helps verify the correctness of tax credits claimed for research activities.

The memorandum issued by the President aims to combat racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and belonging for all races and ethnicities. It acknowledges the harmful role that past government actions and rhetoric regarding COVID-19 have played and outlines steps to prevent discrimination and support AAPI communities. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General are instructed to issue guidance and explore opportunities to prevent hate crimes and discriminatory practices. The document encourages federal departments and independent agencies to ensure their actions do not contribute to racism or intolerance.

The Office of Personnel Management has announced a virtual meeting of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee scheduled for January 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (ET). This committee, which includes representatives from labor unions and federal agencies, reviews and advises on prevailing wage rates for federal employees. Members of the public can attend this meeting by registering through email by January 7, 2025. The meeting will cover topics related to federal wage systems, and participants can listen to the discussion through audio teleconference.

The Executive Order 14148, titled Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions, was issued by the President to revoke numerous executive orders from the previous administration. These revocations aim to address what the current administration views as inflationary, illegal, and radical practices embedded within federal agencies. The Executive Order includes the termination of initiatives related to diversity, climate regulations, and various COVID-19 responses, among others. The goal is to restore practices that the administration deems will make the nation more united, fair, safe, and prosperous.

The Executive Order designates English as the official language of the United States. It emphasizes the importance of a unified society where everyone can communicate in a common language, while still valuing the multilingual heritage of Americans. The order revokes Executive Order 13166, which aimed to improve access to services for those with limited English proficiency, but allows agencies to continue providing services in other languages if needed. It also mandates the Attorney General to update guidance related to this change, ensuring it aligns with existing laws.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of comments on Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) from other federal agencies, as required by the Clean Air Act. These comments can be accessed online. The document lists two finalized EISs, one by the Texas Department of Transportation regarding the SH 68 project and another by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pertaining to operations in the Willamette Valley. The review periods for both statements end on May 12, 2025.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released a notice inviting public comments on a proposed information collection related to disability retirement applications under the CSRS/FERS system. The collection involves Standard Form 3112, which helps assess eligibility for disability retirement. OPM is particularly interested in feedback about the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements for the information gathering process. Comments are being accepted until March 29, 2021, and can be submitted through mail, email, or fax.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is seeking feedback from the public and other federal agencies regarding a proposed information collection effort. This effort aims to collect necessary information to monitor borrower's payments and alert EXIM of any defaults under its export credit insurance policies. The information will help the bank manage its portfolio effectively. Comments are invited until April 9, 2021, and can be submitted online or by mail.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has released new guidance to help federal departments and agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during emergencies. This guidance outlines alternative procedures for environmental reviews when emergencies require quick action and involve significant effects that would normally need an environmental impact statement. The document includes steps agencies should take during emergencies, including consulting with CEQ and coordinating with other agencies and governments to ensure public safety and resource protection are prioritized while complying with NEPA requirements.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is asking the public and other federal agencies to provide feedback on its information collection methods, particularly concerning Form 8906, known as the Distilled Spirits Credit. This action is part of the IRS's ongoing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden. The public has until March 31, 2025, to submit their comments. The IRS aims to improve the quality and clarity of the information it collects and is interested in suggestions for reducing the burden on respondents through technology or other means.