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The Department of State is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection related to the Supplemental Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Chief of Mission Application. They need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue using a form (DS-157) that helps process SIV applications for Afghan allies. The public has until March 24, 2021, to submit comments, which will help evaluate the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this information collection. The form is essential for Afghan SIV applicants to obtain Chief of Mission approval as required by the Afghan Allies Protection Act.

The Department of State has proposed a collection of information regarding overseas schools and has submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. They are seeking public comments by March 28, 2025, as part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This information collection is crucial for evaluating educational opportunities for the dependents of American citizens working overseas, and ensuring proper use and management of grant funds. The proposed data collection aims to improve educational standards and facilitate the availability of accurate information about these schools.

The Department of State has released the names of individuals added to the Department of Treasury's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List), due to their involvement in harmful activities related to the Russian government. This action was taken under an Executive Order, and as a result, any property these individuals have in the U.S. is now blocked. Additionally, U.S. citizens are not allowed to conduct any transactions with them. More information about the sanctions can be found on the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) website.

The Department of State is proposing an extension of an information collection related to medical examinations for visa and immigration benefits, seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). They are asking for public comments over 60 days on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of this information collection, which involves forms filled out by panel physicians on behalf of visa applicants and others seeking immigration benefits. The collected medical information is used to ensure that applicants do not have conditions affecting their eligibility for a visa and is shared with various government bodies to protect public health. Public comments on this proposal will be accepted until June 16, 2025.

The Department of State's Advisory Committee on International Law (ACIL) will hold a public meeting on January 17, 2025, at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC. Attendees will have the option to join either in-person or virtually, but they need to register by January 8, 2025, to attend. The meeting will cover several international law issues, including jurisdictional challenges involving private military and security companies, the application of international tribunal decisions, and how different international laws interact during naval operations. Margaret L. Taylor, the Legal Adviser, will lead the meeting.

The Department of State has announced that they have added new individuals and entities to the Department of Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. This decision was made due to their involvement in harmful activities linked to the Russian government. As a result, the property and financial assets of these individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Two main companies, GOTIK SHIPPING CO and PLIO ENERGY CARGO SHIPPING OPC PRIVATE LIMITED, along with their vessels, are mentioned in the sanctions for providing support to Russian entities subject to these restrictions.

The Department of State decided to withdraw two proposed rules that aimed to prevent discrimination in using foreign assistance funds. These proposals, published in January 2024, addressed contracting and grants but are being pulled back because the public raised concerns needing more study, particularly regarding faith-based organizations. The department is taking more time to consider comments about ensuring non-discrimination and clear application of waivers, but they aren't changing their stance on the Secretary’s authority regarding these funds. As such, no final rules based on these proposals will be issued.

The Department of State is asking for public feedback on a request to renew the information collection needed for exporting or importing classified defense articles and data. This is done using Form DSP-85, following regulations under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The public has until February 10, 2025, to submit comments either online or through mail. The feedback will help the Department assess the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this information collection process.

The Department of State has released a detailed report on gifts received by federal employees from foreign governments in 2023. This report, compiled by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, includes gifts that exceed a minimal value of $480, as defined by U.S. law and regulations. It also incorporates certain gifts from prior years that were not included in earlier reports because they were not reported on time. The publication of this report in the Federal Register is required by federal law.

The Department of State has determined that certain culturally significant objects are being temporarily imported to the United States for display at the exhibition "406: Zagreb" at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and possibly other venues. These objects are considered important for national interest, and the Department has issued a public notice about these determinations in the Federal Register. Nicole L. Elkon from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is involved in this decision-making process.