Search Results for keywords:"executive orders"

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has proposed a new rule to update its regulations on claims collection. This rule aims to comply with the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 by requiring USAID to refer certain overdue debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. By revising definitions and processes and ensuring conformity with existing statues, USAID seeks to improve the effectiveness of its debt collection procedures. Public comments on the proposed rule were invited until March 31, 2021.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced a change to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). On March 21, 2025, an entity named Tornado Cash had its assets unblocked, and it was removed from the SDN List. Additionally, an update was made to the listing of an individual, Roman Semenov, although the specifics of the change were not detailed. Despite these changes, any property or interests of this individual under U.S. jurisdiction remain blocked, and U.S. citizens are still largely prohibited from conducting transactions with him.

The Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice on December 20, 2024, looking for public feedback on its draft Energy Storage Strategy and Roadmap. However, the DOE decided to withdraw this notice and the comment period extension from January 22, 2025, to make updates that align with new executive orders and directives. They plan to make the updated draft available for public comment in the future through the Federal Register. The withdrawal was approved by Derek Passarelli, Acting Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, and signed by Treena V. Garrett, DOE's Federal Register Liaison Officer.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim rule to remove its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action follows an executive order that rescinded the previous directive requiring these regulations and raised questions about CEQ's authority to impose binding rules. CEQ invites public comments on this rule by March 27, 2025, and will consider these before finalizing the rule. The interim rule’s removal of regulations is aimed at addressing legal uncertainties and simplifying agency compliance with NEPA.

The President has announced the continuation of a national emergency regarding Ukraine, which was initially declared on March 6, 2014, due to threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy. Various executive orders have expanded this emergency, addressing actions by the Russian Federation that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and stability. These actions, including Russia's recognition of regions within Ukraine contrary to international agreements, are considered ongoing threats. Therefore, the emergency will remain in effect for another year beyond March 6, 2025.

The Department of Education has decided to withdraw the notice inviting applications for the fiscal year 2025 Charter Schools Program (CSP) grants to state entities. This withdrawal is part of a review to make sure the program aligns with current priorities and executive orders. The Department plans to issue a new notice soon, which aims to reduce oversight and simplify the application process. The withdrawal is not expected to disrupt the grant awards for FY 2025 since a new notice will be announced shortly.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

To address the flow of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Canada border, the U.S. has imposed additional tariffs on Canadian imports as outlined in a series of executive orders. This notice by the Department of Homeland Security adjusts the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. to implement these tariffs, effective March 7, 2025. The changes include a 10% tariff on certain Canadian products not qualifying for duty-free status under the USMCA, and specialized tariff adjustments for automotive and potash products to minimize economic disruption. The tariffs aim to pressure Canada to enhance measures against drug trafficking while maintaining trade considerations for vital sectors like the automotive industry.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) announced a Federal Personnel Vetting Core Doctrine to reform the process of vetting government employees. This document lays out the principles and priorities for evaluating the trustworthiness of federal workers, aiming to improve efficiency and promote mobility within the government workforce. The policy focuses on using risk management, data-driven improvements, and transparency to ensure fair and consistent vetting processes. The doctrine aligns with executive orders and will serve as a guide for government-wide and agency-specific policies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its rules for the Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) to align with new federal award regulations and to improve the grant administration process. These updates include changes to terms and timelines for reporting by grant recipients, without significantly impacting small entities receiving grants. The rule ensures that there are no new information collections required beyond those already approved and incorporates executive orders to maximize regulatory benefits. It will be effective from January 30, 2025, and does not impose significant economic impacts or unfunded mandates.