Targeted News Service

Lattice-Boom Crawler Cranes From Japan Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:

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Lattice-Boom Crawler Cranes (LBCCs) From Japan Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of lattice-boom crawler cranes (LBCCs) from Japan that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Jason E. Kearns and Amy A. Karpel ... Show Full Article

Federal Maritime Commission Assigns Administrative Law Judge to Oversee Case Involving SFL Worldwide

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Office of Administrative Law Judges has initiated procedural steps in a dispute involving a shipping logistics firm, establishing strict deadlines for initial disclosures, mediation talks, and evidentiary filings. The regulatory body distributed an initial order outlining the operational timeline and strict litigation standards for the proceeding titled Aman Kaushik, Complainant v. SFL Worldwide LLC, Respondent (Docket No. 26-10). Administrative Law Judge Alex M. Chintella issued the mandate to ensure the space remains structured as both sides ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Federal Maritime Commission Office of Administrative Law Judges has initiated procedural steps in a dispute involving a shipping logistics firm, establishing strict deadlines for initial disclosures, mediation talks, and evidentiary filings. The regulatory body distributed an initial order outlining the operational timeline and strict litigation standards for the proceeding titled Aman Kaushik, Complainant v. SFL Worldwide LLC, Respondent (Docket No. 26-10). Administrative Law Judge Alex M. Chintella issued the mandate to ensure the space remains structured as both sidesprepare to exchange internal files and coordinate mediation.

The action follows a notice of filing of complaint and assignment issued by the regulatory body on June 24, 2026. Under standard rules, the respondent has 25 days from the service date to submit a response. Missing this deadline could result in a default decision against the company. A core directive of Chintella's order requires the parties to address settlement options early. Within 15 days of the answer being served, both sides must participate in a preliminary conference with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services. This session, which can happen by phone or video conference, determines whether the dispute can be resolved through mediation. The order emphasizes that the active litigation timeline will not pause while these alternative dispute discussions take place.

Concurrently, the parties must submit a joint status report containing a proposed schedule. This plan must ensure that all discovery finishes within 150 days of the answer, allowing the judge to meet the one-year deadline for a final administrative decision. The order introduces specific operational protocols, highlighting updated guidelines for submitting briefs, managing evidence, and handling sensitive business information. Paper filings, physical mail delivery, and ink signatures are currently waived under an active emergency rule, making electronic mail the preferred method for all updates.

To maintain an uncorrupted administrative record, the court enforced a rigid document marking protocol. All attachments must form a single portable document format file with consecutive page numbers. The complainant must label items using a CX prefix, while the respondent must use RX to avoid duplicate record numbers. Summaries of material facts or responses submitted during requests for summary decisions must be shared in mutable word-processing formats directly with opposing counsel and the judicial offices. The order notes that under the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, prevailing parties may recover attorney fees under certain conditions. This provision serves as a financial incentive for both entities to avoid unnecessary delays or complex procedural disputes.

Managing corporate secrets and proprietary logistical rates represents a major component of the pre-hearing framework. If either side wants to shield information from public viewing, they must file a specific motion demonstrating good cause, such as proving the data constitutes a trade secret or sensitive commercial research. Whole deposition transcripts cannot be marked confidential. Instead, lawyers must group sensitive questions at the end of a session or selectively redact lines before entering the document into evidence.

When submitting redacted files, the public version must mirror the page layouts and line lengths of the hidden version exactly, using blackouts or brackets to show where numbers or words were removed. Additionally, a comprehensive table organizing requests by page range and legal basis must accompany the records. The respondent must indicate in its initial answer whether it wants an oral hearing and where that session should take place, though Chintella retains ultimate authority over whether a physical hearing is required.

-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service

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Original text here: https://www2.fmc.gov/readingroom/docs/26-10/(04)%2026-10%20Initial%20Order.pdf/

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year Review Concerning Crepe Paper From China

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:

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USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Crepe Paper from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping order on imports of crepe paper from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the existing order on imports of this product from China will remain ... Show Full Article

FCC Pauses Lifeline Voice Support Phase-Out and Service Standard Changes For One More Full Year

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission Wireline Competition Bureau issued an order granting a one-year waiver extension that halts planned adjustments to the Lifeline program. This directive effectively pauses both the scheduled elimination of financial support for standalone voice-only services and any scheduled updates to minimum service broadband standards until December 1, 2027.

The official administrative decision directly affects ongoing matters regarding Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization (WC Docket No. 11-42), Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission Wireline Competition Bureau issued an order granting a one-year waiver extension that halts planned adjustments to the Lifeline program. This directive effectively pauses both the scheduled elimination of financial support for standalone voice-only services and any scheduled updates to minimum service broadband standards until December 1, 2027. The official administrative decision directly affects ongoing matters regarding Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization (WC Docket No. 11-42), Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for UniversalService Support (WC Docket No. 09-197), and the Connect America Fund (WC Docket No. 10-90).

Bureau officials determined that strict compliance with current schedules would contradict the public interest while the commission conducts an active rulemaking proceeding. The ongoing review, initiated through a notice of proposed rulemaking earlier this year, explores whether to alter long-term program structures, including whether to maintain voice support at the current monthly rate of $5.25 or implement alternative methodologies.

Under a framework established a decade ago, the commission intended to transition the subsidy program from voice-centric offerings to broadband services. That original plan included a multi-stage reduction of voice-only subsidies, culminating in a complete termination of support in most geographic areas. However, regulatory authorities have repeatedly extended temporary waivers due to widespread consumer reliance on standalone voice options for public safety, emergency communications, and essential societal participation.

The federal regulatory agency also paused automatic annual increases to broadband data capacity and speed metrics. Officials noted that allowing automatic upgrades to take effect right now could inadvertently burden service providers or trigger sharp price increases for low-income consumers, potentially pricing vulnerable households out of the market entirely.

By freezing the regulations in their current state, the bureau aims to prevent service disruptions, subscriber confusion, and unintended administrative burdens while the agency builds a complete regulatory record. The waiver became operational immediately upon its release by Joseph S. Calascione, the current chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau. This temporary freeze ensures that phone and internet subsidies for qualifying low-income households will remain stable through next autumn, giving federal commissioners additional time to carefully analyze diverse public comments and establish permanent, balanced updates for the low-income support mechanism across the nation.

-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service

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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-651A1.pdf

FCC Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Issues Public Notice Seeking Comment on Tentative Findings for 2026 Twenty-First Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act Biennial Report

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau issued the following public notice (CG Docket No. 10-213):

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I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1. The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB or Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) seeks comment on tentative findings on the accessibility and usability of telecommunications and advanced communications services (ACS) and equipment in connection with the Biennial Report to Congress (Biennial Report) required by section 717(b)(1) of the Twenty-First Century ... Show Full Article

FCC Chairman Carr Proposes to Strengthen Rules Governing Dangerous Gear

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:

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Chairman Carr Proposes to Strengthen Rules Governing Dangerous Gear

Rules Seek to Close Covered List Loopholes and Modernize FCC Equipment Authorization

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Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed new rules that would strengthen the FCC's oversight of electronic devices and protect Americans against insecure gear. While the FCC's Covered List has long prohibited finished products produced by entities that pose a national security risk, this new decision would extend those ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 1, 2026: * * * Chairman Carr Proposes to Strengthen Rules Governing Dangerous Gear Rules Seek to Close Covered List Loopholes and Modernize FCC Equipment Authorization - Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed new rules that would strengthen the FCC's oversight of electronic devices and protect Americans against insecure gear. While the FCC's Covered List has long prohibited finished products produced by entities that pose a national security risk, this new decision would extend thoseprohibitions to component parts. The decision would also require e-commerce platforms to display FCC IDs when marketing or selling FCC-certified devices. In an accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), proposed rules would seek comment on modernizing the FCC's equipment authorization rules, particularly in light of recent developments involving the Covered List.

Chairman Carr issued the following statement:

"The FCC is always working to safeguard our country's national security interest. The FCC's implementation of the Covered List--a product of congressional and executive branch national security expertise--plays a vital role in protecting Americans from insecure devices that could threaten national security and Americans' safety. This new decision represents an important step for the FCC to continue its efforts to protect America against dangerous equipment."

Additional Background Information:

The Order circulated to the FCC Commissioners yesterday closes the component part loophole for covered equipment. Currently, even if a device produced by a Covered List entity is prohibited from being authorized for the U.S. market, the same device produced by someone else but incorporating a Covered List entity-produced component part faces no restrictions. This is true even if the device incorporates components that are technically capable of compromising the whole device. The Commission first proposed closing this loophole in 2021, and we took an initial step last October when we addressed devices containing modular transmitters produced by Covered List entities. Today, we close that loophole for all logic-bearing hardware components, omitting only "dumb" components like screws and nails.

The decision also bolsters oversight of the e-commerce platforms. Last year, the Commission--working in close partnership with leading e-commerce platforms--launched Operation Clean Carts, an effort to rid these sites of unauthorized, potentially dangerous equipment. This has resulted in over 4 million devices removed from platforms. Today, Chairman Carr announced rules that would build on this effort. The Order, if adopted by the full Commission at the July 22 Open Meeting, would clarify that e-commerce platforms must comply with FCC rules even if marketing or selling third party products and require e-commerce platforms to list FCC IDs for FCC-certified devices to permit greater consumer awareness of the devices they are purchasing and FCC oversight.

The FNPRM proposes a wide range of measures to modernize FCC equipment authorization rules. Recognizing that the Covered List has recently evolved to include equipment categorized by place-of-production, the proposed rules would bifurcate the Covered List into producer/provider-based entries and production location-based entries--notably Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS critical components, and consumer routers. Among other proposals, the FNPRM would seek to expand supply chain disclosures for such equipment at the application stage, while also permitting certain modifications to ensure installed equipment continues to get software and hardware updates. The FNPRM also proposes strengthening oversight of the self-attestation Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) process and closing loopholes in our importation and marketing rules.

The public draft of the proposed Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be available this afternoon at: https://www.fcc.gov/July2026.

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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-422722A1.pdf

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for July Open Meeting

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:

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FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for July Open Meeting

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the July Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026:

Upper C-Band Auction Rules - To maintain U.S. spectrum leadership, create a robust spectrum pipeline, and fulfill Congress' direction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Commission will consider a Report and Order, Order of Proposed ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 1, 2026: * * * FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for July Open Meeting Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the July Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026: Upper C-Band Auction Rules - To maintain U.S. spectrum leadership, create a robust spectrum pipeline, and fulfill Congress' direction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Commission will consider a Report and Order, Order of ProposedModification, and Order on Reconsideration that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available in the contiguous United States for flexible-use, next-generation terrestrial wireless services via a system of competitive bidding. The introduction of new wireless services may begin in December 2030, following the first tranche of adjacent band radio altimeter retrofits to be required by FAA. Among other steps, the item also adopts measures designed to ensure successful co-existence with adjacent band radio altimeters, creates a transition process to fairly and expeditiously relocate incumbent satellite operations, establishes rebates to support the FAA's radio altimeter retrofit requirements, and resolves various pending petitions for reconsideration related to the 2020 Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification reconfiguring the Lower C-band. (GN Docket No. 25-59, 18-122)

Space Modernization for the 21st Century - The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would overhaul the Commission's rules for licensing space and earth stations to increase speed, predictability, and flexibility in order to support the American space economy. The Order would replace part 25 with a new rule part--part 100--that would create a "licensing assembly line" to process applications. The FNPRM would seek comment on and propose additional changes which build upon the new part 100. (SB Docket No. 25-306)

Improving Broadband Labels - The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would modify the broadband label rules to make labels easier to read and understand and more useful for consumers, while reducing compliance burdens on providers. (CG Docket No. 22-2; GN Docket No. 25-133)

Improving the Effectiveness of the Robocall Mitigation Database - The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that aims to materially strengthen the integrity of the United States voice ecosystem and further deter illegal calls by proposing measures to ensure that only legitimate, transparent, and accountable providers gain or maintain access to the Robocall Mitigation Database. (WC Docket Nos. 24-213, 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59)

Strengthening Rules Governing Dangerous Gear - The Commission will consider a Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at further strengthening national security in the equipment authorization program by closing component-level and supply-chain loopholes in the Commission's Covered List rules. The item would close the "component part loophole" by prohibiting authorization of devices that incorporate logic-bearing hardware components produced by Covered List entities; clarify that the marketing rules reach online marketplaces that list, distribute, or offer unauthorized equipment and require those marketplaces to display the FCC ID at the online point of sale; require full certification for any modification or permissive change made by a Covered List entity; and adopt a narrowed, statutorily-grounded definition of "critical infrastructure" in response to the D.C. Circuit's partial remand. The accompanying Further Notice would seek comment on bifurcating the Covered List into producer/provider-based and production location-based categories, enhancing supply-chain transparency through hardware and software bills of materials, and strengthening enforcement. (ET Docket No. 21-232)

Public Drafts of Meeting Items - The FCC publicly releases the draft text of each item expected to be considered at the next Open Commission Meeting. One-page cover sheets are included in the public drafts to help summarize each item. All these materials will be available on the FCC's Open Meeting page: www.fcc.gov/openmeeting.

Public Attendance - The Open Meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. While the Open Meeting is open to the public, the FCC headquarters building is not open access, and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. Attendees at the Open Meeting will not be required to have an appointment but must otherwise comply with protocols outlined at: https://www.fcc.gov/visit. Open Meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.

Press Access - Members of the news media are welcome to attend the meeting and will be provided reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the meeting, the Chairman may hold a news conference in which he will take questions from credentialed members of the press in attendance. Afterwards, senior policy and legal staff will be made available to the press in attendance for questions related to the items on the meeting agenda. Commissioners may also choose to hold press conferences. Press may also direct questions to the Office of Media Relations (OMR): MediaRelations@fcc.gov. Questions about credentialing should be directed to OMR.

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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-422735A1.pdf

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