Federal - Executive Branch
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from the U.S. Executive Branch, covering all aspects of the Obama administration including cabinet departments, federal agencies, regulatory and independent agencies.
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USDA to Enhance Support for Farmers With Increased Replant Payments
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency has issued the following news:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is bolstering support for farmers facing crop setbacks by announcing an increase in replant payments for most producers beginning with the 2026 crop year. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to farmers who need to replant insured crops damaged by early insurable causes of loss.
"The enhancement in replant payments underscores the Risk Management Agency's commitment to sustain agricultural productivity and economic stability,"
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency has issued the following news:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is bolstering support for farmers facing crop setbacks by announcing an increase in replant payments for most producers beginning with the 2026 crop year. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to farmers who need to replant insured crops damaged by early insurable causes of loss.
"The enhancement in replant payments underscores the Risk Management Agency's commitment to sustain agricultural productivity and economic stability,"said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. "Replant payments assist farmers with the financial burden of replanting, offering them a pathway to recover more than the insurance indemnity alone potentially would provide."
Replant payment factors have not been updated since they were established in the 1990s.
RMA reviewed replant payment factors to ensure they reflect current replanting costs. The agency determined most small grains and coarse grains crops will receive a significant increase. RMA will consider future updates based on new data, further analysis, and stakeholder feedback from these changes.
RMA plans to announce the new replant payments with additional crop insurance improvements in the summer of 2025.
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More Information
Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting their RMA Regional Office.
RMA secures the future of agriculture by providing world class risk management tools to rural America through Federal crop insurance and risk management education programs. RMA provides policies for more than 130 crops and is constantly working to adjust and create new policies based on producer needs and feedback.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Original text here: https://www.rma.usda.gov/news-events/news/2024/washington-dc/usda-enhance-support-farmers-increased-replant-payments
Space Force Activates Component Field Command in Japan
TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Forces Japan, a subordinate unified command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, issued the following news release:
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. Space Force activated its sixth service component, United States Space Forces - Japan (USSPACEFOR-JPN) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, 4 December 2024. USSPACEFOR-JPN presents forces and space expertise under U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific (HQ USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC) in direct support of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ).
Under the leadership of Col. Ryan Laughton, USSPACEFOR-JPN will plan, integrate, and execute Space Force and space
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TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Forces Japan, a subordinate unified command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, issued the following news release:
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. Space Force activated its sixth service component, United States Space Forces - Japan (USSPACEFOR-JPN) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, 4 December 2024. USSPACEFOR-JPN presents forces and space expertise under U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific (HQ USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC) in direct support of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ).
Under the leadership of Col. Ryan Laughton, USSPACEFOR-JPN will plan, integrate, and execute Space Force and spacesecurity efforts for USFJ in close coordination with Japanese counterparts to enable cross-component space combat capabilities for joint warfighters.
"In the past few years, Japan's Ministry of Defense has made impressive and significant advances in operating in the space domain; from standing up multiple Japan Self-Defense Forces space force units to integrating alongside U.S. Space Forces in our multi-national exercises," said Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, USFJ and 5th Air Force commander. "As we both continue to advance our space capabilities side-by-side, the establishment of United States Space Forces - Japan is the next step in growing our multi-domain proficiency and our overall contribution to the defense of Japan and the region."
The importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the rapidly developing Japan Ministry of Defense space organizations and capabilities, and the need for robust space expertise to support USFJ led to HQ USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC's establishment of USSPACEFOR-JPN in Japan.
"Guardians across the Indo-Pacific present advanced space capabilities to support the joint warfighter, while countering challenges to national security across the spectrum of conflict," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC.
"United States Space Forces - Japan builds upon these existing capabilities and our alliance with Japan to enhance our interoperability and resiliency, and bolster the security and long-term sustainability of space," Mastalir said. "Together, we are better connected, more informed, faster, more precise, and more lethal because of space."
The establishment of USSPACEFOR-JPN reinforces defense leaders' commitments at the July 2024 Security Consultive Committee "2+2" to strengthen bilateral coordination on cross-domain operations, including cyber, space, and electromagnetic warfare (EW), recognizing the importance of all these domains to future concepts of deterrence and response capabilities. The unit will help strengthen the alliance in a critical growth area for Japan.
"I'm honored to serve alongside our Japanese allies," said Laughton. "US Space Forces - Japan will deepen our synchronization and help build robust space expertise and interoperable capabilities to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific."
To date, the Space Force has activated service components to U.S. Space Command, U.S. Indo- Pacific Command, U.S. Central Command, and a component to U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. In turn, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific activated a subordinate component to directly support U.S. Forces Korea.
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Original text here: https://www.usfj.mil/Media/Press-Releases/Article-View/Article/3984003/space-force-activates-component-field-command-in-japan/
NTIA: Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Digital Equity Capacity Grant Applications Totaling More Than $61.2 Million
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024:
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$41.7 million for Florida, $8.4 million for Iowa, $6.9 million for Montana, $2.1 million for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and $2.1 million for Guam
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The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award applications from Florida, Iowa, Montana, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, allowing them
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024:
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$41.7 million for Florida, $8.4 million for Iowa, $6.9 million for Montana, $2.1 million for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and $2.1 million for Guam
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The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award applications from Florida, Iowa, Montana, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, allowing themto request access to more than $61.2 million to implement their Digital Equity Plans. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This funding is part of the "Internet for All" initiative, a key component of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them--for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.
States will use this funding to implement their digital equity plans, which outlines how they will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
"Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "We look forward to working with the awardees to ensure all residents have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet - whether it's for work, education, health care, or any other essential service."
These approvals are from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.
"For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. These states and territories now can request access to the funds to put their digital equity plans into action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "The Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills."
"This funding is a significant step forward in the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the digital tools and resources needed to thrive in today's technology-driven world," said Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Arnold I. Palacios. "We are grateful for this additional support provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and look forward to implementing our CNMI Digital Equity plans, which will enhance connectivity and inclusion for communities throughout our islands."
"This grant is about making life better for our people," said Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. "Whether it's helping a young person at the Department of Youth Affairs learn new skills, making sure our hospital has the technology it needs, or giving families in our villages access to WiFi and devices through their mayor's office, this is about taking care of our community. Everyone deserves a fair shot in this digital world, and we're here to make that happen for Guam."
The states will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives.
Florida: $41,748,794
* Cultivating and promoting efforts from the private sector and community anchor institutions to provide cybersecurity and privacy skills training and technical support; and
* Implementation of ConnectedFlorida, a program that intends to subgrant funds for programs that encourage workforce development, digital literacy, device ownership, and other digital adoption activities.
Iowa: $8,442,129
* Working with the public libraries to expand their Wi-Fi hotspot checkout program;
* Developing a virtual training platform to provide cybersecurity training; and
* Funding a program that will help incarcerated individuals access educational opportunities including digital skills and cybersecurity training.
Montana: $6,938,534
* Facility access upgrades for the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind to support distance learning across Montana;
* Expansion of the Last Mile Prison Coding and Web Development Program for the Montana Department of Corrections; and
* Connect rural Montanans to workforce development and other essential services through the Montana Prosperity Portal.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: $2,100,000
* Initiate discussions with telehealth and telecommunications providers to establish a robust telehealth network connecting Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands; and
* Form a working group with at least one representative from each school district to assess the current Internet technology (IT) curriculum.
Guam: $2,100,000
* Engage libraries, healthcare providers, and cultural centers for digital navigator programs, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and device distribution; and
* Collaborate with workforce agencies, labor organizations, and educational institutions to integrate digital skills training and promote innovation.
Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
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Original text here: https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2024/biden-harris-administration-approves-and-recommends-award-digital-equity-capacity-grant-applications-3
NETL-Managed UCLA Research Significantly Reduces CO2 Emissions in Cement Production
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news:
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), in a project managed by NETL, developed and demonstrated a new approach for making ordinary Portland cement replacement in concrete that can significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is already being commercialized for use in U.S. cement plants.
The global market for concrete is around $1 trillion. Almost all concrete contains Portland cement, a limestone and clay fusion that's
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 6 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news:
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), in a project managed by NETL, developed and demonstrated a new approach for making ordinary Portland cement replacement in concrete that can significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is already being commercialized for use in U.S. cement plants.
The global market for concrete is around $1 trillion. Almost all concrete contains Portland cement, a limestone and clay fusion that'scheap and abundant, but involves a carbon-intensive process. According to UCLA, traditional cement production accounts for nearly 10% of global CO2 emissions because 0.9 tons of CO2 are emitted per ton of cement produced and 4.5 billion tons of cement are produced annually.
When mixed with water, cement acts as the glue that binds the coarse and fine aggregate particles together to create concrete. Cement is the world's most common building material and is used in bridges, roads, buildings, dams, powerplants and wind-turbine foundations.
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) recognized the unique opportunity of this project to both reduce the emissions of climate-warming CO2 as well as convert and store captured CO2 in large quantities. UCLA pursued a mineralization approach to reduce CO2 emissions during the cement-making process and use CO2 captured from various sources -- a win-win solution for the concrete industry and efforts to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
According to the World Resources Institute, mineralization "accelerates reactions between CO2 and certain minerals, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and permanently storing it. Although this process occurs naturally over hundreds or thousands of years, carbon mineralization can be sped up in numerous ways to remove large amounts of atmospheric CO2 in the coming decades."
The new process uses calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)for mineralization in the cement-making process and reduces the use of Portland cement in concrete production. Ca(OH)2 is a colorless crystal or white powder and is produced when calcium oxide is mixed with water. It can be produced thermally and electrochemically without CO2 emissions.
NETL Project Manager Kanchan Mondal said, "the UCLA project demonstrated that CO2 mineralization is a simple, straightforward, and ready to deploy pathway for reducing CO2 in concrete production."
Mondal added that the UCLA team demonstrated the feasibility of the technology at pilot-scale and exceeded project milestones advancing its technology readiness for commercialization.
"The technology is already being commercialized at concrete masonry plants," Mondal said.
FECM conducts research, development, demonstration, and deployment to minimize the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuel and industrial processes while working to achieve net-zero emissions across the U.S. economy. Priority areas of technology work include carbon capture, carbon conversion, carbon dioxide removal, carbon dioxide transport and storage, hydrogen production with carbon management, methane emissions reduction, and critical minerals production.
NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers solutions for a clean and secure energy future. By using its highly skilled innovators and state-of-the-art research facilities, NETL is advancing carbon management and resource sustainability technologies to enable environmental sustainability for all Americans.
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Original text here: https://netl.doe.gov/node/14402
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Temp-Tations Oven Gloves
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Name of Product: Temp-tations Oven Gloves
Hazard: The oven gloves can fail to provide sufficient protection from heat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 05, 2024
Units: About 1.1 million pairs of gloves
Consumer Contact: QVC toll-free at 888-770-7119 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at ovengloves@realtimeresults.net, or online at http://www.recallrtr.com/ovengloves or http://www.qvc.com and click "Product Recall Info" at the
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Name of Product: Temp-tations Oven Gloves
Hazard: The oven gloves can fail to provide sufficient protection from heat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 05, 2024
Units: About 1.1 million pairs of gloves
Consumer Contact: QVC toll-free at 888-770-7119 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at ovengloves@realtimeresults.net, or online at http://www.recallrtr.com/ovengloves or http://www.qvc.com and click "Product Recall Info" at thebottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves Temp-tations Oven Gloves imported and sold by QVC in single pairs, sets of two and in sets with drying mats or trivets. The recalled oven gloves were sold in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, red, floral and summer shell prints under the following model numbers: K51459, K76398, K47973, K48879, K85322, K96004, K92603, K308719, K309220, K309388 and K309516. They are made of cotton and elastane and come in small and large sizes. "Temp-tations by Tara" is printed on a label stitched to the inside of the gloves.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the oven gloves and contact QVC to receive a refund.
Incidents/Injuries: QVC has received 162 reports of insufficient heat protection including 92 reports of minor burns.
Sold At: QVC.com, QVC televised shows and QVC digital shopping platforms from August 2018 through August 2024 for between about $4 and $13 per pair and in bundled sets with other kitchen items for between about $14 and $26 per set.
Importer(s): QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pennsylvania
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 25-059
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/QVC-Recalls-More-than-One-Million-Temp-tations-Oven-Gloves-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Model Year 2024-2025 RZR XP 1000, XP 4 1000 ROVs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Name of Product: Model Year 2024-2025 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 ROVs
Hazard: The positive (+) battery terminal cover (red) can become damaged by the seat base, causing the positive (+) battery post to be exposed and contact nearby conductive components, resulting in an electrical short, posing a fire hazard.
Recall Date: December 05, 2024
Units: About 21,000 (In addition, about 1,300 were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact: Polaris Industries at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Name of Product: Model Year 2024-2025 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 ROVs
Hazard: The positive (+) battery terminal cover (red) can become damaged by the seat base, causing the positive (+) battery post to be exposed and contact nearby conductive components, resulting in an electrical short, posing a fire hazard.
Recall Date: December 05, 2024
Units: About 21,000 (In addition, about 1,300 were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact: Polaris Industries at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at http://www.polaris.com and click on "Product Safety News" located under the "Safety" column at the bottom of the page or https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road-recalls/ to check if your vehicle identification number (VIN) is included in any recalls. Consumers can contact Polaris' Owner Connections Team at Owner.Connections@polaris.com or via an online forum at https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road/owner-resources/help-center/email.
Recall Details
In Conjunction With:
Description: This recall involves certain VINs of Polaris Model Year 2024-2025 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 ROVs. The recalled vehicles were sold in black, blue, gray, red and white colors. They were sold in two- and four-seat configurations. "POLARIS" is stamped on the front grille and "POLARIS" and "RZR" are printed on the sides of the vehicle. The model name is also printed on the side of the chassis. The VIN is located on the vehicle's frame in the left rear wheel well.
Remedy: Polaris is contacting all registered owners directly and providing a full-battery cover to them by mail that can be self-installed or installed for free by an authorized Polaris dealer. Consumers can continue to operate the recalled ROVs before installation of the battery cover only if the battery positive terminal cover (red) is undamaged. The consumer can confirm the cover is undamaged by completing the Battery Positive Terminal Cover (Red) Verification and Seat Installation Instructions provided by Polaris at https://prdservicemanagementstg.blob.core.windows.net/fieldcommunications/9942029r01.pdf. If the battery positive terminal cover (red) is damaged, the recalled ROV should not be operated until the repair is complete.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received a total of three reports of incidents, including two reports of fires and one report of melted wires. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from April 2023 through July 2024 between $20,900 and $29,900.
Manufacturer(s): Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina Minnesota
Manufactured In: Mexico
Recall number: 25-703
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Polaris-Recalls-RZR-XP-1000-and-XP-4-1000-Recreational-Off-Road-Vehicles-ROVs-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert
Bureau of Industry and Security: Commerce Issues Final Rule to Formalize Information & Communications Technology & Services Program
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Final Rule Formalizes Implementation of ICTS Program Authorities to Address Undue and Unacceptable Foreign Adversary Risks to ICTS Transactions in the United States
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Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule cementing the procedures it will follow in investigating foreign adversary threats to information and communications technology and services (ICTS) transactions that may harm U.S. national
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024:
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Final Rule Formalizes Implementation of ICTS Program Authorities to Address Undue and Unacceptable Foreign Adversary Risks to ICTS Transactions in the United States
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Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule cementing the procedures it will follow in investigating foreign adversary threats to information and communications technology and services (ICTS) transactions that may harm U.S. nationalsecurity, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13873: Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain.
This final rule demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration's proactive efforts to address the potential national security risks associated with the ICTS supply chain and the abuse of U.S. critical infrastructure by foreign adversaries. It is a significant step in formalizing the operations of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS), which was established within BIS in March 2022 to implement EO 13873 and related executive orders.
Since its formation, OICTS has completed or undertaken several key investigations and rulemakings. In June 2024, OICTS announced a first-of-its-kind final determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a Russia-based anti-virus software and cybersecurity company, from selling its software within the United States or providing updates to software already in use, amongst other activities.
Additionally, in September 2024, OICTS issued a proposed rule that would prohibit the sale or import of connected vehicles integrating specific pieces of hardware and software, or those components sold separately, with a sufficient nexus to the People's Republic of China (PRC) or Russia. These actions underscore the critical role of OICTS in protecting American technologies and services from potentially malicious foreign adversary intervention or interference.
"This final rule clarifies and strengthens BIS's existing authorities to investigate, mitigate, and prohibit ICTS transactions involving our foreign adversaries. It significantly enhances our ability to protect the resilience of our national infrastructure and technology and communications sectors," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan F. Estevez. "The further formalization of the OICTS is an important part of a pivotal year in the office's growth as it continues to advance U.S. national security."
"Today's rule affirms the Department's commitment to preventing foreign adversaries from using U.S. technology and communications systems to harm U.S. persons or critical infrastructure," said OICTS Executive Director Elizabeth Cannon. "The rule makes important updates to the processes our office uses to identify and mitigate risks and enforce our regulations on foreign adversary ICTS in the United States."
An interim final rule published on January 19, 2021, solicited public comments on how the Department should implement various provisions of EO 13873. The final rule addresses feedback from the public on a number of issues, including the scope of the rule, the timeline for completing investigations, the procedures the Department will follow in making determinations, and the role of the Department's interagency partners.
Changes made in today's final rule include consolidating the list of technologies within the scope of the rule, outlining the sources of information the Secretary of Commerce may consider when formulating Initial and Final Determinations, and refining the recordkeeping requirements for parties to transaction(s). The Department intends these changes to be consistent with industry and public concerns regarding potential foreign adversary threats to the ICTS supply chain.
The text of the final rule released today is available on the Federal Register's website here (https://www.federalregister.gov/).
For more information, visit https://www.bis.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-final-rule-formalize-icts-program
