Rate for Assessment on Direct Payment of Fees to Representatives in 2013, 77177-77178 [2012-31372]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.5 In particular, the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,6 because it would promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system. The Exchange believes that the Pilot Program promotes just and equitable principles of trade by enabling public customers and other market participants to express their true prices to buy and sell options. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the Act because it will allow the Exchange to extend the Pilot Program prior to its expiration on December 31, 2012. The Exchange notes that this proposal does not propose any new policies or provisions that are unique or unproven, but instead relates to the continuation of an existing program that operates on a pilot basis. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change imposes any burden on competition. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 7 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.8 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 9 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.10 5 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 8 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 10 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 6 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing.11 However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),12 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because doing so will allow the Pilot Program to continue without interruption in a manner that is consistent with the Commission’s prior approval of the extension and expansion of the Pilot Program and will allow the Exchange and the Commission additional time to analyze the impact of the Pilot Program.13 Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing with the Commission.14 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change along with a brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this pre-filing requirement. 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 13 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61061 (November 24, 2009), 74 FR 62857 (December 1, 2009) (SR–NYSEArca–2009–44). See also supra note 4. 14 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). PO 00000 Frm 00175 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77177 Number SR–BATS–2012–048 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–BATS–2012–048. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–BATS– 2012–048 and should be submitted on or before January 22, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–31254 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SSA–2012–0070] Rate for Assessment on Direct Payment of Fees to Representatives in 2013 AGENCY: Social Security Administration (SSA). 15 17 E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 31DEN1 77178 ACTION: Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices Notice. We are announcing that the assessment percentage rate under sections 206(d) and 1631(d)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act (Act), 42 U.S.C. 406(d) and 1383(d)(2)(C), is 6.3 percent for 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey C. Blair, Associate General Counsel for Program Law, Office of the General Counsel, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401. Phone: (410) 965–3157, email Jeff.Blair@ssa.gov. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Individuals claiming Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments may choose to hire representatives to assist them with their claims. If the claim is successful and the individual was represented either by an attorney or by a non-attorney representative who has met certain prerequisites, the Act provides that we may withhold up to 25 percent of the past-due benefits on the claim and use that money to pay the representative’s approved fee directly to the representative. When we pay the representative’s fee directly to the representative, we must collect from that fee payment an assessment to recover the costs we incur in determining and paying representatives’ fees. The Act provides that the assessment we collect will be the lesser of two amounts: a specified dollar limit; or the amount determined by multiplying the fee we are paying by the assessment percentage rate. (Sections 206(d), 206(e), and 1631(d)(2) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 406(d), 406(e), and 1383(d)(2).) The Act initially set the dollar limit at $75 in 2004 and provides that the limit will be adjusted annually based on changes in the cost-of-living. (Sections 206(d)(2)(A) and 1631(d)(2)(C)(ii)(I) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 406(d)(2)(A) and 1383(d)(2)(C)(ii)(I).) The maximum dollar limit for the assessment currently is $88, as we announced in the Federal Register on October 30, 2012 (77 FR 65754). The Act requires us each year to set the assessment percentage rate at the lesser of 6.3 percent or the percentage rate necessary to achieve full recovery of the costs we incur to determine and pay representatives’ fees. (Sections 206(d)(2)(B)(ii) and 1631(d)(2)(C)(ii)(II) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 406(d)(2)(B)(ii) and 1383(d)(2)(C)(ii)(II).) Based on the best available data, we have determined that the current rate of 6.3 percent will continue for 2013. We VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 will continue to review our costs for these services on a yearly basis. Dated: December 21, 2012. Tina Waddell, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Budget, Finance and Management. [FR Doc. 2012–31372 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE 2013 Special 301 Review: Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment and Announcement of Public Hearing BILLING CODE 4191–02–P Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Request for written submissions from the public and announcement of public hearing. AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 8136] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘PreRaphaelites: Victorian Art and Design, 1848–1900’’ Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘PreRaphaelites: Victorian Art and Design, 1848–1900,’’ imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, from on or about February 17, 2013, until on or about May 19, 2013, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Julie Simpson, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6467). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, SA–5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite 5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505. SUMMARY: Dated: December 21, 2012. J. Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2012–31440 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242) requires the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. (The provisions of Section 182 are commonly referred to as the ‘‘Special 301’’ provisions of the Trade Act.) The Trade Act requires the Trade Representative to determine which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies, or practices that are the basis of a country’s identification as a Priority Foreign Country can be subject to the procedures set out in sections 301–305 of the Trade Act. In addition, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has created a ‘‘Priority Watch List’’ and ‘‘Watch List’’ to assist the Administration in pursuing the goals of the Special 301 provisions. Placement of a trading partner on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Trading partners placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas. USTR chairs an interagency team that reviews information from many sources, and that consults with and makes recommendations to the Trade Representative on issues arising under Special 301. Written submissions from interested persons are a key source of information for the Special 301 review process. In 2013, USTR again will conduct a public hearing as part of the review process. USTR is hereby requesting written submissions from the public concerning foreign countries’ acts, policies, or practices that are relevant to deciding whether a particular trading partner should be identified as a priority foreign SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1

Agencies

Social Security Administration

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 250 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77177-77178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31372]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

[Docket No. SSA-2012-0070]


Rate for Assessment on Direct Payment of Fees to Representatives 
in 2013

AGENCY: Social Security Administration (SSA).

[[Page 77178]]


ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: We are announcing that the assessment percentage rate under 
sections 206(d) and 1631(d)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act (Act), 42 
U.S.C. 406(d) and 1383(d)(2)(C), is 6.3 percent for 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey C. Blair, Associate General 
Counsel for Program Law, Office of the General Counsel, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401. 
Phone: (410) 965-3157, email Jeff.Blair@ssa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Individuals claiming Social Security 
benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments may choose to hire 
representatives to assist them with their claims. If the claim is 
successful and the individual was represented either by an attorney or 
by a non-attorney representative who has met certain prerequisites, the 
Act provides that we may withhold up to 25 percent of the past-due 
benefits on the claim and use that money to pay the representative's 
approved fee directly to the representative.
    When we pay the representative's fee directly to the 
representative, we must collect from that fee payment an assessment to 
recover the costs we incur in determining and paying representatives' 
fees. The Act provides that the assessment we collect will be the 
lesser of two amounts: a specified dollar limit; or the amount 
determined by multiplying the fee we are paying by the assessment 
percentage rate. (Sections 206(d), 206(e), and 1631(d)(2) of the Act, 
42 U.S.C. 406(d), 406(e), and 1383(d)(2).)
    The Act initially set the dollar limit at $75 in 2004 and provides 
that the limit will be adjusted annually based on changes in the cost-
of-living. (Sections 206(d)(2)(A) and 1631(d)(2)(C)(ii)(I) of the Act, 
42 U.S.C. 406(d)(2)(A) and 1383(d)(2)(C)(ii)(I).) The maximum dollar 
limit for the assessment currently is $88, as we announced in the 
Federal Register on October 30, 2012 (77 FR 65754).
    The Act requires us each year to set the assessment percentage rate 
at the lesser of 6.3 percent or the percentage rate necessary to 
achieve full recovery of the costs we incur to determine and pay 
representatives' fees. (Sections 206(d)(2)(B)(ii) and 
1631(d)(2)(C)(ii)(II) of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 406(d)(2)(B)(ii) and 
1383(d)(2)(C)(ii)(II).)
    Based on the best available data, we have determined that the 
current rate of 6.3 percent will continue for 2013. We will continue to 
review our costs for these services on a yearly basis.

    Dated: December 21, 2012.
Tina Waddell,
Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Budget, Finance and Management.
[FR Doc. 2012-31372 Filed 12-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P

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