Executive Office of the President 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 355
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the Acceptance of Product and Country Practice Petitions for the 2007 Annual Review
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) received petitions in connection with the 2007 GSP Annual Review to modify the list of products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program and to modify the GSP status of certain GSP beneficiary developing countries because of country practices. This notice announces the product petitions, other than those requesting competitive need limitation (CNL) waivers, and country practice petitions that are accepted for further review in the 2007 GSP Annual Review. This notice also sets forth the schedule for comment and public hearings on these petitions, for requesting participation in the hearings, and for submitting pre-hearing and post-hearing briefs. The list of accepted petitions is available at: https://www.ustr.gov/Trade Development/PreferencePrograms/GSP/SectionIndex.html [2007 Annual review]. Petitions for CNL waivers are due November 16, 2007 (see 72 FR 28,527), and a review of those petitions will be conducted thereafter.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding Measures Related to Zeroing and Certain Investigations, Administrative Reviews and Sunset Reviews Involving Products From the European Communities
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that the European Communities (``EC'') has requested the establishment of a panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement''). The EC alleges that various measures relating to zeroing and antidumping duty orders on certain products from the EC, and certain related matters, are inconsistent with Articles 1, 2.1, 2.4, 2.4.2, 5.8, 9.1, 9.3, 9.5, 11, and 18.4 of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (``AD Agreement''), Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (``GATT 1994''), and Article XVI:4 of the WTO Agreement. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS350/6. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute. In connection with the issues raised in the panel request, the public should be aware that on March 6, 2006, the Department of Commerce announced that it will no longer use ``zeroing'' when making average-to-average comparisons in an antidumping investigation. See 71 FR 11189.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding European Communities-Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas: Recourse by the United States to Article 21.5 of the DSU
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that at the request of the United States, the Dispute Settlement Body (``DSB'') of the World Trade Organization (``WTO''), has established a dispute settlement panel under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO to examine whether the European Communities (``EC'') has implemented the recommendations and rulings of the DSB in a dispute regarding the EC's import regime for bananas. The request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated at WT/DS27/83 (see also the similar request by Ecuador in the document WT/DS27/80). The DSB adopted the findings of the panel and Appellate Body in this proceeding on September 25, 1997. The DSB ruled that the EC's import regime for bananas was inconsistent with the EC's obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (``GATS''). An arbitrator appointed under Article 21.3 of the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (``DSU'') awarded the EC a ``reasonable period of time'' in which to come into compliance until January 1, 1999. Nearly a decade after the DSB made its original recommendations and rulings, the United States considers that the EC has failed to bring its import regime for bananas into compliance with its WTO obligation. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Pakistan: Request for Public Comment
Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242), requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. (Section 182 is commonly referred to as the ``Special 301'' provisions of the Trade Act.) In addition, the USTR is required to determine which of these countries should be identified as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies or practices that are the basis of a country's identification as a Priority Foreign Country are normally the subject of an investigation under the section 301 provisions of the Trade Act. On April 27, 2007, USTR announced the results of the 2007 Special 301 Review and stated that Out-of-Cycle Reviews of Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Pakistan would be conducted this year. Pursuant to these Out-of-Cycle Reviews, USTR requests written submissions from the public concerning acts, policies, and practices regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property protection and enforcement in Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Pakistan.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding India-Additional and Extra Additional Duties on Imports
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that in accordance with the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO Agreement), the United States has requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel regarding additional and extra additional duties India applies to imports from the United States. India applies these duties to products that include, but are not limited to, imports of wines and distilled spirits. That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS360/5. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding China-Certain Measures Granting Refunds, Reductions or Exemptions From Taxes and Other Payments
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that on July 12, 2007, in accordance with the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO Agreement), the United States requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel regarding certain Chinese measures granting refunds, reductions or exemptions to enterprises from taxes otherwise due the government. That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS358/13. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Domestic Support and Export Credit Guarantees for Agricultural Products
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that Brazil has requested consultations with the United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') regarding U.S. domestic support measures and export credit guarantees for agricultural products. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS365/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Request for Public Comment With Respect to the Annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers
Pursuant to section 303 of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984, as amended, USTR is required to publish annually the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE). With this notice, the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) is requesting interested parties to assist it in identifying significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services and overseas direct investment for inclusion in the NTE. Particularly important are impediments materially affecting the actual and potential financial performance of an industry sector. The TPSC invites written comments that provide views relevant to the issues to be examined in preparing the NTE.
Fiscal Year 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Raw Cane Sugar, Refined and Specialty Sugar, and Sugar-Containing Products
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of country-by-country allocations of the FY 2008 in- quota quantity of the tariff-rate quota for imported raw cane sugar, refined and specialty sugar, and sugar-containing products.
Meeting of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This notice sets forth the schedule and summary agenda for a meeting of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and describes the functions of the Council. Notice of this meeting is required under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Dates And Place: September 11, 2007, Washington, DC. The meeting will be held in Room 100 at the Keck Center of the National Academies at 500 5th St. NW., Washington DC. Type of Meeting: Open. Further details on the meeting agenda will be posted on the PCAST Web site at: https://www.ostp.gov/PCAST/ pcast.html. Proposed Schedule and Agenda: The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is scheduled to meet in open session on Tuesday September 11, 2007, at approximately 9 a.m. The meeting is scheduled to include three panels, with presentations and discussion. The PCAST is tentatively scheduled to convene a panel on partnerships between universities and non-government entities in support of research. The PCAST also is tentatively scheduled to convene a panel on nanotechnology, including presentations on biomedical aspects of nanotechnology research and current Government activities supporting risk assessment and risk management. The PCAST also is tentatively scheduled to convene a panel on personalized medicine as part of the Council's study of policy issues associated with realizing the benefits of scientific and technological advances in this area. This session will end at approximately 5 p.m. Additional information and the final agenda will be posted at the PCAST Web site at: https://www.ostp.gov/ PCAST/pcast.html. Public Comments: There will be time allocated for the public to speak on the above agenda items. This public comment time is designed for substantive commentary on PCAST's work topics, not for business marketing purposes. Please submit a request for the opportunity to make a public comment five (5) days in advance of the meeting. The time for public comments will be limited to no more than 5 minutes per person. Written comments are also welcome at any time following the meeting. Please notify Dr. Celia Merzbacher, PCAST Executive Director, at (202) 456-7116, or fax your request/comments to (202) 456-6021.
Petition under Section 302 on China's Currency Valuation; Decision Not To Initiate Investigation
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined not to initiate an investigation under section 302 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to a petition addressed to China's currency valuation policies because initiation of an investigation would not be effective in addressing the issues raised in the petition.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas; Petitions for Designation
Pursuant to the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006, Public Law 109-469, section 707(c), the Director, National Drug Control Policy is establishing regulations under which interested coalitions of law enforcement agencies from an area may petition for designation as a high intensity drug trafficking area. Public Comment: On June 4, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 106, Notices Page 30862-30864), the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control published Notice of its intent to issue this regulation. A 60-day public comment period was established. The June 4 Notice stated that any written comments must be received by ONDCP via electronic mail or facsimile on or before August 3, 2007. In addition, an ONDCP staff point of contact was listed to provide additional information as appropriate. ONDCP did not receive any comments. Therefore, ONDCP is issuing this Notice of the agency's intent to publish a regulation identical to the document published on June 4, 2007.
Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA); Notice Regarding the 2007 Annual Review
This notice announces the 2007 Annual Review of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA). Under this process petitions may be filed calling for the limitation, withdrawal or suspension of ATPA or ATPDEA benefits by presenting evidence that the eligibility criteria of the program are not being met. USTR will publish a list of petitions filed in response to this announcement in the Federal Register.
Amending Federal Financial Assistance-Related Forms to Include Universal Identifier
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to authorize each Federal agency that receives applications for Federal financial assistance to add a field for the applicant's Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to application forms previously approved by OMB. This proposed update would broaden the directive's effect to all forms of Federal financial assistance covered by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (the ``Act'') including grants, subgrants, loans, awards, cooperative agreements, and other forms of financial assistance.
Notice of Effective Date for Goods of Mexico for Certain Modifications of the NAFTA Rules of Origin
In Proclamation 8111 of February 28, 2007, the President modified the rules of origin for certain goods of Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (the ``NAFTA'') incorporated in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (the ``HTS''). The proclamation stated that the modifications would be effective on the date to be announced in the Federal Register by the United States Trade Representative (the ``USTR'') and would apply to goods of Mexico that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date indicated in the proclamation. The purpose of this notice is to announce that the effective date for the modifications is July 30, 2007. The changes were printed in the Federal Register of March 6, 2007 (72 FR 10028).
Statistical Policy Directive: Release and Dissemination of Statistical Products Produced by Federal Statistical Agencies
Under 44 U.S.C. 3504(e), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is soliciting public comment on a proposal to issue a new Statistical Policy Directive for the release and dissemination of statistical products produced by Federal statistical agencies. In its role as coordinator of the Federal statistical system, 44 U.S.C. 3504(e) requires OMB, among other responsibilities, to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the system as well as the integrity, objectivity, impartiality, utility, and confidentiality of information collected for statistical purposes. It also requires OMB to develop and oversee the implementation of Governmentwide policies, principles, standards, and guidelines concerning the presentation and dissemination of statistical information. The 2001 Information Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(3) [title V, Sec. 515], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-153, 44 U.S.C. Section 3516 note) similarly requires OMB, as well as all other Federal agencies, to maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information, including statistical information, provided to the public. To operate efficiently and effectively, our democracy relies on the flow of objective, credible statistics to support the decisions of governments, businesses, households, and other organizations. Any loss of trust in the integrity of the Federal statistical system and its products could lessen respondent cooperation with Federal statistical surveys, decrease the quality of statistical system products, and foster uncertainty about the validity of measures our Nation uses to monitor and assess its performance and progress. To further support the quality and integrity of Federal statistical information, OMB is proposing a new Statistical Policy Directive designed to preserve and enhance the objectivity and transparency, in fact and in perception, of the processes used to release and disseminate the Government's statistical products. The procedures in the proposed directive are intended to ensure that statistical data releases adhere to data quality standards through equitable, policy- neutral, and timely release of information to the general public. Additional discussion of the proposal and a draft of the directive may be found in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. OMB is seeking public comment on the desirability of issuing the proposed directive as well as suggestions to improve its clarity, efficiency, and usefulness.
Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning China's Compliance With WTO Commitments
The interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) will convene a public hearing and seek public comment to assist the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in the preparation of its annual report to the Congress on China's compliance with the commitments made in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding European Communities and Certain Member States-Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft; Notice of Opportunity To View Non-Confidential Session of Dispute Settlement Panel's Second Meeting With the Parties
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that members of the public have an opportunity to view the non-confidential session of the second substantive meeting of the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') in the dispute European Communities and Certain Member StatesMeasures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (WT/DS316). At the session, parties will make their opening statements and may pose questions or make comments on the other party's statement. The United States does not expect the Panel to pose any questions or make any comments during the session. The session will be videotaped. At an appropriate time after the session is over, the Panel will confirm that no business confidential information was referenced during the session. Public viewing of the videotape will occur after the conclusion of the second substantive meeting, which will take place July 24-26, 2007. In the case of the first panel meeting, the viewing was held the day after the panel meeting concluded, so the viewing could be as early as July 27. Once the WTO announces the time and date of the public viewing, USTR will post that information on its Web site at www.ustr.gov. The public viewing will be held at the World Trade Organization, Centre William Rappard, Rue de Lausanne 154, CH1211 Geneva 21, Switzerland. USTR invites any person interested in viewing the non-confidential session to so inform USTR by e-mail at rsvp-DS316@ustr.eop.gov. USTR urges that the request be made as soon as possible and in any event no later than July 20. Requests will be forwarded to the WTO. Each request should indicate the person's full name, contact information (full address, phone, and e-mail), organization (if any), and nationality, and whether the person has made any other request to view the session (such as a request directly to the WTO or to the other party to the dispute, the European Communities).
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Subsidies and Other Domestic Support for Corn and Other Agricultural Products
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on June 7, 2007, Canada requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') regarding U.S. domestic support measures for corn and other agricultural products. That request may be found at: https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS357/11. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
FOIA Processing Fees
On January 8, 2007, the Central Intelligence Agency submitted a proposed rule for public comment on Freedom of Information Act processing fees to the Federal Register. The CIA has reviewed and carefully considered all of the comments that were submitted in response to our proposal. As a result of that review, the CIA hereby issues its final rule on FOIA processing fees.
Request for Public Comment on the Negotiations for Compensatory Adjustments to U.S. Schedule of Services Commitments Under WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) in Response to Notice of the United States of Intent To Modify Its Schedule Under Article XXI of the GATS
The Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) gives notice that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requests written submissions from the public concerning the negotiations for compensatory adjustments to U.S. Schedule of Services Commitments under WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) in response to notice of the United States of intent to modify its schedule under Article XXI of the GATS. On May 4, 2007, the United States filed with the WTO a notification to the Council for Trade in Services (CTS) pursuant to Article XXI:1(b) of the GATS stating the intention of the United States to modify its commitment for ``other recreational services'' to explicitly exclude gambling and betting services. In accordance with the procedural schedule set out in the WTO ``Procedures for the Implementation of Article XXI of the GATS: Modification of Schedules'' (WTO Document S/L/ 80) (``Article XXI Procedures''), on June 22 the United States received notice from eight WTO Members that they consider that their benefits under the GATS may be affected by the proposed modification. Consequently, consistent with Article XXI:2(a) of the GATS, the United States has entered into negotiations with these WTO Members with a view to reaching agreement on any necessary compensatory adjustment. The aim of such negotiations and agreement shall be to maintain a general level of mutually advantageous commitments not less favorable to trade than that provided for in the U.S. schedules of specific commitments prior to such negotiations.
Public Availability of Fiscal Year 2006 Agency Inventories Under the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act
The Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act, Public Law 105-270, requires agencies to develop inventories each year of activities performed by their employees that are not inherently governmentali.e., inventories of commercial activities. The FAIR Act further requires OMB to review the inventories in consultation with the agencies and publish a notice of public availability in the Federal Register after the consultation process is completed. In accordance with the FAIR Act, OMB is publishing this notice to announce the availability of inventories from the agencies listed below. These inventories identify both commercial activities and activities that are inherently governmental. This is the second release of the FAIR Act inventories for FY 2006. Interested parties who disagree with the agency's initial judgment may challenge the inclusion or the omission of an activity on the list of activities that are not inherently governmental within 30 working days and, if not satisfied with this review, may appeal to a higher level within the agency. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has made available a FAIR Act User's Guide through its Internet site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ omb/procurement/fair-index.html. This User's Guide will help interested parties review FY 2006 FAIR Act inventories.
Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee Committee on Technology; National Science and Technology Council
The Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee (ASTS) of the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Committee on Technology will hold a public meeting to discuss development of the National Aeronautics Research and Development (R&D) Plan and the related Aeronautics Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Infrastructure Plan. Executive Order (E.O.) 13419National Aeronautics Research and Developmentsigned December 20, 2006, calls for the development of these Plans within one year. The Plans are to be guided by the National Aeronautics R&D Policy that was developed by the NSTC and endorsed by E.O. 13419.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
