Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 2025 Special 301 Review, 97161-97163 [2024-28559]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2024 / Notices comparisons between the DOT and SOC 13 to identify the closest related SOC group as 35–3023 Fast Food and Counter Workers. The VE explains that five additional DOT occupations crosswalk to the same SOC group,14 and that OEWS data shows there are 3,325,050 jobs nationally for the Fast Food and Counter Workers SOC group.15 Considering the limitations in the hypothetical question, the VE explains that the Fast-Foods Worker (DOT Code 311.472–010) occupation occurs more frequently in the labor market than the other five DOT jobs in the same SOC group. Then, the VE states that the Fast-Food Worker occupation accounts for 1,300,000 jobs in the SOC group. The VE explains that the response was based on the VE’s experience, training, observation of how the job is performed in multiple settings and industries, and familiarity with the job market estimates. Adjudicator Responsibilities Our adjudicators are responsible for evaluating the VS or VE evidence within the context of the overall evidence in the claim. If the VS or VE does not provide the expected information and explanation outlined above, the adjudicator will usually need to develop the record with sufficient evidence to make a supported finding at step four or step five of the sequential evaluation process.16 [FR Doc. 2024–28508 Filed 12–5–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4191–02–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE [Public Notice: 12599] [Docket Number USTR–2024–0023] Notice of Determinations; Additional Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition— Determinations: ‘‘Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature’’ Exhibition Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 2025 Special 301 Review On September 30, 2024, notice was published in the Federal Register of determinations pertaining to a certain object to be included in an exhibition entitled ‘‘Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature.’’ Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that certain additional objects being imported from abroad pursuant to agreements with their foreign owners or custodians for temporary display in the aforesaid exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, are of cultural significance, and, further, that their temporary exhibition or display within the United States as aforementioned is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reed Liriano, Program Coordinator, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202– 632–6471; email: section2459@ state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, 2200 C Street NW (SA–5), Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522–0505. The foregoing determinations were made 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 Delegation of Authority No. 523 of December 22, 2021. The notice of determinations published on September 30, 2024, appears at 89 FR 79683. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 13 When OMB mandated the SOC system for occupational data collection, Federal agencies developed crosswalks from the existing taxonomies to the SOC. 64 FR 53136, 53139 (1999), available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-199909-30/pdf/99-25445.pdf. The DOT crosswalk file is available at https://www.onetcenter.org/crosswalks. html. 14 The other five DOT codes are: DOT Code 311.477–014 Counter Attendant, Lunchroom or Coffee Shop; DOT Code 311.477–038 Waiter/ Waitress, Take Out; DOT Code 311.674–010 Canteen Operator; DOT Code 311.677–014 Counter Attendant, Cafeteria; DOT Code 319.474–010 Fountain Server. 15 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS, May 2022. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes353023. htm. 16 Our determinations and decisions are based on the preponderance of the evidence standard. See 20 CFR 404.902, 404.920, 404.953, 416.1402, 416.1420, and 416.1453. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Dec 05, 2024 Jkt 265001 97161 Nicole L. Elkon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2024–28535 Filed 12–5–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P PO 00000 Frm 00226 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). ACTION: Request for comments and notice of public hearing. AGENCY: Each year, USTR conducts a review to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. Based on this review, the U.S. Trade Representative determines which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. USTR requests written comments that identify acts, policies, or practices that may form the basis of a country’s identification as a Priority Foreign Country or placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List. DATES: January 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear at the hearing from the public. February 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear at the hearing from foreign governments. February 19, 2025: The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a public hearing at the Office of the United State Trade Representative, 1724 F Street NW, Rooms 1&2, Washington, DC. If necessary, the hearing may continue on the next business day. Those who intend to testify at the public hearing must submit a notice of intent to appear by the deadlines stated above. Please consult the USTR website at https:// ustr.gov/issue-areas/intellectualproperty/Special-301, for confirmation of the date and location and the schedule of witnesses. February 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of post-hearing written comments from persons who testified at the public hearing. On or about April 30, 2025: USTR will publish the 2025 Special 301 Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate Report. ADDRESSES: USTR strongly encourages electronic submissions made through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov (Regulations.gov). Follow the submission instructions in section IV below. The docket number is SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1 97162 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2024 / Notices USTR–2024–0023. For alternatives to on-line submissions, please contact USTR at Special301@ustr.eop.gov before transmitting a comment and in advance of the relevant deadline. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Claire Avery-Page, Director for Innovation and Intellectual Property, at Special301@ustr.eop.gov or 202.395.6862. You can find information about the Special 301 Review at https:// www.ustr.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 I. Background Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242), commonly known as the Special 301 provisions, requires the U.S. Trade Representative to identify countries that deny adequate and effective IP protections or fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. The Trade Act requires the U.S. 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 (19 U.S.C. 2411–2415). In addition, USTR has created a Priority Watch List and Watch List to assist 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 IP 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 the Subcommittee, which reviews information from many sources, and consults with and makes recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative on issues arising under Special 301. Written submissions from the public are a key source of information for the Special 301 review process. In 2025, USTR will conduct a public hearing as part of the review process and will allow hearing participants to provide additional information relevant to the review. At the conclusion of the process, USTR will publish the results of the review in a Special 301 Report. USTR requests that interested persons identify through the process outlined in this notice those countries the acts, policies, or practices of which deny adequate and effective protection for IP rights or deny fair and equitable market VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Dec 05, 2024 Jkt 265001 access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. The Special 301 provisions also require the U.S. Trade Representative to identify any act, policy, or practice of Canada that affects cultural industries, was adopted or expanded after December 17, 1992, and is actionable under Article 32.6 of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (as defined in section 3 of the USMCA Implementation Act). USTR invites the public to submit views relevant to this aspect of the review. The Special 301 provisions require the U.S. Trade Representative to identify all such acts, policies, or practices within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate Report. In accordance with this statutory requirement, USTR will publish the annual Special 301 Report on or about April 30, 2025. II. Public Comments To facilitate this year’s review, written comments should be as detailed as possible and provide all necessary information to identify and assess the effect of the acts, policies, and practices. USTR invites written comments that provide specific references to laws, regulations, policy statements, including innovation policies, executive, presidential, or other orders, and administrative, court, or other determinations that should factor into the review. USTR also requests that, where relevant, submissions mention particular regions, provinces, states, or other subdivisions of a country in which an act, policy, or practice is believed to warrant special attention. Finally, submissions proposing countries for review should include data, loss estimates, and other information regarding the economic impact on the United States, U.S. industry, and the U.S. workforce caused by the denial of adequate and effective intellectual property protection. Comments that include quantitative loss claims should include the methodology used to calculate the estimated losses. III. Public Hearing The Special 301 Subcommittee will convene a public hearing on February 19, 2025, in Rooms 1 and 2, 1724 F Street NW, Washington, DC, at which interested persons, including representatives of foreign governments, may appear to provide oral testimony. If necessary, the hearing may continue on the next business day. Because the hearing will take place in Federal facilities, attendees must show photo identification and will be screened for security purposes. Please consult the PO 00000 Frm 00227 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 USTR website at https://ustr.gov/issueareas/intellectual-property/Special-301, to confirm the date and location of the hearing and to obtain copies of the hearing schedule. USTR also will post the transcript and recording of the hearing on the USTR website as soon after the hearing as possible. Witnesses must deliver prepared oral testimony, which is limited to five minutes, before the Special 301 Subcommittee in person and in English. Subcommittee member agencies may ask questions following the prepared statement. Witnesses not from foreign governments must submit a notice of intent to testify and a hearing statement by January 27, 2025, and foreign government witnesses must submit a notice of intent to testify and a hearing statement by February 10, 2025. The submissions must be in English and must include: (1) The name, address, telephone number, email address, and firm or affiliation of the individual wishing to testify, and (2) a hearing statement that is relevant to the Special 301 review. IV. Submission Instructions All submissions must be in English and sent electronically via Regulations.gov using docket number USTR–2024–0023. To submit comments, locate the docket (folder) by entering the number USTR–2024–0023 in the ‘search for dockets or documents on agency actions’ window at the Regulations.gov home page and click ‘search.’ The site will provide a searchresults page listing all documents associated with this docket. Locate the reference to this notice by selecting ‘notice’ under ‘document type’ on the left side of the search-results page, and click on the link entitled ‘comment’. USTR requests that you provide comments in an attached document, and that you name the file according to the following protocol: Commenter Name or Organization_2025 Special 301 Review_ Comment, or Notice of Intent to Testify or Hearing Statement. Please include the following information in the ‘start typing comment here’ field: ‘2025 Special 301 Review’ and whether the submission is a comment, a request to testify at the hearing, or a hearing statement. Please submit documents prepared in (or compatible with) Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats. If you prepare the submission in a compatible format, please indicate the name of the relevant software application in the ‘start typing comment here’ field. For further information on using Regulations.gov, please select ‘FAQ’ on the bottom of any page. E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2024 / Notices Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a cover letter in the comments themselves. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file as the comment itself, rather than submitting them as separate files. For any comments that contains business confidential information (BCI), the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘BCI’. Any page containing BCI must be clearly marked ‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’ on the top of that page and the submission should clearly indicate, via brackets, highlighting, or other means, the specific information that is business confidential. A filer requesting business confidential treatment must certify that the information is business confidential and that they would not customarily release it to the public. Additionally, the filer should type ‘business confidential’ in the ‘start typing comment here’ field. Filers of comments containing BCI also must submit a public version of their comments. The file name of the public version should begin with the character ‘P’. Follow the ‘BCI’ and ‘P’ with the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting comments containing no BCI should name their file using the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. As noted, USTR strongly urges commenters to submit comments through Regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements before transmitting a document and in advance of the relevant deadline by contacting USTR at Special301@ ustr.eop.gov. USTR will place comments in the docket and they will be open to public inspection, except properly designated BCI. You can view comments on Regulations.gov by entering Docket Number USTR–2024–0023 in the ‘search’ field on the home page. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Daniel Lee, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Innovation and Intellectual Property, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2024–28559 Filed 12–5–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3390–F4–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:02 Dec 05, 2024 Jkt 265001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [Docket No. FHWA–2024–0081] Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval for a new information collection, which is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Please submit comments by February 4, 2025. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket ID Number 0081 by any of the following methods: Website: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fawn Thompson, (404)–895–6229, fawn.thompson@dot.gov, Office of Technical Services—Center for Accelerating Innovation, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 2023–2026 Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration Grants Background: The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite applications for the FHWA’s Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration grants for fiscal years (FY) 2023–2026. Up to $10 million PO 00000 Frm 00228 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 97163 will be available for FY 2023, with up to $12.5 million for each subsequent fiscal year. Funds made available for FYs 2023–2026 for the AID Demonstration are to be awarded on a competitive basis to fund activities eligible for assistance under title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.) in any phase of a highway transportation project between project planning and project delivery including planning, financing, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, and construction that address the Technology and Innovation Deployment Program goals. This notice describes the application requirements, selection and evaluation criteria, applicable program and Federal requirements and deliverables, and available technical assistance during the grant solicitation period. Respondents: Entities eligible include State Departments of Transportation (DOT), Federal Land Management Agencies, and Tribal governments. State DOT may apply for AID Demonstration grants in partnership with Local Public Agencies (LPA), and the State DOT will be responsible for administering the AID Demonstration grant work by the LPA. Any federally recognized Tribe identified on the list of ‘‘Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs’’ (87 FR 4636) is eligible to apply for AID Demonstration grants. Frequency: The information will be collected annually. Estimated Average Burden per Response: The following is expected for respondents and recipients: • Application Sub-Total: 21 hours per respondent • Program Management Sub-Total: 21 hours per recipient Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: It is expected that the respondents and recipients will complete approximately 2,340 burden hours to address the Application and Program Management requirements. Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the FHWA’s performance; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burdens; (3) ways for the FHWA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized, including the use of electronic technology, without reducing the quality of the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include your comments in the request E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 235 (Friday, December 6, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 97161-97163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28559]


=======================================================================
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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[Docket Number USTR-2024-0023]


Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 
2025 Special 301 Review

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

ACTION: Request for comments and notice of public hearing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Each year, USTR conducts a review to identify countries that 
deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) 
rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who 
rely on IP protection. Based on this review, the U.S. Trade 
Representative determines which, if any, of these countries to identify 
as Priority Foreign Countries. USTR requests written comments that 
identify acts, policies, or practices that may form the basis of a 
country's identification as a Priority Foreign Country or placement on 
the Priority Watch List or Watch List.

DATES: 
    January 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of 
written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear 
at the hearing from the public.
    February 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of 
written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear 
at the hearing from foreign governments.
    February 19, 2025: The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a public 
hearing at the Office of the United State Trade Representative, 1724 F 
Street NW, Rooms 1&2, Washington, DC. If necessary, the hearing may 
continue on the next business day. Those who intend to testify at the 
public hearing must submit a notice of intent to appear by the 
deadlines stated above. Please consult the USTR website at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/intellectual-property/Special-301, for 
confirmation of the date and location and the schedule of witnesses.
    February 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of 
post-hearing written comments from persons who testified at the public 
hearing.
    On or about April 30, 2025: USTR will publish the 2025 Special 301 
Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate 
Report.

ADDRESSES: USTR strongly encourages electronic submissions made through 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov 
(Regulations.gov). Follow the submission instructions in section IV 
below. The docket number is

[[Page 97162]]

USTR-2024-0023. For alternatives to on-line submissions, please contact 
USTR at [email protected] before transmitting a comment and in 
advance of the relevant deadline.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Claire Avery-Page, Director for 
Innovation and Intellectual Property, at [email protected] or 
202.395.6862. You can find information about the Special 301 Review at 
https://www.ustr.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242), 
commonly known as the Special 301 provisions, requires the U.S. Trade 
Representative to identify countries that deny adequate and effective 
IP protections or fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who 
rely on IP protection. The Trade Act requires the U.S. 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 (19 U.S.C. 2411-2415).
    In addition, USTR has created a Priority Watch List and Watch List 
to assist 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 IP 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 the Subcommittee, which reviews information from many 
sources, and consults with and makes recommendations to the U.S. Trade 
Representative on issues arising under Special 301. Written submissions 
from the public are a key source of information for the Special 301 
review process. In 2025, USTR will conduct a public hearing as part of 
the review process and will allow hearing participants to provide 
additional information relevant to the review. At the conclusion of the 
process, USTR will publish the results of the review in a Special 301 
Report.
    USTR requests that interested persons identify through the process 
outlined in this notice those countries the acts, policies, or 
practices of which deny adequate and effective protection for IP rights 
or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP 
protection. The Special 301 provisions also require the U.S. Trade 
Representative to identify any act, policy, or practice of Canada that 
affects cultural industries, was adopted or expanded after December 17, 
1992, and is actionable under Article 32.6 of the United States-Mexico-
Canada Agreement (USMCA) (as defined in section 3 of the USMCA 
Implementation Act). USTR invites the public to submit views relevant 
to this aspect of the review.
    The Special 301 provisions require the U.S. Trade Representative to 
identify all such acts, policies, or practices within 30 days of the 
publication of the National Trade Estimate Report. In accordance with 
this statutory requirement, USTR will publish the annual Special 301 
Report on or about April 30, 2025.

II. Public Comments

    To facilitate this year's review, written comments should be as 
detailed as possible and provide all necessary information to identify 
and assess the effect of the acts, policies, and practices. USTR 
invites written comments that provide specific references to laws, 
regulations, policy statements, including innovation policies, 
executive, presidential, or other orders, and administrative, court, or 
other determinations that should factor into the review. USTR also 
requests that, where relevant, submissions mention particular regions, 
provinces, states, or other subdivisions of a country in which an act, 
policy, or practice is believed to warrant special attention. Finally, 
submissions proposing countries for review should include data, loss 
estimates, and other information regarding the economic impact on the 
United States, U.S. industry, and the U.S. workforce caused by the 
denial of adequate and effective intellectual property protection. 
Comments that include quantitative loss claims should include the 
methodology used to calculate the estimated losses.

III. Public Hearing

    The Special 301 Subcommittee will convene a public hearing on 
February 19, 2025, in Rooms 1 and 2, 1724 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 
at which interested persons, including representatives of foreign 
governments, may appear to provide oral testimony. If necessary, the 
hearing may continue on the next business day. Because the hearing will 
take place in Federal facilities, attendees must show photo 
identification and will be screened for security purposes. Please 
consult the USTR website at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/intellectual-property/Special-301, to confirm the date and location of the hearing 
and to obtain copies of the hearing schedule. USTR also will post the 
transcript and recording of the hearing on the USTR website as soon 
after the hearing as possible.
    Witnesses must deliver prepared oral testimony, which is limited to 
five minutes, before the Special 301 Subcommittee in person and in 
English. Subcommittee member agencies may ask questions following the 
prepared statement. Witnesses not from foreign governments must submit 
a notice of intent to testify and a hearing statement by January 27, 
2025, and foreign government witnesses must submit a notice of intent 
to testify and a hearing statement by February 10, 2025. The 
submissions must be in English and must include: (1) The name, address, 
telephone number, email address, and firm or affiliation of the 
individual wishing to testify, and (2) a hearing statement that is 
relevant to the Special 301 review.

IV. Submission Instructions

    All submissions must be in English and sent electronically via 
Regulations.gov using docket number USTR-2024-0023. To submit comments, 
locate the docket (folder) by entering the number USTR-2024-0023 in the 
`search for dockets or documents on agency actions' window at the 
Regulations.gov home page and click `search.' The site will provide a 
search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. 
Locate the reference to this notice by selecting `notice' under 
`document type' on the left side of the search-results page, and click 
on the link entitled `comment'.
    USTR requests that you provide comments in an attached document, 
and that you name the file according to the following protocol: 
Commenter Name or Organization_2025 Special 301 Review_Comment, or 
Notice of Intent to Testify or Hearing Statement. Please include the 
following information in the `start typing comment here' field: `2025 
Special 301 Review' and whether the submission is a comment, a request 
to testify at the hearing, or a hearing statement. Please submit 
documents prepared in (or compatible with) Microsoft Word (.doc) or 
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats. If you prepare the submission in a 
compatible format, please indicate the name of the relevant software 
application in the `start typing comment here' field. For further 
information on using Regulations.gov, please select `FAQ' on the bottom 
of any page.

[[Page 97163]]

    Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic 
submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a 
cover letter in the comments themselves. Similarly, to the extent 
possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in 
the same file as the comment itself, rather than submitting them as 
separate files.
    For any comments that contains business confidential information 
(BCI), the file name of the business confidential version should begin 
with the characters `BCI'. Any page containing BCI must be clearly 
marked `BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL' on the top of that page and the 
submission should clearly indicate, via brackets, highlighting, or 
other means, the specific information that is business confidential. A 
filer requesting business confidential treatment must certify that the 
information is business confidential and that they would not 
customarily release it to the public. Additionally, the filer should 
type `business confidential' in the `start typing comment here' field. 
Filers of comments containing BCI also must submit a public version of 
their comments. The file name of the public version should begin with 
the character `P'. Follow the `BCI' and `P' with the name of the person 
or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting comments 
containing no BCI should name their file using the name of the person 
or entity submitting the comments.
    As noted, USTR strongly urges commenters to submit comments through 
Regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements before 
transmitting a document and in advance of the relevant deadline by 
contacting USTR at [email protected].
    USTR will place comments in the docket and they will be open to 
public inspection, except properly designated BCI. You can view 
comments on Regulations.gov by entering Docket Number USTR-2024-0023 in 
the `search' field on the home page.

Daniel Lee,
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Innovation and Intellectual 
Property, Office of the United States Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 2024-28559 Filed 12-5-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3390-F4-P
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