The Transportation Security Administration is seeking comments on the following information collection for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notice for specific details):
The Maritime Administration is seeking applications for membership on the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, which advises and makes recommendations on impediments that hinder the effective use and expansion of America’s Marine Highways; waterways and ports, and their intermodal, road, rail, and marine high connections; and guidelines for the development of a national freight policy from a marine transportation perspective to the Secretary of Transportation via the Maritime Administrator. Applications are due by November 17, 2010.
The International Trade Administration announces a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board meeting on October 26, 2010 in Las Vegas, where the members will hear presentations made by various government officials on issues related to the travel and tourism sector. The agenda for the event includes updates regarding implementation of the Travel Promotion Act, the Administration’s travel and tourism initiatives, implementation of the National Export Initiative, and the programs and activities of the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Transportation impacting the travel and tourism sector.
The State Department announces that the Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting on November 8, 2010 to prepare for the ninety-seventh Session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Legal Committee to be held at the IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, from November 15-19, 2010.
The Federal Maritime Commission has posted comments of Commissioner Rebecca Dye at the 2010 Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show, which include updates on the economic downturn, antitrust immunity, and goals regarding fact-finding investigation No. 26, "Vessel Capacity and Equipment Availability in the U.S. Export and Import Liner Trades." (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/01/10 news, 10070106, for BP summary of FMC's announcement of seven approaches to stem vessel capacity and equipment shortages.)
The Census Bureau on October 15, 2010 released retail sales data for September 2010. Retail sales rose 0.6 percent, essentially matching the revised August gain of 0.7 percent. This figure exceeded private-sector expectations of 0.4 percent. Motor vehicle sales increased a strong 1.6 percent. Sales excluding automotive dealers edged up 0.4 percent, also higher than private-sector expectations of a 0.3-percent gain.
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
The International Trade Commission has instituted an investigation to provide the seventh update of its report on the effects of significant U.S. import restraints (Inv. No. 332-325). The report will also examine global supply chains and U.S. involvement in these chains. The investigation, "The Economic Effects of Significant U.S. Import Restraints: Seventh Update Special Topic: Global Supply Chains," was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative in a letter received on August 16, 2010. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/20/10 news, 10082018, for BP summary of the request letter.)
The State Department has designated the Armed Islamic Group and all associated aliases as Foreign Terrorist Organizations pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated version of its list of Canadian (October 12, 2010) firms eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.