The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') Science and Technology Directorate has announced that Analytic Services Incorporated (ANSER) has been selected to operate the Homeland Security Institute, which is DHS' first Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). According to DHS, the FFRDC will particularly focus on those matters involving policy and security where scientific, technical, and analytical expertise is required such as those in the extremely complex threat and vulnerability assessment areas. (DHS press release, dated 04/23/04, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3509)
| QP 01/01/04 -- 12/31/04 The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice stating that it is rescinding the antidumping (AD) duty new shipper review of certain preserved mushrooms from China with respect to the following exporter and producer combination: On April 23, 2004, the White House announced that President Bush has terminated the application of the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act with respect to Libya, and the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has modified sanctions imposed on U.S. firms and individuals under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in order to, when implemented, allow the resumption of most commercial activities, financial transactions, and investments. The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice requesting public comments by May 10, 2004 regarding a petition it received on behalf of Narroflex Inc.: The ITA states that it has preliminary determined that cross-ownership exists between Alpanil and Meghmani and will treat them as a single entity for purposes of this CV duty investigation. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has posted to its Web site the reports of 32 Trade Advisory Committees on the proposed U.S.-Dominican Republic agreement which integrates the Dominican Republic into the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). In the April 21, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 17), CBP issued notices: (a) modifying or revoking four classification rulings on glass-beaded artificial fruit and foliage, and (b) modifying a classification ruling on ink jet printer cartridges. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices. On April 1, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a first set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding the mandatory advance electronic information requirements for inbound air cargo. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a proposed rule which would exempt any person who produces (as defined by AMS) and markets solely 100% organic products from paying assessments to any research and promotion program administered by AMS. |