[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 215 (Friday, November 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-29726]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Part 1499

RIN 0551-AA57


Foreign Donation of Agricultural Commodities

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is issuing its final rule 
with respect to amendments to the regulations governing procedures for 
procuring ocean transportation for agricultural commodities provided 
under section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Food for 
Progress Act of 1985, published as an interim final rule in the Federal 
Register on February 23, 1998.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 6, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ira D. Branson, Director, Commodity 
Credit Corporation, Program Support Division, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, S.W., Stop 1031; Washington, D.C. 20250-1031; telephone (202) 
720-3573.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule is issued in conformance 
with Executive Order 12866. Based on information compiled by the 
Department, it has been determined that this final rule:
    (1) Will have an annual effect on the economy of less than $100 
million;
    (2) Will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, a 
sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities;
    (3) Will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere 
with an action taken or planned by another agency;
    (4) Will not materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlement, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; and
    (5) Will not raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of 
legal mandates, the President's priorities, or principles set forth in 
Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not 
applicable to this final rule since CCC is not required by 5 U.S.C. 553 
or any other provision of law to publish a notice of rulemaking with 
respect to the subject matter of this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule does not contain any information collection 
requirements that require OMB approval under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

Executive Order 12372

    This final rule is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372 which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and 
local officials. See the Notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, 
published at 46 FR 29115 (June 24, 1983).

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under the Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The final rule will have pre-emptive effect with 
respect to any state or local laws, regulations, or policies which 
conflict with such provisions or which otherwise impede their full 
implementation. The final rule will not have retroactive effect. 
Administrative proceedings are not required before parties may seek 
judicial review.
    On February 23, 1998, CCC published an interim final rule to amend 
the regulations applicable to donations under section 416(b) of the 
Agricultural Act of 1949, and the Food for Progress Program to be 
consistent with the new title I, Pub. L. 480 requirements. In 
particular, the final interim rule deleted the prohibition in 
Sec. 1499.8(b)(4) against ``clarification or submission of additional 
information'' under competitive freight invitations for bids and 
updated a cross reference to the title I, Pub. L. 480 regulations 
regarding information and certifications required from prospective 
shipping agents. CCC did not receive any comments regarding the interim 
final rule.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR part 1499

    Agricultural commodities, Exports, Foreign aid.

    Accordingly, the interim rule amending 7 CFR part 1499 which was 
published at 63 FR 8837 on February 23, 1998, is adopted as a final 
rule without change.
Christopher E. Goldthwait,
General Sales Manager, FAS, and Vice President, Commodity Credit 
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 98-29726 Filed 11-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P