[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 168 (Thursday, August 31, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60117]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18866]



[[Page 60117]]

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

15 CFR Part 2004

RIN 0350-AA13


Technical Amendment: Freedom of Information Act Policies and 
Procedures

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

ACTION: Adoption of interim rule as final.

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SUMMARY: This final rule adopts, without change, an interim final rule 
with a request for comments published in the Federal Register on July 
25, 2023, that made a minor technical change to the USTR Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) regulation.

DATES: Effective October 2, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janice Kaye or Monique Ricker at 
[email protected] or 202-395-3150.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Technical Change

    On July 25, 2023, USTR published an interim final rule that made a 
technical change to Sec.  2004.6 of the USTR FOIA regulation to align 
it with the statute and Office of Information Policy guidance about the 
compelling circumstances under which an agency must grant expedited 
processing. See 88 FR 47772. Although the interim final rule was 
effective upon publication, USTR provided a 30-day comment period, 
which ended on August 24, 2023. USTR did not receive any comments and 
is adopting the interim final rule without any changes.

II. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    USTR considered the impact of this rule and determined that it will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
business entities because it applies only to USTR's internal operations 
and legal obligations. 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

III. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The final rule does not contain any information collection 
requirement that requires the approval of the Office of Management and 
Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

IV. Administrative Procedure Act (APA)

    On July 25, 2023, USTR published an interim final rule (88 FR 
47772) and determined that there was a basis under the Administrative 
Procedure Act for issuing the interim final rule with immediate effect. 
USTR provided a 30-day comment period, which ended on August 24, 2023. 
USTR did not receive any comments and is adopting the provisions of the 
interim final rule as a final rule with no changes.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 2004

    Administrative practice and procedure, Courts, Disclosure, 
Exemptions, Freedom of information, Government employees, Privacy, 
Records, Subpoenas, Testimony.

PART 2004--DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION

0
Accordingly, the interim final rule published in the Federal Register 
on July 25, 2023, at 88 FR 47772, amending 15 CFR part 2004, is adopted 
as a final rule without change.

Janice Kaye,
Chief FOIA Officer, Office of the United States Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 2023-18866 Filed 8-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3290-F3-P