"Mass dismissal of all but a limited number of FM translator applications” submitted in a 2003 FCC filing window isn’t justified, because the action would prevent stations from serving smaller towns where translators wouldn’t keep out new low-power FM (LPFM) outlets, said a major operator of translators. “There are opportunities for LPFM service in many communities, even if all the 2003 translator applications were granted,” though in some markets that would “have a preclusive effect” on low-power station seekers, Educational Media Foundation (EMF) said in a filing posted Tuesday to docket 99-25. A preliminary study it did found that “fringe channels” would be available in 10 of the 100 largest markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, San Jose, Calif., and New Orleans. Media Bureau officials continue to review how the Local Community Radio Act, aimed at LPFM stations, may affect commission rules, an agency official said. EMF executives had meetings with bureau officials and with aides to the five FCC members. Prometheus Radio Project -- which along with EMF proposed that the commission grant only some of the 2003 applications -- “urged Commission action to ensure meaningful spectrum availability for LPFM stations in every community, in even the largest radio markets and urban centers,” the group representing such broadcasters said in a filing. “LPFM had been effectively precluded” in such markets before passage of the act, Prometheus said in a filing that came three days late and reported on conversations with an aide to Commissioner Michael Copps.
The International Trade Administration has issued the preliminary results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on citric acid and certain citrate salts from Canada (A-122-853) covering the period November 20, 2008 through May 19, 2009, and May 29, 2009 through April 30, 20101. Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results.
The Senate Select Committee on Ethics hired a lawyer for a “preliminary inquiry” regarding ethics allegations against Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member John Ensign, R-Nev., the ethics committee said Tuesday. It hired Carol Bruce, a congressional investigation attorney with K&L Gates. The panel didn’t describe the allegations against Ensign, but the senator previously was accused of covering up an affair with an aide. “The purpose of a preliminary inquiry is to determine whether there is substantial credible evidence that a violation within the Committee’s jurisdiction has occurred,” the ethics committee said. After that, it said the panel could dismiss the allegations, send a letter of admonition, “or, for more serious violations, [conduct] an adjudicatory review.” The panel “has assured Senator Ensign that their inquiry remains in the preliminary stage and that the appointment of a special counsel does not change the course of its inquiry,” said lawyer Robert Walker of Wiley Rein, representing Ensign in the matter. “Senator Ensign is confident that he complied with all ethics rules and laws, and he is hopeful that this appointment will lead to a more speedy resolution of this matter.” Ensign “will continue to cooperate with the committee’s inquiry,” added Walker.
The Senate Select Committee on Ethics hired a lawyer for a “preliminary inquiry” regarding ethics allegations against Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member John Ensign, R-Nev., the ethics committee said Tuesday. It hired Carol Bruce, a congressional investigation attorney with K&L Gates. The panel didn’t describe the allegations against Ensign, but the senator previously was accused of covering up an affair with an aide. “The purpose of a preliminary inquiry is to determine whether there is substantial credible evidence that a violation within the Committee’s jurisdiction has occurred,” the ethics committee said. After that, it said the panel could dismiss the allegations, send a letter of admonition, “or, for more serious violations, [conduct] an adjudicatory review.” The panel “has assured Senator Ensign that their inquiry remains in the preliminary stage and that the appointment of a special counsel does not change the course of its inquiry,” said lawyer Robert Walker of Wiley Rein, representing Ensign in the matter. “Senator Ensign is confident that he complied with all ethics rules and laws, and he is hopeful that this appointment will lead to a more speedy resolution of this matter.” Ensign “will continue to cooperate with the committee’s inquiry,” added Walker.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted an updated version of its spreadsheet of ACE ESAR A2.2 (Initial Entry Types) programming issues.
The International Trade Administration has issued the preliminary results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on non-malleable cast iron pipe fittings from China (A-570-875) covering the period April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results.
The International Trade Administration has made a final affirmative antidumping duty determination that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) from Taiwan is being, or is likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (A-583-841).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued its fiscal year 2010 year-end “Import Trade Trends” report, which focuses on importers and CBP’s partnership programs. This issue also provides year-end data and highlights some of CBP’s newest developments.
After the preliminary results in the June 2006 -- May 2007 AD administrative review of tapered roller bearings and parts thereof from China, the International Trade Administration altered its methodology for valuing imports manufactured by Peer Bearing Company-Changshan, and, applying “facts otherwise available” for certain missing raw material values (without an adverse inference since the company was cooperative), assigned the firm an AD duty rate of 92.94% for the final results, up from 59.41% in the preliminary results. In response to the Chinese producer’s challenge of these results, the Court of International Trade ordered the ITA to determine anew the appropriate raw material values and pricing methodology. (Slip Op. 11-10, dated 01/25/11)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued its fiscal year 2010 year-end “Import Trade Trends” report, which focuses on importers and CBP’s partnership programs. This issue also provides year-end data and highlights some of CBP’s newest developments.