Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices 1143 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0058; FMCSA– 

2018–0136; FMCSA–2018–0138; FMCSA– 

2018–0139; FMCSA–2019–0109; FMCSA– 

2019–0110] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Hearing 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of final disposition. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its 

decision to renew exemptions for 16 

individuals from the hearing 

requirement in the Federal Motor 

Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for 

interstate commercial motor vehicle 

(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable 

these hard of hearing and deaf 

individuals to continue to operate CMVs 

in interstate commerce. 

DATES: The exemptions were applicable 

on December 26, 2023. The exemptions 

expire on December 26, 2025. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical 

Programs Division, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, 

Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366– 

4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office 

hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday 

through Friday, except Federal holidays. 

If you have questions regarding viewing 

or submitting material to the docket, 

contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366– 

9826. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation 

A. Viewing Comments 

To view comments go to 

www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA– 

2018–0136, FMCSA–2018–0138, 

FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019– 

0109, or FMCSA–2019–0110) in the 

keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, 

sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed, 

and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you 

do not have access to the internet, you 

may view the docket online by visiting 

Dockets Operations on the ground floor 

of the DOT West Building, 1200 New 

Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

ET Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. To be sure someone is 

there to help you, please call (202) 366– 

9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting 

Dockets Operations. 

B. Privacy Act 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments 

from the public on the exemption 

requests. DOT posts these comments, 

without edit, including any personal 

information the commenter provides, to 

www.regulations.gov. As described in 

the system of records notice DOT/ALL 

14 (Federal Docket Management 

System), which can be reviewed at 

https://www.transportation.gov/ 

individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are 

searchable by the name of the submitter. 

II. Background 

On November 27, 2023, FMCSA 

published a notice announcing its 

decision to renew exemptions for 16 

individuals from the hearing standard in 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV 

in interstate commerce and requested 

comments from the public (88 FR 

82942). The public comment period 

ended on December 27, 2023, and no 

comments were received. 

FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility 

of these applicants and determined that 

renewing these exemptions would likely 

achieve a level of safety that is 

equivalent to, or greater than, the level 

that would be achieved by complying 

with § 391.41(b)(11). 

The physical qualification standard 

for drivers regarding hearing found in 

§ 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is 

physically qualified to drive a CMV if 

that person first perceives a forced 

whispered voice in the better ear at not 

less than 5 feet with or without the use 

of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of 

an audiometric device, does not have an 

average hearing loss in the better ear 

greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 

Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a 

hearing aid when the audiometric 

device is calibrated to American 

National Standard (formerly ASA 

Standard) Z24.5—1951. 

This standard was adopted in 1970 

and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers 

to be qualified under this standard 

while wearing a hearing aid (35 FR 

6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR 

12857 (July 8, 1971), respectively). 

III. Discussion of Comments 

FMCSA received no comments in this 

proceeding. 

IV. Conclusion 

Based upon its evaluation of the 16 

renewal exemption applications and 

comments received, FMCSA announces 

its decision to exempt the following 

drivers from the hearing requirement in 

§ 391.41 (b)(11). 

As of December 26, 2023, and in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), the following 16 individuals 

have satisfied the renewal conditions for 

obtaining an exemption from the 

hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for 

interstate CMV drivers (88 FR 82943; 88 

FR 82944): 

Denis Ayers (MD) 

Joseph Bence (OH) 

Daryl Broker (MN) 

Justin Brooks (WA) 

Christa Butner (NC) 

William Darnell (AZ) 

Travis Davisson (IA) 

Steven Gandee (PA) 

Derek Hawkins (NH) 

James Johnson (MN) 

Keith Kenyon (WI) 

John Martikainen (CT) 

Willis Ryan (GA) 

John Silvers (NY) 

Jeremy Williams (CA) 

Joseph Williams (MD) 

The drivers were included in docket 

numbers FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA– 

2018–0136, FMCSA–2018–0138, 

FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019– 

0109, or FMCSA–2019–0110. Their 

exemptions were applicable as of 

December 26, 2023 and will expire on 

December 26, 2025. 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b), each exemption will be valid 

for 2 years from the effective date unless 

revoked earlier by FMCSA. The 

exemption will be revoked if the 

following occurs: (1) the person fails to 

comply with the terms and conditions 

of the exemption; (2) the exemption has 

resulted in a lower level of safety than 

was maintained prior to being granted; 

or (3) continuation of the exemption 

would not be consistent with the goals 

and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136, 49 

U.S.C. chapter 313, or the FMCSRs. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2024–00258 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

[DOT–OST–2023–0165] 

Solicitation for Annual Combating 

Human Trafficking in Transportation 

Impact Award 

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of 

Transportation, U.S. Department of 

Transportation. 

ACTION: Notice. 

SUMMARY: The annual Combating 

Human Trafficking in Transportation 

Impact Award (the award) seeks to raise 

awareness among transportation 


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1144 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices 

stakeholders about human trafficking 

and increase training and prevention to 

combat the crime. The award is a 

component of the Department of 

Transportation (DOT) Transportation 

Leaders Against Human Trafficking 

initiative. Additional information 

regarding the Department’s countertrafficking activities can be found at 

www.transportation.gov/ 

stophumantrafficking. The award serves 

as a platform for transportation 

stakeholders to creatively develop 

impactful and innovative countertrafficking tools, initiatives, campaigns, 

and technologies that can help stop 

these heinous crimes. The award is 

open to individuals and entities, 

including non-governmental 

organizations, transportation industry 

associations, research institutions, and 

state and local government 

organizations. Entrants compete for a 

cash award of up to $50,000 to be 

awarded to the individual(s) or entity 

selected for creating the most impactful 

counter-trafficking initiative or 

technology. DOT intends to incentivize 

individuals and entities to think 

creatively in developing innovative 

solutions to combat human trafficking 

in the transportation industry, and to 

share those innovations with the 

broader community. 

DATES: Submissions will be accepted 

from January 9, 2024 through midnight 

EST on March 11, 2024. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For 

more information and to register your 

intent to compete individually or as part 

of a team, visit www.transportation.gov/ 

stophumantrafficking, email 

trafficking@dot.gov, or contact the 

Office of International Transportation 

and Trade at (202) 366–4398. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Award Approving Official: The 

Secretary of Transportation (Secretary). 

Subject of Award Competition: The 

Combating Human Trafficking in 

Transportation Impact Award 

recognizes impactful, innovative, and 

shareable approaches to combating 

human trafficking in the transportation 

industry. 

Problem 

As many as 27.6 million men, women, 

and children are held against their will 

and trafficked into forced labor and 

commercial sex. Transportation figures 

prominently in human trafficking 

enterprises when traffickers move 

victims, which uniquely positions the 

industry to combat the crime. 

Challenge 

The Combating Human Trafficking in 

Transportation Impact Award is looking 

for the best innovators to develop 

original, impactful, unique, and 

shareable human trafficking tools, 

initiatives, campaigns, and technologies 

that can help stop these heinous crimes 

in the transportation industry. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible to participate in the 

Combating Human Trafficking in 

Transportation Impact Award 

competition, private entities must be 

incorporated in and maintain a primary 

place of business in the United States, 

and individuals must be citizens or 

permanent residents of the United 

States. There is no charge to enter the 

competition. 

Rules, Terms, and Conditions 

The following additional rules apply: 

1. Entrants shall submit a project to 

the competition under the rules 

promulgated by the Department in this 

Notice; 

2. Entrants must indemnify, defend, 

and hold harmless the Federal 

Government from and against all thirdparty claims, actions, or proceedings of 

any kind and from any and all damages, 

liabilities, costs, and expenses relating 

to or arising from participant’s 

submission or any breach or alleged 

breach of any of the representations, 

warranties, and covenants of participant 

hereunder. Entrants are financially 

responsible for claims made by a third 

party; 

3. Entrants may not be a Federal 

entity or Federal employee acting 

within the scope of employment; 

4. Entrants may not be an employee 

of the U.S. Department of 

Transportation; 

5. Entrants shall not be deemed 

ineligible because an individual used 

Federal facilities or consulted with 

Federal employees during a competition 

if the facilities and employees are made 

available to all individuals participating 

in the competition on an equitable basis; 

6. The entries cannot have been 

submitted in the same or substantially 

similar form in any other previous 

Federally sponsored promotion or 

Federally sponsored competition; 

7. Entrants previously awarded first 

place are not eligible to reenter for the 

same or substantially similar project; 

8. Entries which, in the Department’s 

sole discretion, are determined to be 

substantially similar to another entity’s 

entry submitted to this competition may 

be disqualified; 

9. The competition is subject to all 

applicable Federal laws and regulations. 

Participation constitutes the entrants’ 

full and unconditional agreement to 

these rules and to the Secretary’s 

decisions, which are final and binding 

in all matters related to this 

competition; 

10. Entries must be original, be the 

work of the entrant and/or nominee and 

must not violate the rights of other 

parties. All entries remain the property 

of the entrant. Each entrant represents 

and warrants that: 

• Entrant is the sole author and 

owner of the submission; 

• The entry is not the subject of any 

actual or threatened litigation or claim; 

• The entry does not and will not 

violate or infringe upon the intellectual 

property rights, privacy rights, publicity 

rights, or other legal rights of any third 

party; and 

• The entry does not and will not 

contain any harmful computer code 

(sometimes referred to as ‘‘malware,’’ 

‘‘viruses,’’ or, ‘‘worms’’). 

11. By submitting an entry in this 

competition, entrants agree to assume 

any and all risks and waive any claims 

against the Federal Government and its 

related entities (except in the case of 

willful misconduct) for any injury, 

death, damage, or loss of property, 

revenue or profits, whether direct, 

indirect, or consequential, arising from 

their participation in this competition, 

whether the injury, death, damage, or 

loss arises through negligence of 

otherwise. Provided, however, that by 

registering or submitting an entry, 

entrants and/or nominees do not waive 

claims against the Department arising 

out of the unauthorized use or 

disclosure by the agency of the 

intellectual property, trade secrets, or 

confidential information of the entrant; 

12. The Secretary or the Secretary’s 

designees have the right to request 

additional supporting documentation 

regarding the application from the 

entrants and/or nominees; 

13. Each entrant grants to the 

Department, as well as other Federal 

agencies with which it partners, the 

right to use names, likeness, application 

materials, photographs, voices, 

opinions, and hometown and state for 

the Department’s promotional purposes 

in any media, in perpetuity, worldwide, 

without further payment or 

consideration; 

14. If selected, the entrant and/or 

nominee must provide written consent 

granting the Department and any parties 

acting on their behalf, a royalty-free, 

non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide 

license to display publicly and use for 

promotional purposes the entry 

(‘‘demonstration license’’). This 

demonstration license includes posting 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices 1145 

or linking to the entry on Department 

websites, including the Competition 

website, and partner websites, and 

inclusion of the entry in any other 

media, worldwide; 

15. Applicants that are Federal grant 

recipients may not use Federal funds to 

develop submissions; 

16. Federal contractors may not use 

Federal funds from a contract to develop 

applications or to fund efforts in 

support of a submission; and 

17. The submission period begins on 

January 9, 2024. Submissions must be 

sent by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard 

Time on March 11, 2024. The timeliness 

of submissions will be determined by 

the postmark (if sent in hard copy) or 

time stamp of the recipient (if emailed). 

Competition administrators assume no 

responsibility for lost or untimely 

submissions for any reason. 

Submission Requirements 

Applicants must submit entries using 

the submission chart in Appendix A via 

email or by mail. Electronic packages 

may be transmitted by email to: 

trafficking@dot.gov. Hard copies should 

be forwarded with a cover letter to the 

attention of: Combating Human 

Trafficking in Transportation Impact 

Award (Room W88–121), 1200 New 

Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590. 

Expression of Interest: While not 

required, entrants are strongly 

encouraged to send brief expressions of 

interest to DOT prior to submitting 

entries. The expressions of interest 

should be sent by February 8, 2024 to 

trafficking@dot.gov, and include the 

following elements: (1) Name and title 

of entrant(s); (2) Telephone and email 

address; and (3) A synopsis of the 

concept, limited to no more than two 

pages. 

Please ensure your submission 

package includes EACH of the following 

twelve elements (see required 

submission chart in Appendix A): 

1. Mode(s) 

Specify which transportation mode(s) 

the proposal will focus on. 

2. Title 

The proposal title. 

3. Entity 

The name of the organization(s) being 

nominated, or the name(s) and title(s) of 

the individual(s) being nominated. 

4. Submitted By 

Include name, title, phone, email, 

website URL, and mailing address. 

If the point of contact for the proposal 

is different, also specify their name, 

title, phone, and email. 

5. Background 

Brief background regarding the 

submitting individual(s) or 

organization(s) that includes relevant 

counter-trafficking expertise. 

6. Partners 

If applicable, list the partners who 

will be engaged in proposal 

development and/or implementation, 

including a brief background for each. 

7. Letters of Support 

You may submit supporting letters, 

which may be from subject matter 

experts or industry, and may address 

the technical merit of the concept, 

originality, impact, practicality, 

measurability and/or applicability. 

Proposals with letters of support should 

include an itemized list with the name, 

title, and organization for each letter. 

8. Proposal Description (1 sentence) 

A high-level description of the 

proposal including all deliverable(s). 

9. Proposal Summary (1 paragraph) 

A detailed synopsis of the proposal, 

including how efficacy will be 

measured and its anticipated impact. 

10. Proposal Overview and Impact/ 

Measurability (1–2 pages) 

A proposal description that presents a 

logical approach and workable solution 

to addressing the issue of human 

trafficking in the transportation 

industry. Include responses to the 

following questions: Is the concept 

unique? Are anticipated beneficiaries 

clearly identified? Were human 

trafficking survivors consulted in the 

proposal development and/or how will 

survivor input be included in 

implementation? Are anticipated 

resources and costs outlined in detail? 

Can the proposal be implemented in a 

way requiring a finite amount of 

resources (e.g., fixed costs, low or no 

marginal costs, and a clear path to 

implementation and scale beyond an 

initial investment)? For impact and 

measurability, include a description of 

how the proposal will be evaluated, and 

its potential impact on human 

trafficking in the transportation 

industry. Include responses to the 

following questions: How will the 

proposal’s impact be measured? How 

will the proposal contribute to countertrafficking efforts in the transportation 

sector? If not a national proposal, can 

the proposal be scaled nationally? 

11. Supporting Documents (no page 

limit) 

The paper(s) and/or technologies, 

programs, video/audio files, and other 

related materials, describing the 

proposal and addressing the selection 

criteria. As applicable, this can include 

a description of success of a previous or 

similar proposal and/or documentation 

of impact. DOT may request additional 

information, including supporting 

documentation, more detailed contact 

information, releases of liability, and 

statements of authenticity to guarantee 

the originality of the work. Failure to 

respond in a timely manner may result 

in disqualification. 

12. Eligibility Statement 

A statement of eligibility by private 

entities indicating that they are 

incorporated in and maintain a primary 

place of business in the United States, 

or a statement of eligibility by 

individuals indicating that they citizens 

or permanent residents of the United 

States. 

Initial Screening 

The Office of International 

Transportation and Trade (OITT) will 

initially review applications to 

determine that all required submission 

elements are included, and to determine 

compliance with eligibility 

requirements. 

Evaluation 

After the Initial Screening, OITT, with 

input from the relevant Operating 

Administrations, will judge entries 

based on the factors described below: 

technical merit, originality, impact, 

practicality, measurability, and 

applicability. The Secretary will make 

the final selection. The Department 

reserves the right to not award the prize 

if the selecting officials believe that no 

submission demonstrates sufficient 

potential for sufficient transformative 

impact. The following factors are 

equally important and will be given 

consideration. 

Technical Merit 

• Does the proposal present a clear 

understanding of the issue of human 

trafficking in the transportation industry 

and utilizes a trauma-informed, victimcentered approach? 

• Does the proposal present a logical 

and workable solution and approach to 

addressing human trafficking in the 

transportation industry? 

• Were survivors of human trafficking 

consulted in the development of the 

proposal concept and is survivor input 

outlined in the description of proposal 

implementation? 

Originality 

• Is the concept new or a variation of 

an existing idea? 


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1146 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices 

• Does the concept possess and 

clearly describe its unique merits? 

Impact/Measurability 

• Can the proposal make a significant 

impact and/or contribution to the fight 

against human trafficking in the 

transportation industry? 

• Does the proposal clearly describe 

the breadth of impact? 

• Does the submission clearly outline 

how the proposal will be measured? 

• Will the proposal result in 

measurable improvements? 

Practicality 

• Does the proposal clearly identify 

anticipated beneficiaries of the 

proposal? 

• Does the proposal clearly outline 

anticipated resources and all costs to be 

incurred by executing the concept? 

• Can the proposal be implemented 

in a way that requires a finite amount 

of resources (specifically, the 

submission has fixed costs, low or no 

marginal costs, and a clear path to 

implementation and scale beyond an 

initial investment)? 

Applicability 

• Is the proposal national and/or can 

it be scaled nationally? 

Award 

Up to three winning entries are 

expected to be announced. The firstplace winner will receive up to a 

$50,000 cash prize. A plaque with the 

first-place winner(s) name and the date 

of the award will be on display at the 

U.S. Department of Transportation, and 

a display copy of the plaque(s) will be 

sent to the first-place award winner’s 

headquarters. Two additional plaques 

will be awarded to recognize the two 

runners up. At the Department’s 

discretion, DOT may pay for invitational 

travel expenses to Washington, DC, for 

up to two individuals or representatives 

of the first-place winning organization 

and runners up organizations, should 

selectees be invited to present their 

proposal(s) for DOT officials. 

(Authority: 15 U.S.C. 3719 (America 

COMPETES Act)) 

Issued in Washington, DC, on January 3, 

2024. 

Carol A. Petsonk, 

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and 

International Affairs. 

APPENDIX A 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT AWARD 2024 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM

Section Instructions 

1. Mode(s) ....................................... Specify which transportation mode(s) the proposal will focus on. 

2. Title ............................................. The proposal title. 

3. Entity ........................................... The name of the organization(s) being nominated, or the name(s) and title(s) of the individual(s) being 

nominated. 

4. Submitted By .............................. • Name/Title. 

• Phone. 

• Email. 

• Website URL. 

• Mailing address. 

If the point of contact for the proposal is different, also specify their name, title, phone, and email. 

5. Background ................................. Brief background regarding the submitting individual(s) or organization(s) that includes relevant countertrafficking expertise. 

6. Partners ...................................... If applicable, list the partners who will be engaged in proposal development and/or implementation, including a brief background for each. 

7. Letters of Support ....................... You may submit supporting letters, which may be from subject matter experts or industry, and may address the technical merit of the concept, originality, impact, practicality, measurability and/or applicability. 

Proposals with letters of support should include an itemized list with the name, title, and organization for 

each letter. 

8. Proposal Description (1 sentence).A high-level description of the proposal including all deliverable(s). 

9. Proposal Summary (1 paragraph).A detailed synopsis of the proposed proposal, including how efficacy will be measured and its anticipated 

impact. Ensure the types of efforts that will be engaged in are highlighted (for example, training, partnerships, public awareness, policies, reporting protocols, data collection, information-sharing, victim/survivor 

support, etc.). 

10. Proposal Overview and Impact/ 

Measurability (1–2 pages).

A description of the proposal that presents a logical approach and workable solution to addressing the 

issue of human trafficking in the transportation industry. Ensure that each of the following 6 questions 

are addressed: 

(a) Is the concept unique? 

(b) Are the anticipated beneficiaries clearly identified? 

(c) Were human trafficking survivors consulted in the development of the proposal and/or how will survivor 

input be included in proposal implementation? 

(d) Are the anticipated resources and costs outlined in detail? 

(e) Can the proposal be implemented in a way requiring a finite amount of resources (e.g., the submission 

has fixed costs, low or no marginal costs, and a clear path to implementation and scale beyond an initial 

investment)? 

(f) For impact and measurability, include a description of how the proposal will be evaluated, and its potential impact on human trafficking in the transportation industry. Ensure the following questions are addressed: 

i. How will the proposal’s impact be measured? 

ii. How will the proposal contribute to counter-trafficking efforts in the transportation sector? 

iii. If not a national proposal, can it be scaled nationally? 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices 1147 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT AWARD 2024 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM—Continued 

Section Instructions 

11. Supporting Documents (no 

page limit).

The paper(s) and/or technologies, programs, video/audio files, and other related materials, describing the 

proposal and addressing the selection criteria. As applicable, this can include a description of success of 

a previous or similar proposal and/or documentation of impact. DOT may request additional information, 

including supporting documentation, more detailed contact information, releases of liability, and statements of authenticity to guarantee the originality of the work. Failure to respond in a timely manner may 

result in disqualification. 

12. Eligibility Statement .................. A statement of eligibility by private entities indicating that they are incorporated in and maintain a primary 

place of business in the United States, or a statement of eligibility by individuals indicating that they citizens or permanent residents of the United States. 

[FR Doc. 2024–00215 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 

Departmental Offices; Debt 

Management Advisory Committee 

Meeting 

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 5 

U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)(2), that a 

meeting will be held at the United 

States Treasury Department, 15th Street 

and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 

Washington, DC on January 30, 2024, at 

9:00 a.m., of the following debt 

management advisory committee: 

Treasury Borrowing Advisory 

Committee. 

At this meeting, the Treasury is 

seeking advice from the Committee on 

topics related to the economy, financial 

markets, Treasury financing, and debt 

management. Following the working 

session, the Committee will present a 

written report of its recommendations. 

The meeting will be closed to the 

public, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App. 2, 

section 10(d) and Public Law 103–202, 

202(c)(1)(B)(31 U.S.C. 3121 note). 

This notice shall constitute my 

determination, pursuant to the authority 

placed in heads of agencies by 5 U.S.C. 

App. 2, section 10(d) and vested in me 

by Treasury Department Order No. 101– 

05, that the meeting will consist of 

discussions and debates of the issues 

presented to the Committee by the 

Secretary of the Treasury and the 

making of recommendations of the 

Committee to the Secretary, pursuant to 

Public Law 103–202, section 

202(c)(1)(B). 

Thus, this information is exempt from 

disclosure under that provision and 5 

U.S.C. 552b(c)(3)(B). In addition, the 

meeting is concerned with information 

that is exempt from disclosure under 5 

U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(A). The public interest 

requires that such meetings be closed to 

the public because the Treasury 

Department requires frank and full 

advice from representatives of the 

financial community prior to making its 

final decisions on major financing 

operations. Historically, this advice has 

been offered by debt management 

advisory committees established by the 

several major segments of the financial 

community. When so utilized, such a 

committee is recognized to be an 

advisory committee under 5 U.S.C. App. 

2, section 3. 

Although the Treasury’s final 

announcement of financing plans may 

not reflect the recommendations 

provided in reports of the Committee, 

premature disclosure of the Committee’s 

deliberations and reports would be 

likely to lead to significant financial 

speculation in the securities market. 

Thus, this meeting falls within the 

exemption covered by 5 U.S.C. 

552b(c)(9)(A). 

The Office of Debt Management is 

responsible for maintaining records of 

debt management advisory committee 

meetings and for providing annual 

reports setting forth a summary of 

Committee activities and such other 

matters as may be informative to the 

public consistent with the policy of 5 

U.S.C. 552(b). The Designated Federal 

Officer or other responsible agency 

official who may be contacted for 

additional information is Fred 

Pietrangeli, Director for Office of Debt 

Management (202) 622–1876. 

Dated: January 4, 2024. 

Frederick E. Pietrangeli, 

Director (for Office of Debt Management). 

[FR Doc. 2024–00218 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4810–25–P 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 

AFFAIRS 

[OMB Control No. 2900–0394] 

Agency Information Collection 

Activity: Certification of School 

Attendance—Restored Entitlement 

Program for Survivors (REPS) 

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits 

Administration, Department of Veterans 

Affairs. 

ACTION: Notice. 

SUMMARY: Veterans Benefits 

Administration, Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA), is announcing an 

opportunity for public comment on the 

proposed collection of certain 

information by the agency. Under the 

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 

1995, Federal agencies are required to 

publish notice in the Federal Register 

concerning each proposed collection of 

information, including each proposed 

revision of a currently approved 

collection, and allow 60 days for public 

comment in response to the notice. 

DATES: Written comments and 

recommendations on the proposed 

collection of information should be 

received on or before March 11, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments 

on the collection of information through 

Federal Docket Management System 

(FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to 

Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits 

Administration (20M33), Department of 

Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue 

NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to 

nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to 

‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0394’’ in any 

correspondence. During the comment 

period, comments may be viewed online 

through FDMS. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise 

and Integration, Data Governance 

Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, 

Washington, DC 20420, (202) 266–4688 

or email maribel.aponte@va.gov. Please 

refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0394’’ 

in any correspondence. 


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