A great Thursday to you!
You do not know what you do not know. Let us find something out together.
December 19, 2024 is a good day for the federal government. Today, the federal government currently has 243 documents from 52 agencies (413 Pages) with 215 Notices, 2 Presidential Documents, 11 Proposed Rules, 15 Rules, and 3 Significant Document. With this current issue, Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices is up to page 104030. The federal government is busy.
The Presidential Document(s).
Establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument by the Executive Office of the President on 12/19/2024.
The proclamation, “by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated on lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be part of the Frances Perkins National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. The monument's boundaries are coextensive with the Perkins Homestead National Historic Landmark boundaries, and the reserved Federal lands and interests in lands within the monument's boundaries comprise approximately 2.3 acres.”
Wright Brothers Day, 2024 by the Executive Office of the President on 12/19/2024.
This proclamation dedicates December 17, 2024 as Wright Brothers Day. On this day, “we celebrate the bold vision, steadfast determination, and transformative innovation of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Their aircraft, which completed the first sustained, controlled, and powered flight 121 years ago, forever altered the course of human history and took our Nation to new heights.”
Happy belated Wright Brothers Day!
The Significant Document(s):
Corps of Engineers Agency Specific Procedures To Implement the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources by the Engineers Corps on 12/19/2024.
This final rule is effective January 17, 2025. The summary, “This rule establishes Agency Specific Procedures (ASPs) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to implement the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines (PR&G) for Federal water resources investments. It provides a framework to govern how the Corps would evaluate proposed water resources investments, subject to the PR&G. The rule incorporates recommendations from interested parties. The Army is issuing this rule in response to congressional direction in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.”
Freight Car Safety Standards Implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the Federal Railroad Administration on 12/19/2024.
This final rule is effective January 21, 2025. The summary, “FRA is amending the Freight Car Safety Standards (FCSS) to implement section 22425 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Act). The Act places certain restrictions on newly built freight cars placed into service in the United States (U.S.) including limiting content that originates from a country of concern (COC) or is sourced from a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and prohibiting sensitive technology that originates from a COC or is sourced from a SOE. The Act mandates that FRA issue a regulation to monitor and enforce industry's compliance with the Act's standards.”
Government Contracting: Subcontracting Program by the Small Business Administration on 12/19/2024.
This proposed rule has an open comment period ending February 18, 2025. The summary, “The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to revise its Small Business Subcontracting Program regulations to encourage faster payments to small business subcontractors and streamline the reporting process for prime contracts. This proposed rule will require prime contractors notify contracting officers in writing when it fails to make full or timely payments to the subcontractor within 30 days past due; require prime contractors cooperate with contracting officers to correct/mitigate this failure until payment is made in full to the subcontractor; and allow contracting officers to modify a prime contractor's past performance for failure to make full or timely payments.”
US Debt Clock Update
According to the US Debt Clock at roughly 10:10 AM, the US debt is roughly $36,245,129,000,000. Each taxpayer’s portion of the debt is $271,790. The good news is that the federal government revenue is roughly $5,088,516,000,000. Not too shabby if you ask me.
Special Note: Interest of Debt (Net) is $1,021,065,000,000.
The Sun Update
From Spaceweather.com, “THE SOLSTICE IS THIS WEEKEND: The annual December solstice occurs this Saturday, Dec. 21st, at 4:19 a.m. EST. It marks the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere amd summer in the southern hemisphere. Wherever you live, Happy Solstice! Solar flare alerts: SMS Text”
Amazing website with great information about the Earth-Sun environment.
Word of the day: Requite
What It Means
To requite is to give or do something in return for something that another person has given or done, or for a benefit or service that has been provided.
// Sam was worried that the feelings she’d expressed on her date were not requited, but was relieved and overjoyed to learn that they were.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day
Days of the Year: National Blue Jeans Day
How to celebrate today
“Want to have a blast celebrating some unusual holidays? Start your day by immersing yourself in the emotional world of music – it’s National Emo Day, after all. Put together a playlist of all your favorite emo tunes and let yourself feel all the feelings. Dive deep into the angsty lyrics and let it all out.
As you dive into the day, remember to fuel up with something sweet and comforting, like oatmeal muffins. Whip up a batch to enjoy throughout the day – they make a great snack for all your holiday activities.
And speaking of snacks, how about some hard candy to satisfy your sweet tooth? Grab a bag of your favorite hard candies and indulge in their sugary goodness while you continue your celebrations. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for a day filled with fun and festivities.
Take a break from the holiday madness and head outdoors to look for an evergreen tree. Spend some time in nature, appreciating the beauty of these majestic trees. Collect some pine cones or evergreen branches to bring a piece of the outdoors into your home.
Lastly, on National Heroes and Heroines Day, take a moment to honor the heroes in your life. Write a letter of appreciation to someone who inspires you or spend time volunteering for a cause you believe in. Celebrate the everyday heroes who make the world a better place.
So there you have it – a day filled with music, treats, nature, and gratitude. Embrace the fun and whimsy of these weird holidays and make the most of each moment. Cheers to a day you won’t forget!”
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/dec/19/