Short Takes – 4-9-26 - Federal Register Edition

International Space Station Advisory Committee; Meeting. Federal Register NASA meeting notice. Summary: “In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces a meeting of the International Space Station Advisory Committee. The purpose of the meeting is to review aspects related to the safety and operational readiness of the International Space Station.” Meeting date: April 29th, 2026. 

Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2027 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as Amended. Federal Register Office of the President sequestration order. Summary: “By the authority vested in me as President by the laws of the United States of America, and in accordance with section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (the “Act”), as amended, 2 U.S.C. 901a, I hereby order that, on October 1, 2026, direct spending budgetary resources for fiscal year 2027 in each non-exempt budget account be reduced by the amount calculated by the Office of Management and Budget in its report to the Congress [link added] of April 3, 2026.” 

Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff. Federal Register FCC proposed rule. Summary: “In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or we) looks to bring spectrum abundance for emergent space activities. “Emergent” or “emergent space operations” are those spacecraft or commercial operations in space that use radio spectrum for control of, or communications with, a spacecraft, but which are not communications satellites. Currently there is an acute shortage of usable and readily accessible spectrum for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) functions that are essential for operating emergent spacecraft. Accordingly, this document seeks to clarify and expand the Commission's traditional regulatory classifications so that emergent space operations have more predictable access to spectrum. Additionally, this document proposes to add a secondary allocation for the Space Operation Service (SOS) in spectrum bands that could support emergent space activities, particularly in frequency bands allocated for non-Federal use that may be lightly used in certain geographic areas. This document also proposes to allow existing licensees to lease their spectrum to earth station licensees to provide SOS in connection with emergent spacecraft.” 

Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Highway Routing. Federal Register FMCSA 30-day ICR renewal notice. Summary: “FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, “Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Highway Routing.” The information reported by States and Indian Tribes is necessary to identify designated and restricted routes and restrictions or limitations affecting how motor carriers may transport certain hazardous materials on highways, including dates that such routes were established and information on subsequent changes or new hazardous materials routing designations. In response to the 60-day Federal Register notice published on November 18, 2025, FMCSA did not receive any comments.” 

EO 14388 Republication - Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries. Federal Register. 

EO 14400 - Urgent National Action To Save College Sports. Federal Register.