Federal Register

Federal rules & executive orders, made readable

The U.S. official gazette Federal Register publishes federal rules, proposed rules, notices, and presidential documents daily; we summarize them with sources. The legal edition is govinfo.gov. This site is not an official U.S. government website.

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Notable recent documents explained with key points, FAQs, and sources.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Jun 5, 2026

U.S. AI Executive Order 14409 explained — promoting AI innovation and cybersecurity (June 2026)

President Trump's AI Executive Order 14409 sets a policy of maintaining U.S. AI leadership through lighter regulation while strengthening national security and cyber defense, via time-bound directives to agencies.

Eases the prior administration's AI rules as "excessive burden," prioritizing innovation (America First)
Within 30 days: CNSS, the Department of War, and CISA prioritize federal cyber defense; CISA issues binding operational directives (BODs)
Treasury stands up an "AI Cybersecurity Clearinghouse" to coordinate vulnerability scanning through remediation across public and private sectors

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 31, 2026

Executive Order 14421 declares a national emergency over bulk-power system equipment — barring acquisition, import and installation of gear tied to covered foreign entities at 69 kV and above — Federal Register (August 2026)

Executive Order 14421, dated August 26, 2026, finds the foreign supply of bulk-power system electric equipment to be an unusual and extraordinary threat and declares a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Transactions the Secretary of Energy determines meet the criteria are prohibited from acquisition, importation, transfer or installation.

Executive Order 14421 (dated August 26, 2026; published August 31) finds the foreign supply of bulk-power system electric equipment an unusual and extraordinary threat and declares a national emergency under IEEPA.
Transactions meeting the Secretary of Energy determination are barred from acquisition, importation, transfer or installation; conditions may reach equipment already installed.
Before ordering isolation, disconnection, replacement or removal, the Secretary must weigh reliability and safety, availability of secure replacements and continuity of essential service, and may phase compliance.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 17, 2026

A proclamation creating neither duty nor right — one form that moves tariffs in one case and calls out in another

The President issued a proclamation designating August 2026 as an observance month on substance use prevention. Unlike proclamations resting on a statute to move tariffs, this kind creates no duty and no right.

The President issued a proclamation designating August 2026 as an observance month on substance use prevention.
Within the single form of a proclamation, some modify tariff schedules while others create no duty or right.
This one designates a month and calls on all Americans to unite in preventing drug use before it begins.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 26, 2026

Joining the alliance is not enough to share restricted atomic information — a separate presidential determination

The President approved an agreement authorizing the exchange of restricted atomic information between the United States and Finland and Sweden within the NATO context. The Atomic Energy Act requires presidential approval before such information is shared.

The President approved an agreement to exchange restricted atomic information with Finland and Sweden within the NATO context.
The basis is sections 123 and 144 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which require presidential approval for such sharing.
Joining an alliance and becoming able to share restricted atomic information are separate procedures.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 25, 2026

A national space transportation policy aiming past 1,000 launches a year by 2030 — deadline-bound tasking across agencies on ranges, spectrum and 48-hour access — Federal Register (August 2026)

National Security Presidential Memorandum 17, dated August 20, 2026, sets the national space transportation policy. It targets ranges able to support more than 1,000 launches and reentries every year by 2030, and directs agencies on deadlines covering co-development of range infrastructure, spectrum access and an additional federal-land reentry site.

National Security Presidential Memorandum 17 (dated August 20, 2026; published August 25) sets the national space transportation policy.
It targets U.S. ranges supporting more than 1,000 launches and reentries every year by 2030.
Coverage spans suborbital and very-low Earth orbit through the lunar surface, Lagrange points and deep space.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 19, 2026

The Commerce Secretary investigates and the President moves the tariff — section 232 applied to unmanned aircraft

The President issued a proclamation adjusting imports of unmanned aircraft systems and their components. It follows the two-stage procedure of section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, under which a Commerce Department investigation precedes a presidential modification of the tariff schedule.

The President issued a proclamation adjusting imports of unmanned aircraft systems and their components.
The basis is section 232, a two-stage procedure where a Commerce investigation and finding precede a presidential modification of tariffs.
The Secretary found the goods are imported in quantities and circumstances threatening to impair national security.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 14, 2026

An emergency declared in 2001, renewed every year for 25 years — and the rule that it lapses unless renewed

The President published a notice continuing for one year a national emergency concerning export control regulations first declared in 2001. Statute provides that an emergency terminates automatically unless continued each year, and this notice is that step.

The President published a notice continuing for one year a national emergency concerning export control regulations declared in 2001.
Statute provides that an emergency terminates automatically unless continuation is published before the anniversary.
The 2001 declaration concerned the threat related to the expiration of an export control statute.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 6, 2026

The sentence at the end of every executive order — creating a body while stating it grants no one any right

The President issued an executive order establishing a commission concerning military spouses. The commission terminates in two years, and the order closes with a provision stating that it creates no right or benefit for anyone.

The President issued an executive order establishing a commission concerning military spouses.
The Chair is the spouse of the Secretary, with an Executive Director designated by the President and spouses of senior leaders as members.
The commission terminates two years from the date of the order.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Aug 4, 2026

Owning a bridge across an international border requires a presidential permit — granted to a county, with conditions

The President granted a county in Texas permission to own, operate and maintain a bridge across the border with Mexico. Facilities crossing an international boundary require a presidential permit separate from ordinary infrastructure approvals.

The President granted a county in Texas permission to own, operate and maintain a bridge across the border with Mexico.
Facilities crossing an international boundary require a presidential permit separate from ordinary infrastructure approvals.
The application is submitted to the Secretary of State and the permit issues in the name of the President.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Jul 28, 2026

Sixty economies investigated at once and tariffs imposed over forced labour — Japan capped at a 12.5 percent total

Following investigations under section 301 of the Trade Act, the President directed the Trade Representative to impose tariffs on economies found not to prohibit or effectively enforce a prohibition on imports made with forced labour. For Japan, tariffs are set so the total with the most-favoured-nation rate reaches 12.5 percent.

Following section 301 investigations, the President directed the Trade Representative to impose tariffs on the economies covered.
The investigations covered 60 economies and examined prohibitions on importing goods produced with forced labour and their enforcement.
Seventeen economies face a 10 percent tariff, and all other investigated economies 12.5 percent.

Presidential document Executive Office of the President Jul 23, 2026

Leaving the statute alone and directing that waivers stop — domestic sourcing tightened through its exception

The President issued an executive order on defense supply chains and domestic acquisition of critical materials. Rather than changing the statutory duty to source domestically, it directs secretaries to stop issuing the waivers that form its exception.

The President issued an executive order on defense supply chains and domestic acquisition of critical materials.
It leaves the statutory duty to source domestically unchanged and instead restricts the waivers forming its exception.
From January 1, 2027 secretaries are directed to cease issuing certain waivers for acquiring covered materials.

Rule Department of Transportation Aug 31, 2026

An adverse comment changed the text of the final rule — two rail unions on opposite sides of the horn at crossings

The Federal Railroad Administration issued a final rule allowing a single horn blast where a train had stopped close to a grade crossing. Of twelve comments received, two rail unions took opposing positions, and the rule text was amended in response to the opposition.

The Federal Railroad Administration issued a final rule allowing a single horn blast where a train had stopped close to a grade crossing.
Relief on the 15-second minimum duration already existed; varying the sounding pattern generally did not.
Twelve comments were received; an engineers union supported the change while another rail union opposed it as reducing the clarity of the warning.

Rule Department of Labor Aug 31, 2026

One part of the code, three identifiers: a joint rule from three Labor bureaus

A final rule published on 31 August 2026, signed by three bureaus of the Department of Labor. It amends only 29 CFR Part 42, yet carries three regulation identifiers.

A final rule published on 31 August 2026 and signed by three bureaus of the Department of Labor.
It amends only 29 CFR Part 42 yet carries three regulation identifiers.
Identifiers attach to the office carrying the matter, not to a location in the code.

Rule Department of Health and Human Services Aug 17, 2026

What it means for a device class to fall — from approval to notification, with regulatory weight set by risk

The Food and Drug Administration issued a final order reclassifying certain test systems used with approved cancer therapies from the strictest class III into class II. Premarket notification will suffice instead of premarket approval, with special controls established.

The Food and Drug Administration reclassified certain test systems used with cancer therapies from class III into class II.
Class III requires premarket approval; class II allows premarket notification under special controls.
The subject is tests determining whether a patient should receive a particular cancer therapy.

Rule Environmental Protection Agency Jun 29, 2026

From nonattainment to attainment — redesignation also settles a maintenance plan to 2038 and motor vehicle emissions budgets

The Environmental Protection Agency redesignated the Cleveland area to attainment of the 2015 ozone standard. Along with the change of designation came a maintenance plan through 2038, motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2032 and 2038, and inspection program certifications.

The Environmental Protection Agency redesignated the Cleveland area to attainment of the 2015 ozone standard.
Alongside the change came approval of a plan for maintaining the standard in the area through 2038.
Motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2032 and 2038 for volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides were found adequate and approved.

Rule Commodity Futures Trading Commission Jun 8, 2026

U.S. CFTC rescinds its settlement-acceptance policy — ending the approach that made it harder to deny allegations after settling (June 2026)

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rescinded a policy, contained in an appendix to its regulations, on accepting settlements in administrative and civil proceedings. The policy was commonly understood to limit a respondent's or defendant's ability to deny the allegations after settling.

CFTC rescinded its policy on accepting settlements in administrative and civil proceedings
The policy was understood as a "no-deny" approach limiting a settling party's ability to deny allegations
CFTC = the U.S. financial regulator overseeing derivatives markets (also known for crypto-asset enforcement)

Rule Environmental Protection Agency Jun 8, 2026

EPA sets nitrogen-oxide (NOx) limits for a taconite (iron-ore) facility — finalizing rules for U.S. Steel's Keetac plant (June 2026)

The U.S. EPA finalized nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emission limits for the indurating furnace at U.S. Steel's Keetac taconite facility (Minnesota), which makes the iron-ore pellet feedstock "taconite." The rule satisfies the "best available retrofit technology (BART)" requirement for improving visibility.

EPA finalized NOx limits for the indurating furnace at U.S. Steel's Keetac taconite facility (Minnesota)
Satisfies the "best available retrofit technology (BART)" requirement for regional-haze/visibility
On a 720-hour average: 3.4 (natural gas only) / 2.0 lbs NOx/MMBtu (other), enforceable after 3 / 5 years

Rule Nuclear Regulatory Commission Jun 5, 2026

NRC sets exceptions to foreign ownership rules for nuclear facilities — implementing the 2024 ADVANCE (advanced nuclear) Act

The NRC confirms the July 7, 2026 effective date for a direct final rule amending its foreign ownership, control, or domination (FOCD) regulations for utilization facilities, to comply with section 301 of the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 (the ADVANCE Act).

NRC confirms the July 7, 2026 effective date for a direct final rule on foreign ownership (FOCD) of nuclear facilities
Implements section 301 of the 2024 ADVANCE Act
Creates certain exceptions to traditionally strict foreign-ownership restrictions

Rule Environmental Protection Agency Jun 5, 2026

EPA extends the Greenhouse Gas Reporting (GHGRP) deadline for 2025 to October — correcting a Federal Register typo (June 2026)

The U.S. EPA corrected a final rule that had extended the reporting deadline under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) for reporting year 2025 from March 31 to October 30, 2026. This document fixes a typographical error and makes no substantive change.

EPA extended the GHGRP reporting deadline for RY2025 from March 31 to October 30, 2026 (this corrects that rule)
This document is a correction of a typo and makes no substantive change to the rule
GHGRP = the U.S. program requiring facilities/suppliers above thresholds to report GHG emissions yearly

Proposed rule Federal Communications Commission Jun 5, 2026

FCC proposes to reform the Universal Service "High-Cost" program for an all-IP era (NPRM, June 2026)

The FCC adopted a proposed rule (NPRM) to make the Universal Service Fund's "High-Cost" support mechanism — which sustains rural communications infrastructure — more efficient for an all-IP era.

The FCC begins reforming the high-cost program (which supports rural network maintenance)
Considers efficiency for the transition to all-IP networks
NPRM stage — public comment is sought before anything is finalized

Rule Department of Health and Human Services Jun 5, 2026

FDA classifies an antibiotic-containing resorbable "bone void filler" as a Class II device — reducing burden while assuring safety (June 2026)

The U.S. FDA classified a "resorbable calcium salt bone void filler" containing a single approved aminoglycoside antibacterial (an orthopedic device) into Class II (special controls). It aims to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness while reducing regulatory burden and enhancing patient access to innovative products.

FDA classified an antibiotic-containing resorbable "calcium salt bone void filler" (orthopedic) as Class II
Class II assures safety/effectiveness via "special controls" in addition to general controls
The order identifies the special controls and codifies them (CFR)

Rule Department of Health and Human Services Jun 5, 2026

FDA classifies a shoulder-joint (hemi-shoulder) ceramic-head/metal-stem prosthesis as Class II (special controls)

The FDA classifies the shoulder joint humeral (hemi-shoulder) ceramic-head/metallic-stem (cemented or uncemented) prosthesis into Class II (special controls), stating this provides a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness while reducing regulatory burden and enhancing patient access to innovative devices.

FDA classifies the hemi-shoulder ceramic-head/metal-stem prosthesis as Class II
The applicable special controls are identified and codified
Class II provides a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness

Rule Department of Health and Human Services Jun 5, 2026

FDA classifies absorbable metal bone-fixation fasteners as Class II (special controls, 2026)

The FDA issued an order classifying absorbable metal bone-fixation fasteners (an orthopedic device) into Class II with special controls.

Classifies absorbable metal bone-fixation fasteners into Class II
Special controls apply
Codified in the CFR, fixing the regulatory category

Rule Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Jun 5, 2026

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation rescinds its NEPA implementing rules (interim final rule, 2026)

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) published an interim final rule removing its own National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing rules from the CFR, while seeking comment — part of streamlining environmental review.

Rescinds the agency's NEPA implementing rules (deregulation)
Uses an interim final rule plus a request for comment
One example of simplifying federal environmental review

Proposed rule Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Jun 5, 2026

Sixty days for giving a new statute its first shape — the FDIC and stablecoin issuers

On 5 June 2026 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation proposed Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions compliance standards for permitted payment stablecoin issuers under its supervision, acting under the GENIUS Act. The document runs to eight pages with comments due 4 August, a window of sixty days.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation proposed compliance standards for FDIC-supervised permitted payment stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act.
The subject is Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions compliance standards, under regulation identifier number 3064-AG29.
The document runs to eight pages, published 5 June 2026 with comments due 4 August, a window of sixty days.

Rule Department of Homeland Security Sep 2, 2026

A federal rule that exists for five hours — closing water for a kayak race, with comment found impracticable

The Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone on part of the Chesapeake Bay for a kayak race. The rule is in force from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a single day, and the ordinarily required comment period was omitted as impracticable.

The Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone on part of the Chesapeake Bay for a kayak race.
The rule is in force from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 13, 2026 — five hours.
Publishing a proposal and taking comment were omitted as impracticable, there being no time before the event.

Rule Department of Transportation Sep 1, 2026

With the government-wide rules gone, each agency writes its own — three changes landing at once on environmental review

Three Transportation Department agencies finalized their own environmental review regulations. The revision followed three changes at once: the removal of the government-wide rules, statutory amendments, and a Supreme Court decision. It had taken effect first as an interim final rule.

Three Transportation Department agencies jointly finalized their environmental review regulations.
The revision followed three changes: removal of the government-wide rules, statutory amendments, and a Supreme Court decision.
With the common rules removed, each agency must write its own procedures.

Rule Management and Budget Office Sep 1, 2026

Covered entities fall by 60 percent while 90 percent of covered dollars remain — what raising a threshold actually does

The Cost Accounting Standards Board raised the threshold for full coverage on federal contracts from \$50 million to \$100 million. By the Board own analysis, the change cuts covered business segments by roughly 60 percent while retaining over 90 percent of the dollars covered.

The threshold for full coverage and Disclosure Statement requirements rises from \$50 million to \$100 million.
By the Board analysis, covered business segments fall by about 60 percent while over 90 percent of covered dollars remain.
That indicates contract value is concentrated among a small number of large contractors.

Rule Department of the Interior Sep 1, 2026

One rule opening more than 1,450 opportunities across 111 stations — amending site-by-site conditions all at once

The Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule opening or expanding hunting and fishing at 111 field stations. More than 1,450 opportunities are covered, and the rule also rewrites existing provisions for clarity.

The Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule opening or expanding hunting and fishing at 111 field stations.
These comprise 107 national wildlife refuge units and 4 fish hatchery units, with 17 opening opportunities for the first time.
More than 1,450 opportunities are opened or expanded across the two systems.

Rule Department of Energy Sep 1, 2026

The Energy Department rescinds its cellulosic biofuel production incentive rules — a framework Congress never funded, removed after two decades unused — Federal Register (September 2026)

The Department of Energy published a final rule removing 10 CFR part 452, the regulatory framework for production incentives for cellulosic biofuels. The program was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 but Congress never appropriated funds for it, leaving the rules unused. Effective October 1, 2026.

DOE published a final rule removing 10 CFR part 452, the cellulosic biofuel production incentive framework (published September 1, 2026; effective October 1, 2026).
The program was authorized by section 942 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 but Congress never appropriated implementing funds, leaving it unused.
The EPA-administered Renewable Fuel Standard is now the primary federal mechanism for incentivizing renewable fuel production, through Renewable Identification Numbers.

Latest (original)

Recent federal documents

Recently published documents (original titles). Each links to the official primary source.

Notice Notice of Proposed Information Collection Request National Mediation Board ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Notice of Proposed Information Collection Request National Mediation Board ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Information Collection; General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation; GSA Voluntary FSS Domestic End Product Certification on GSA Federal Supply Schedule, GSAR Clause 552.238-130 General Services Administration ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Wasatch Funds Trust and Wasatch Advisors LP Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Self-Regulatory Organizations; Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board; Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend MSRB Rule G-27 to Exclude Certain Public Finance Activities From the Term “Structuring of Public Offerings or Private Placements,” Extend the Length of the Exclusion for Non-Primary Residences From Municipal Branch Office Designation, and Make a Technical Update to the Rule's Title Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notice of Registration as a National Securities Exchange Pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change as Modified by Partial Amendment No. 1, by the Options Clearing Corporation Concerning the Payment of Interest on Margin Cash Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Draft Interim Staff Guidance: Material Compatibility for Non-Light Water-Reactors Nuclear Regulatory Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Self-Regulatory Organizations; Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address Internal Inconsistencies in Rule 22.260 in Advance of the Launch of IEX Options Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq Texas, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Amend the Exchange's Rules at Equity 1 and Equity 4 To Enable the Exchange To Become a Primary Listing Venue Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Joint Industry Plan; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Amendment to the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail To Add MX2 LLC as a Participant Securities and Exchange Commission ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Notice of Supplemental Funding, Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance Program Department of Health and Human Services ・ Sep 21, 2026
Rule Public Access to Information Department of State ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice President's Military Spouse Commission; Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Department of Defense ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings Department of Health and Human Services ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Center for Scientific Review; Amended Notice of Meeting Department of Health and Human Services ・ Sep 21, 2026
Proposed rule Special Conditions: Skyryse, Robinson Helicopter Company Model R66 Helicopter; Control Margin Awareness Department of Transportation ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice John Ramsay Walters, M.D.; Decision and Order Department of Justice ・ Sep 21, 2026
Rule Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Diphenidine in Schedule I Department of Justice ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Esther Villanueva Valdes, M.D.; Decision and Order Department of Justice ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Notice of Supplemental Funding, State Offices of Rural Health Coordination and Development Program Department of Health and Human Services ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice Notice of Supplemental Funding, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Evaluation Cooperative Agreement Department of Health and Human Services ・ Sep 21, 2026
Notice 2025-26 Award Year Deadline Date for Reports and Other Records Associated With Prison Education Programs Accessing the Federal Pell Grant Department of Education ・ Sep 21, 2026

Source: Federal Register (federal documents, public domain). Links go to the official site.