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Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would explore new avenues to allow innovative unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites. The item would propose and seek comment on use of certain frequencies available under part 15 of the Commission's rules for communications between Earth and space, including direct-to-device (D2D) services. The NPRM would also propose to clarify that use of part 15 unlicensed devices is permitted within FCC- authorized spacecraft, and seek comment on other scenarios where part 15 unlicensed devices may safely operate in space. 2....................................... Wireline Competition....... Title: Maximizing Efficiencies in Universal Service Administration (WC Docket No. 26-173). Summary: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to strengthen the Commission's management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) by reforming and improving USF administration processes, the structure of USF administration, operating costs associated with USF administration, and the impact of USAC's Board of Directors on USF administration. 3....................................... Media...................... Title: Amendment of Section 73.3555(e) of the Commission's Rules, National Television Multiple Ownership Rule (MB Docket No. 17-318). Summary: The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would remove artificial barriers to broadcast television's ability to attract capital and generate revenue, thus enabling broadcast television owners to better fulfill their public interest obligations, including through increased investment in local programming. The Report and Order also enables broadcast television station owners to expand their audience reach, gaining important leverage against national television networks. 4....................................... Wireline Competition....... Title: Promoting Telehealth in Rural America (WC Docket No. 17-310). Summary: The Commission will consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order that would seek comment on several improvements to the Rural Health Care Program intended to reduce administrative burdens on program participants and better administer limited program funding given increased program participation and service costs. The accompanying Order would permit the use of previously approved rural rates for funding year 2027 that would otherwise require approval of a cost- based justification. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visas: Visa Bond Program

This rule finalizes the temporary final rule that went into effect on August 20, 2025, which launched a 12-month long Visa Bond Pilot Program (Pilot Program), and establishes a permanent visa bond program. An alien applying for a visa as a temporary visitor for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) may be required to submit a bond ("visa bond") to ensure that the alien maintains his or her nonimmigrant status and departs as required. Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers.

Auction of Flexible-Use Licenses in the Upper C-Band for Next-Generation Wireless Services Scheduled for April 27, 2027; Comment Sought on Competitive Bidding Procedures for Auction 115

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (the Commission or FCC) announces an auction of 3,248 new flexible-use licenses in the 3.98-4.14 GHz band. The Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) seek comment on the competitive bidding procedures and auction design to be used for this auction, which is designated as Auction 115.

High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards

This NPRM seeks to amend the noise emission regulations to address the unique noise emission characteristics of trains operating at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour (mph). Specifically, the proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph, and also provide a special approval process for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 220 mph. This alternative noise emission standard and compliance process would effectively remove an existing regulatory barrier to the railroad industry for high-speed rail operations, while continuing to protect public health and welfare. Existing noise emission limits for all train operations at speeds up to 160 mph would continue to apply, and these existing limits would remain available for demonstrating compliance at higher speeds as well.

Rescinding Portions of Department of the Treasury Title VI Regulations To Conform More Closely With the Statutory Text and To Implement an Executive Order

By this rule, the Department of the Treasury ("Department") amends its regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI") to eliminate disparate-impact liability. These amendments align the Department's regulations with Title VI's original public meaning, avoid constitutional concerns, reduce compliance costs, and serve the public interest. In addition, these revisions implement changes directed in the Executive order, Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy.

Foreign-Trade Zone 75; Application for Subzone Expansion; Intel Corporation; Chandler, Arizona

Tobacco Report: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, "Tobacco Report" (OMB No. 0581-0004).

Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria

In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."

Notice of Intended Repatriation: Franklin County Historical Society, Ottawa, KS

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Franklin County Historical Society intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of an object of cultural patrimony and that has a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

Notice of Intended Repatriation: Museum of Ventura County, Ventura, CA

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Museum of Ventura County intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.