USTR Issues Proposed Rule to Govern Info Disclosures

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Sept. 22 released a proposed rule (here) that would dictate how the agency handles requests to furnish records, information or testimony in formal proceedings in which the U.S. isn’t a named party. The rule would ban USTR employees from producing these types of documentation in response to demands or requests unless they conform with the rule’s blueprint and USTR gives permission for providing the information. The proposed rule outlines information needed from requesting parties and factors USTR’s general counsel might consider when evaluating demands or requests. Pursuant to the rule, 15 CFR part 2004 will be reorganized to include all rules covering disclosure of records and information by USTR, the proposed rule says. A separate proposed rule (here) released Sept. 23 details how protocols for Freedom of Information Act requests and disclosures will fit in with the part 2004 rewrite. The agency will accept public comments on the FOIA rule until Nov. 22, and on the other proposed rule until Nov. 21, USTR said.