Commerce Department
By this rule, the Department of Commerce (Department) amends the definition of the term "United States" set forth in two of its regulations. Specifically, this rule removes references to "the Canal Zone," which is no longer part of the United States, and makes other minor edits to ensure that the two definitions are identical. This action is necessary to ensure that the Department's regulations are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent. The intended effect is to eliminate outdated language, reduce inconsistencies across the Department's regulations, and minimize the possibility of confusion.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce 15 CFR Parts 8 and 20 [Docket No. 260107-0012] RIN 0605-AA76 AGENCY: Office of Civil Rights, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: By this rule, the Department of Commerce (Department) amends the definition of the term “United States” set forth in two of its regulations. Specifically, this rule removes references to “the Canal Zone,” which is no longer part of the United States, and makes other minor edits to ensure that the two definitions are identical. This action is necessary to ensure that the Department's regulations are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent. The intended effect is to eliminate outdated language, reduce inconsistencies across the Department's regulations, and minimize the possibility of confusion. DATES: Effective April 16, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Sweeney, Senior Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, at (202) 482-1395. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Department originally published the regulations at 15 CFR part 8 and 15 CFR part 20 in final rules on July 5, 1973 ( 38 FR 17938 ), and August 13, 1986 ( 51 FR 28926 ), respectively. The regulations at 15 CFR part 8 were promulgated to effectuate Section 602 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d-1 ), which directs each Federal department and agency to issue regulations implementing the statutory prohibition on discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Similarly, the regulations…
Citation: 91 FR 20333
