On December 9-10, 2010, the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) met for the first time since 1995.  General Counsel Cameron Kerry represented the Department of Commerce and was joined by NOAA General Counsel Lois Schiffer.  The representatives heard remarks from ACUS Chairman Paul Verkuil and were officially sworn in as members of the Administrative Conference of the United States by Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia.  On Thursday a recommendation for new agency procedures addressing Federal preemption of state law was offered.  After some discussion and revision the recommendation was accepted.  On Friday, members were divided into five breakout groups to brainstorm about the direction the ACUS might take in the coming months and years.  The next Plenary Session will take place on June 16-17, 2011, in Washington, D.C.