WASHINGTON, July 20 -- A coalition of organizations has voiced strong opposition to proposed rule changes by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding the suitability and fitness processes for federal executive branch employees. In a public comment letter, these groups allege that the proposed rule would weaken the merit-based system of federal employment that has been in place for over 140 years, potentially opening doors to political favoritism and corruption. The public comment more ST

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, expressing strong opposition to potential modifications or repeals of existing regulations that could jeopardize federal land protections. The letter responds to the department's Request for Information regarding regulatory reforms, emphasizing the unique legal relationship between the U.S. government and Native tribes as recognized in Executive Order 13175. In the le more ST

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee issued a report (S.Rpt. 119-26) on the Tornado Observations Research and Notification Assessment for Development Of Operations Act (S. 258), which aims to improve forecasting and understanding of tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The report was advanced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on June 2, 2025. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose of the Bill The purpose of S. 258, the Tornado Observations Research and Notifi more ST

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received a public comment letter from a coalition of state officials expressing strong support for the proposal to reissue and modify Nationwide Permits (NWPs) under the Clean Water Act. The states involved include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and the A more ST