WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Three poverty and social policy researchers from the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing concern that a proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database will not strengthen program integrity and could create barriers to SNAP access. The researchers stated that while the USDA asserts the database's primary purpose is to strengthen SNAP and government program integrity more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- A coalition of four environmental organizations has expressed strong disapproval in a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed reissuance and modification of the Nationwide Permit program. The organizations argue that changes initiated under the previous administration would facilitate harmful activities in sensitive waterways and wetlands across the nation. In their comments, the environmental groups highlight concerns about the long-term effects of reauthorizing the Nat more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 - The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP)/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) regarding their Request for Information (RFI) on the Health Technology Ecosystem. ASCA, representing over 6,300 Medicare-certified ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) nationwide, highlighted that ASCs have not been integrated into federal programs incenti more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) expressing strong opposition to a proposed direct final rule that seeks to eliminate regulations outlined in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The regulations, which encompass critical guidance and context for workforce programs, are said to remain crucial despite the repeal of WIA with the enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014. In its correspondence, A more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA), Sacramento, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) raising multiple concerns about the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The nonprofit organization represents human service directors from California's 58 counties, which administer SNAP and other public assistance programs on behalf of the state, serving over 14 million residents. In its letter, CWDA acknowledged the  more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The CARIN Alliance has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, addressing recent Requests for Information (RFI) concerning health technology. In the letter, the organization expresses gratitude for the Administration's commitment to improved consumer access to health data. "We thank the Administration for the efforts made to advance consumer access to data and information," stated the CARIN Alliance, highlighting their mission of enabling easier access and exchange of digital health information more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Charlotte Lozier Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing strong opposition to citizen petition FDA-2025-P-1576, which calls for the removal of safety regulations governing the use of mifepristone. This institute, a research and education organization affiliated with Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, argues that the proposed deregulations would endanger women's health. The organization contends that the petition includes misleading claims about the saf more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Children's Law Center of California (CLC), Monterey Park, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) voicing strong opposition to the proposed revision of Form G-325A and changes to policies regarding Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status. CLC contends that the proposed changes directly undermine protections for vulnerable immigrant youth and could result in severe consequences for children served by the organization. According to CLC, the revisions to the Form G- more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The City of Unalaska, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expressing strong support for Amendment 125 to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Fishery Management Plan concerning Pacific Cod small boat access. The city, known for housing the nation's top commercial fishing port, emphasizes the economic importance of the local fishing community, particularly those involved in the Pacific Cod Pot Cod, Hook, and Line sector. Located on Unalaska Island, the more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), a national alliance focused on policies for low-income and vulnerable populations, voiced strong objections to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent proposal regarding the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. This public comment letter, submitted in response to the USDA's System of Records Notice published on June 23, 2025, outlines several concerns pertaining to data privacy and the potential impact on SNAP participants. CHN emph more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) voicing strong opposition to the proposed establishment of a national database for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative, detailed in a System of Records Notice published by the USDA on June 23, 2025, has raised concerns about privacy violations and potential government overreach in the management of sensitive data pertaining to millions of Americans. In its letter, the C more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Colorcon, a leading provider of pharmaceutical formulation solutions, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing its views on the agency's Draft Guidance for Industry regarding the replacement of color additives in approved or marketed drug products. The letter underscores Colorcon's commitment to the safe use of color additives, which are essential for enhancing patient compliance and ensuring the identification of counterfeit medications. The purpose of the draft guidance more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Data Quality Campaign (DQC), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization focused on the effective use of data in education and workforce, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proposed "National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database." The nonprofit expressed profound concerns regarding the sensitive nature and potential privacy risks associated with the proposed database, which would include identifiable information about individuals.  more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- EdTrust, a nonpartisan policy and research nonprofit, has expressed serious concerns in a public comment letter regarding the System of Records Notice for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The organization argues that the proposed database is unnecessary and inefficient, suggesting that federal funds would be better utilized to address underpayments in SNAP and ensure that eligible, food-insecure households receive their  more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Coalition for the Protection of Marine Life has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, urging the agency to enhance protections for the critically endangered Atlantic right whale. In their correspondence, the coalition highlights ongoing habitat destruction as a primary threat leading to the potential extinction of the species. According to the coalition, the current measures in place are not sufficient to address the grave challenges facing the Atlantic right whale population. With few more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Feeding Kentucky has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing significant concerns regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The public comment letter follows the recent publication of the System of Records Notice in the Federal Register on June 23, 2025. As the largest charitable response to hunger in the state, Feeding Kentucky collaborates with various stakeholders, including farmers, food banks, and government entit more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Food Bank of Alaska, Anchorage, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture voicing concerns over the agency's proposal to establish a National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The letter, sent in response to a notice published in the Federal Register, emphasizes the potential risks associated with the initiative. Founded in 1979, Food Bank of Alaska is dedicated to fighting hunger within the state, currently assisting approximately 20,000 residents ea more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Hawai'i Children's Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks!), Honolulu, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization committed to advocating for children and their families, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing deep concerns over the proposed National SNAP Information Database. The organization emphasizes the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Hawai'i, highlighting its role in supporting working families, reducing childhood hunger, and enhanci more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Hunger Free Vermont has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the System of Records Notice for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The notice has drawn criticism from the nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and malnutrition across the state. The organization emphasizes the importance of SNAP in combating food insecurity, noting that approximately 10% of Vermont's population, in more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE), Indianapolis, Indiana, a nonprofit corporation, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP)/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The letter offers feedback on the Health Technology Ecosystem Request for Information, particularly concerning the role of health information exchanges (HIEs) interoperability, and the Trusted Exchange Fram more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), responding to a notice intended to enhance sanitation programs for low-moisture ready-to-eat human foods. The letter, dated July 24, addresses the FDA's Draft Guidance titled "Establishing Sanitation Programs for Low-Moisture Ready-to-Eat Human Foods and Taking Corrective Actions Following a Pathogen Contamination Event," which was reopened for comments in late May. As the leading gl more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Invest in Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a nonprofit research and policy organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The comments follow a notice published in the Federal Register, which outlines the gathering of data under the new database initiative. The organization emphasizes the critical role of SNAP in combating hunger and support more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Nashville, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The organization, which provides legal representation to low-income and vulnerable individuals, has expressed serious concerns about data privacy issues related to the new database and the accompanying System of Records Notice (SORN). In its letter, the organization emphas more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Maersk Agency USA Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) expressing support for the Commission's investigation into Flags of Convenience (FOCs). The letter emphasizes the urgency of addressing regulatory gaps that could undermine fair competition, safety, and environmental integrity in shipping practices involving these flags. Maersk acknowledges that the flag State principle permits flag States exclusive authority over vessels on the high seas, alongside duties to enforce int more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Augusta, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed System of Records Notice (SORN) related to the Privacy Act of 1974. The Maine DHHS is particularly worried that the filing could undermine program access and client confidentiality for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the letter, the Office for Family Independence (OFI) within Maine DHH more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division, Boston, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) expressing concerns regarding the proposed rule to reissue and modify the Nationwide Permits (NWPs). The letter outlines specific requests to enhance the regulatory framework affecting vital transportation projects in Massachusetts. MassDOT's comments focus on the implications of transitioning from Massachusetts General Permits (MA GP) to the proposed NWPs, p more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Metro Caring has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing deep concerns regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The organization argues that the initiative could jeopardize access to essential food resources for vulnerable communities. The letter highlights Metro Caring's commitment to addressing hunger by not only providing immediate support but also challenging systemic barriers. SNAP, described as a vital resou more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Mississippi Center for Justice, Jackson, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. This extensive Database is intended to enhance the delivery of SNAP services, but the organization fears it may compromise the privacy of vulnerable consumers. The Mississippi Center for Justice, a non-profit law firm focused on promoting racial and economic justice, more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation pressing for increased emphasis on formula-based federal funding for core highway and transit programs. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of transportation projects across the state while balancing national goals with state and local priorities. In its letter, MoDOT highlights the essential role of formula funding in programs such as the National Highway Performance Progra more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing its opposition to Citizen Petition FDA-2025-P-0377-0001 concerning the regulation of mifepristone. NIFLA represents a network of 1,600 pro-life medical clinics across the United States that provide free pregnancy support services to women. In its letter, NIFLA highlighted findings from a recent study of over 860,000 insurance records that indicate a serious adverse ev more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the recently proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The letter highlights issues related to the lack of clarity on data collection and potential threats to participant privacy. Nebraska Appleseed, a non-profit law and policy organization advocating for justice and opportunity in Nebraska, emph more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the proposed listing of the Fish Lake Valley tui chub (Siphateles bicolor ssp.) under the Endangered Species Act. The letter highlights the unique characteristics of this subspecies, which is genetically distinct and limited to a specific spring system in Esmeralda County. In its correspondence, the Department emphasizes the precarious status of the tui chub, acknowledging that its sole known hab more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Regional Environmental Council (REC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighting serious concerns regarding the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. This initiative aims to centralize personal data from millions of SNAP participants but has come under fire for its potential risks to individual privacy and state operations. In its comments, the REC emphasizes that SNAP is crucial in combating hunger and improving he more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Rochester Food Policy Council (FPC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns about the department's proposed System of Records Notice for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The letter emphasizes potential risks to vulnerable populations and the implications of sharing personal information among various agencies. The council, which comprises community members and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing th more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), Westminster, Colorado, has expressed strong opposition in a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding proposed changes to Form G-325A that would significantly affect immigrant youths with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The organization argues that these revisions could harm vulnerable youth, families, and communities intended to be protected under the SIJS provisions. The proposed modifications to Form G-325A would elimina more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Share Our Strength has submitted a public comment letter addressing concerns about the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new System of Records Notice for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The nonprofit organization, devoted to combating hunger and poverty in America, outlines issues related to data privacy, clarity of regulations, and the potential administrative burden on State agencies. The public comment letter emphasizes the critical role of federal nutrition as more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning has urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to promptly reconsider and rescind the Interim Final Rule (IFR) concerning "Imposition and Collection of Civil Penalties for Certain Immigration-Related Violations," published on June 27, 2025. The organization articulated concerns in a public comment letter, emphasizing that the implementation of the IFR undermines due process and threatens community saf more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, Longmont, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed reissuance and modification of Nationwide Permits (NWPs). This initiative aims to authorize activities that have minimal adverse effects on the aquatic environment related to water resource management. The District, formed in 1971, oversees water resource management across a nearly 500 square mile area in Colorado, focusing on conservation, education, more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The University of California Nutrition Policy Institute, Agriculture and Natural Resources has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns over the proposed System of Records Notice (SORN) for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The nutrition-focused institution is particularly alarmed by the implications of collecting extensive personal data and the potential negative impact on participants in SNAP, which is a c more ST

WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Velatura Public Benefit Corporation has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) responding to a Request for Information on the Health Technology Ecosystem. Velatura, an interoperability network operator, outlined recommendations to foster real-time, secure, and patient-centered data exchange across the healthcare system. Velatura supports the agency's vision for data accessibility and di more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Vermont Legal Aid Inc., Burlington, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns over the proposed System of Records Notice for the National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The letter addresses potential risks associated with data collection and privacy issues, emphasizing the implications for low-income individuals who rely on essential nutrition assistance. Vermont Legal Aid, which provides legal support to vulnerab more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Voices for Vermont's Children has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns about the proposed National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database. The organization emphasizes the potential negative impacts the database could have on the privacy of SNAP participants and the integrity of the program itself. The mission of Voices for Vermont's Children is to advocate for public policies that improve the lives of children and youth.  more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Willapa-Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association (WGHOGA), Ocean Park, Washington, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding proposed updates to Nationwide Permit (NWP) 48. WGHOGA, representing 22 family-owned shellfish farms along the southwestern Washington coast, highlighted key issues with the proposed revisions. In the letter, WGHOGA expressed concern over the characterization of commercial shellfish mariculture as involving ongoing discharges of dredged or fill material, more ST

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Win-Tech Inc., Kennesaw, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Defense urging critical reforms to modernize defense acquisitions and enhance the participation of small businesses in the defense industrial base. The organization expressed concerns regarding the increasing complexity of procurement processes, which it believes poses a significant threat to small business engagement. In its letter, Win-Tech outlined several recommendations based on its experience as a supplier to the Depar more ST