WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- A coalition of five labor organizations submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) expressing strong support for the agency's investigation into flags of convenience (FOC) practices. The group outlined how such practices undermine fair working conditions for U.S. workers in both the maritime and aviation sectors. In their letter, the organizations emphasized that the FOC model operates under predatory business principles that favor foreign  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), outlining detailed feedback on the proposed Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) for Calendar Year 2026. ABC emphasizes its commitment to ensuring patient access, regulatory efficiency, and ethical healthcare delivery in its critique of the proposed regulations. In the letter, AB more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the practice of flags of convenience (FOC) and favorable conditions created by certain flagging practices. Representing 39 affiliate unions within the transportation sector, TTD advocates for the maritime workforce that plays a crucial role in sustaining supply chains. The comment calls at more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Akutan's Tribal Transportation Program, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the urgent need for sustained investment in surface transportation to support Tribal and rural communities. The letter outlines several policy priorities aimed at enhancing existing transportation programs and ensuring they effectively meet the evolving needs of these areas. The organization highlighted the importance of recovering more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Economic Liberties Project (AELP) has submitted a public comment letter in opposition to a petition filed by EQT Corporation and Quantum Energy Partners VI, LP, requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reopen and set aside a recent decision and order concerning an earlier proposed transaction deemed anti-competitive. The organization maintains that the petitioners' allegations of compliance with the existing order do not justify altering the restrict more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- American National Bank of Texas has submitted a public comment letter addressing payments fraud to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration among stakeholders in the financial sector to detect, prevent, and mitigate payments fraud effectively. In the letter, the bank stresses that establishing clear communication channels and fostering information sharing are key steps to enhancing collaboration. The organization ad more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation highlighting critical issues related to federal funding and the need for transportation infrastructure improvements. The agency's comments come in response to a "Request for Information" regarding surface transportation proposals that address America's infrastructure needs. In its correspondence, ARDOT expressed support for the positions articul more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Axxess, a Dallas-based global healthcare technology company, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing deep concern over the proposed reimbursement rate reductions for home health care in the 2026 Medicare home health program. As a long-time partner of CMS, Axxess provides cloud-based software solutions that enhance healthcare delivery to over 7 million patients across the nation. In its letter, Axxess outlined th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expressing strong opposition to the use of telemedicine for chemical abortions. The CMA highlighted that direct abortion conflicts with the principles of the Catholic faith and asserted that the recent regulatory changes have facilitated access to abortions that compromise patient safety and ethical standards. In its letter, the CMA emphasized concerns re more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), Illinois, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed rescission of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations during a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve System (FRB), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) emphasizing that the CRA has been pivotal in transforming marginalized communities for nearly five decades, fostering investment in  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral Resources submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management endorsing its request for information on assessing potential leases for critical minerals on the outer continental shelf near American Samoa. The council outlined its backing for the agency's initiative to collaborate with the Government of American Samoa and other stakeholders in exploring seabed resources. more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Edgepark Medical Supply, a provider based in Ohio, has issued a public comment letter expressing strong opposition to the proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to include urological and ostomy supplies in future rounds of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. The organization highlights that such a move could severely limit access to essential medical supplies for individuals who rely on these highly specialized products. In the letter, Edge more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) urging the agency to modernize U.S. surface transportation policy. The Coalition emphasizes the importance of embedding digital technologies into transportation frameworks to ensure both safety and economic competitiveness in a rapidly evolving 21st-century landscape. ReMo asserts that by embracing modern digital solutions, the USDOT can stim more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- HCA Florida Trauma Specialists has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed Physician Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026. The letter highlights the critical need for additional support in managing opioid prescriptions post-surgery as the nation grapples with an ongoing opioid epidemic. In its commentary, the organization applauded the agency's initiative to introduce a G code aimed at recognizing and rewarding more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) addressing essential enhancements for motor carrier safety as part of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization legislation. In the comprehensive letter, CVSA calls for increased collaboration between government and industry to improve safety outcomes on U.S. roadways. CVSA, a nonprofit organization constituted of commercial motor ve more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), expressing concerns regarding the impact of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans on the housing market and mortgage lending practices. CHLA emphasizes that the proliferation of BNPL loans complicates the evaluation of borrower creditworthiness due to the often-underreported nature of these obligations. The organization points out tha more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Association for Homecare has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong opposition to the proposal to reinstate Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). The association argues that this initiative will impose additional regulatory burdens on homecare providers who play a critical role in patient care. In the letter, the American Association  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Beyond Pink LLC, a provider of post-mastectomy and lymphedema products, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing deep concerns regarding proposed changes that could adversely affect small businesses like theirs. The owner, a certified mastectomy fitter and breast cancer survivor, notes that their facility is the only provider of such products within a 100-mile radius, serving approximately 450 patients across  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- 180 Medical, a provider of urological supplies, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong concerns about the agency's proposal to include urological supplies in the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). The company argues that this change could threaten patient access to essential, customized catheters that are critical for daily self-catheterization. According to the letter, many individuals, inclu more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Alliance for Care at Home has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), strongly opposing the proposed payment reductions in the Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rule. The proposed cuts, amounting to an estimated 6.4%, could result in a staggering $1.135 billion reduction in Medicare payments to home health agencies (HHAs) compared to 2025. The organization warns that these reductions would j more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detailing the latest recommendations concerning diabetes technology. The letter underscores the importance of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin delivery systems, and the need for healthcare professionals to stay current with evolving devices and technology. In its communication, the ADA emphasizes that diabetes technology plays a crucial  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Disability Solutions, Bethel, Connecticut, the global workforce consulting division of Ability Beyond, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) concerning its proposed rescission of vital provisions under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The letter emphasizes the significant implications this proposal could have on individuals with disabilities and employers striving for inclusive workplaces. The organization points out tha more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program is facing strong criticism from the industry as it is seen to undermine the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) stated goals of promoting better healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency. A recent public comment letter highlights how the program complicates efforts to streamline operations while potentially leading to poorer patient care outcomes.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Equality California, Los Angeles, has voiced strong objections regarding a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Education concerning the School Based Mental Health Services Grant Programs (SBMH). The organization represents nearly one million members and is particularly troubled about prohibitions on federal funding for provisions related to sexual orientation and gender identity. In the letter, Equality California highlighted its concerns with the ag more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Federal Money Services Business Association (FedMSB) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, advocating for innovative approaches to detect illicit activity involving digital assets. This initiative aligns with the agency's inquiry under the GENIUS Act, which seeks to evaluate technologies such as APIs, artificial intelligence, digital identity verification, and blockchain monitoring. In the communication, FedMSB emphasized the cr more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the proposed priorities for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program. The program aims to enhance mental health services for students and facilitate the training of future mental health professionals across the nation. Established in 1949, GCU is the largest private non-profit Christian university in t more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Healthcare HD LLC, a nationwide mail-order provider of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), has expressed strong opposition to the proposed inclusion of CGMs in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The organization argues that competitive bidding threatens to stifle innovation within the Medicare system, ultimately harming patient care. In a public  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Housing Policy Council (HPC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) expressing its concerns regarding the implications of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) lending on housing affordability and stability. The organization commends FHA for its proactive approach in addressing this emerging financial product and seeking stakeholder input on its integration into the mortgage underwriting process. In the letter, the HPC emphasizes the impo more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Kansas Highway Patrol, Troop I, Motor Carrier Assistance Program/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expressing its concerns about proposed revisions to the DataQ system, which is integral for managing inspection-related requests. The letter highlights KHP's established procedures and calls for the retention of state authority over DataQ requests, arguing that local exp more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Medical Education Institute (MEI) submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for improved patient engagement in treatment choices for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The letter addressed issues and recommendations pertaining to the proposed rule regarding the ESRD Prospective Payment System, along with initiatives to enhance quality of care for patients with kidney disease. MEI emphasizes its mission to empower i more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Moving Maine Network, Portland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) urging immediate action to address significant transportation challenges faced by vulnerable populations. These challenges particularly affect individuals who cannot drive, including many rural residents, older adults, and those with disabilities or low incomes. The coalition emphasizes that reliable transportation is vital for maintaining connections more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The National School Transportation Association, Yardville, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in response to the agency's Request for Information on the Federal Surface Transportation Programs Reauthorization. The association, representing over 55 years of experience in school bus transportation, is urging key legislative actions to enhance student safety and address ongoing challenges in the industry. In its l more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Neponset River Watershed Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocating for refinements to the proposed cleanup plan for the Lower Neponset River Superfund Site, a 3.7-mile urban stretch contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls. The association, supported by a technical memo from Tetra Tech Inc., endorsed the agency's preferred cleanup alternative, which involves removing contaminated sediment and soil, construc more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Schneider Food Safety Services (SFSS) has expressed its strong opposition to the proposed 30-month delay in the enforcement of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods. This public comment letter was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for overseeing the compliance timeline for FSMA Rule 204. In the letter, SFSS articulated concerns that postponing t more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Ozarks Transportation Organization, Springfield, Missouri, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for reforms in transportation funding and policy. The OTO oversees approximately $15 million in annual federal transportation funding while facilitating the selection of projects for the Missouri Department of Transportation with an additional $30 million. In its letter, OTO emphasizes the critical role of Metropolitan Pl more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Professional Engineers in California Government, Sacramento, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for policy changes that aim to improve the cost-effectiveness of surface transportation projects across the nation. Representing over 15,000 state-employed engineers and professionals, PECG is focused on addressing the escalating costs associated with U.S. infrastructure construction. In their letter, PECG highlights th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Convatec Inc., a leading supplier of ostomy products, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong opposition to the agency's proposal to include urological and ostomy supplies in future rounds of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. The letter highlights the severe implications this policy could have on individuals who rely on these critical medical supplies. In the letter, concerns were raised regarding  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Texas Food & Fuel Association (TFFA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in response to its proposed "Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products." The TFFA represents the interests of corporations and individuals involved in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of consumer packaged goods, including tobacco products, with membership spanning over 16,000 locations ac more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Florida Gulf Coast University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting a critical juncture in the American healthcare system. The letter outlines the profound inefficiencies hindered by outdated administrative structures, advanced clinical capabilities, and data infrastructure, ultimately undermining health security and economic stability. The organization emphasizes that the healthcare system is plagued by sy more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Utah Petroleum Marketers & Retailers Association (UPMRA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products. This proposal, which aims to ban nearly all conventional cigarettes and machine-made cigars, has sparked criticism from the organization representing nearly 1,400 stores acros more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Vision Long Island, Northport, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the urgent need for the federal transportation priorities to align with local goals on Long Island. The organization advocates for a Safe Systems approach, aimed at enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure while improving transit options across the region. With the area's roads ranked among the most dangerous in the state, Vision Long I more ST