WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Association of American Medical Colleges has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for the preservation of existing eligibility criteria for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The letter emphasizes the importance of this program for the recruitment and retention of health care professionals, particularly in underserved communities. In its submission, the AAMC expressed concern regarding potential changes that could more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, emphasizing the necessity for post-baccalaureate nursing programs to be explicitly classified as "professional degree programs." This classification is pivotal for addressing the educational needs of nurse practitioners (NPs) who play a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system. The AANP represents over 431,000 nurse practitioners nationwide, who prov more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- America Forward has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing the agency's intention to establish negotiated rulemaking committees concerning the implementation of Workforce Pell. America Forward leads a coalition of over 100 innovative non-governmental organizations focused on enhancing workforce training programs and improving economic opportunities for all individuals. In the letter, the organization emphasizes the critical potent more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The American College of Cardiology has expressed its support for a proposed rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration aimed at regulating nicotine levels in cigarettes and certain combusted tobacco products. The ACC's public comment letter highlights the organization's commitment to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health as it endorses measures geared toward reducing the addictiveness of these tobacco products. According to the ACC, tobacco use re more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The American Occupational Therapy Association has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for a more inclusive approach to the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program. AOTA expressed strong support for the department's initiative aimed at increasing access to school-based mental health services, particularly in high-need local educational agencies. However, the organization voiced significant concerns over the cu more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education articulating concerns regarding the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) on public health education and workforce development. The letter highlights the necessity of recognizing public health degrees as professional degrees to ensure the sustainability of the public health workforce. In its letter, ASPPH, which represe more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Orthopaedic Surgery Center in Wisconsin has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, urging the agency to eliminate the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) weight scalar. Dr. Matthew Bong, representative of the center, emphasized that maintaining this practice negatively impacts Medicare beneficiaries who rely on high-quality and cost-effective outpatient surgical care. In his letter, Dr. Bong noted that approximately 30 percen more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Cengage Group, Boston , Massachusetts, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its notice of intent to establish Negotiated Rulemaking for the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The organization, which serves over 12 million students across 125 countries, emphasizes the necessity of clear regulations that enhance education accessibility and workforce development. Cengage's letter outlines critical areas for the Department to focus on,  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to rethink its payment structures for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). The letter highlights the urgent need to eliminate the ASC weight scalar, a policy that the organization claims undermines the financial viability of ASCs and reduces access to high-quality surgical care for Medicare beneficiaries. In the letter, th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Government of Mexico has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regarding proposed amendments to the labeling of alcoholic beverages. The letter raises concerns from the Mexican alcoholic beverages industry about the potential impact of the TTB's proposal, which aims to include mandatory "Alcohol Facts" panels on wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. In its letter, Mexico acknowledges the intention of the TTB to  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Convenience Distribution Association, Reston, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for an extension of the compliance date for the food traceability final rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The letter requests that the FDA move the compliance date from January 20, 2026, to July 20, 2028, to provide ample time for the industry to prepare for the necessary requirements. In the letter dated August more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Convenience Distribution Association, Reston, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing strong opposition to a proposed regulatory rule that would limit the nicotine content in cigarettes and certain other tobacco products to a maximum of 0.70 milligrams per gram. The CDA, representing a large segment of the convenience product distribution industry in the United States, argues that such a drastic reductio more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- America's Credit Unions has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development outlining pressing concerns regarding the implications of Buy Now Pay Later financing on housing affordability and borrower stability. The organization, representing over 143 million members, advocates for improved policies that ensure the financial wellbeing of consumers navigating this emerging lending practice. The credit unions have expressed their bel more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Data Quality Campaign has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concerns regarding proposed changes related to the Workforce Pell Grant program. The organization, which advocates for effective data policies to enhance educational and workforce outcomes, aims to ensure the program's success through informed implementation and data support. In its letter, DQC highlighted the importance of making Pell Grants available for indiv more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Diality Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), voicing strong support for innovative measures aimed at enhancing kidney care for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The letter highlights the concerns surrounding the upcoming Calendar Year 2026 Medicare ESRD Prospective Payment System proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on July 2, 2025. Diality, a U.S.-based medical technology compa more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Energy Marketers Association has expressed opposition to a proposed rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that aims to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes and machine-made cigars. The association, which represents 48 state and regional energy marketing trade associations and tens of thousands of small business convenience store owners, argues that the rule would effectively ban nearly all commercially available tobacco products in these categories. EMA offic more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Fairfield University Master of Public Health Program Director Marybec Griffin submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of graduate public health degrees, such as the Master of Public Health (MPH), within the department's definition of professional degree programs. The writer states this recognition is needed to protect student access to federal financial aid and safeguard the pipeline of trained professionals. Acco more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- FishWise, Santa Cruz, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency not to extend the compliance date for the Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods. The organization highlighted the importance of timely implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204 to protect consumers and maintain competitive fairness in the industry. In its comments, FishWise emphas more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), supporting the commission's proposal for a generic clearance to collect data through voluntary surveys. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the FTC's ongoing missions of consumer protection and competition. The Regulatory Studies Center emphasizes that this data collection would significantly strengthen the FTC's ability to pinpoin more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Inseparable, a national organization focused on enhancing mental health support for students, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed priorities, requirements, and definitions for the Mental Health Services Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for improved mental health resources in schools, pointing out that approximately half of the youth experiencing major de more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Ithaca College School of Health Sciences and Human Performance Department of Occupational Therapy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of occupational therapy in the regulatory definition of "professional degree programs." The proposed change is part of the negotiated rulemaking process regarding student financial aid provisions in Public Law 119-21, H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Jobs for the Future has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to consider key aspects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as it moves forward with the implementation of the Workforce Pell legislation. The organization advocates for a future that works for all Americans, believing that the federal government can play a pivotal role in eliminating barriers to postsecondary education and job opportunities. In its commen more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration asserting strong opposition to the proposed rule titled "Tobacco Product Standard for Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products." This proposed regulation seeks to impose a maximum nicotine content of 0.70 milligrams per gram of tobacco in various tobacco products, which the organization claims would lead to substantial market dis more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Kidney Care Partners has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services calling for essential reforms to the End-Stage Renal Disease payment system. The organization, representing over 30 members from the kidney care community, is advocating for a shift toward a more patient-focused approach that prioritizes access to innovative treatments and sustainable care. KCP's letter addresses key concerns regarding the current ESRD Prospective Pa more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Visibility Union has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opposing the agency's proposed Air Plan Approval regarding Washington's State Implementation Plan for the second implementation period of the Regional Haze Rule. In its public comment letter, MANEVU contends that the EPA's application of a fifth factor, the Uniform Rate of Progress (URP), is not permissible under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA is supporting its more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Minnesota Wholesale Marketers Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration expressing opposition to the proposed rule titled "Tobacco Product Standard for Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products." The rule seeks to impose a maximum nicotine content level of 0.70 milligrams per gram of tobacco in various products, including cigarettes and other combustible tobacco offerings, which the association argues w more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The National Association of Social Workers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed changes to the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program. In its letter, NASW voiced strong support for increasing the presence of school-based mental health providers but expressed concerns over the current proposal that prioritizes school psychologists while excluding other essential professionals. Founded in 1955, NASW more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The National Board of Public Health Examiners, Arlington, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the implementation of changes to Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The organization, which serves as the national certification board for public health professionals, is advocating for the inclusion of Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Northeast Wholesalers Association, Portland, Maine, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voicing strong opposition to a proposed rule that would mandate the manufacture and sale of only very low nicotine cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products. According to NEWA, the rule, if enacted, would have dire consequences for legal businesses, state and local tax revenues, and public safety across the Northeast. The  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Michigan Petroleum Association and the Michigan Association of Convenience Stores have expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "low nicotine rule." The public comment letter, authored by these organizations, raises concerns over the potential economic and social impact of the regulation on Michigan's tobacco supply chain and public health. MPA/MACS, representing over 400 companies and 1,500 retail locations statewide, asserts that the pr more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Oregon State Sen. David Brock Smith has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration expressing his strong objections to the proposed rule aimed at establishing a tobacco product standard for nicotine yield in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products. Smith cautions that the rule, which he believes would effectively amount to a ban on combustible cigarettes, could lead to unintended adverse consequences, particularly for communities in Ore more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Partnership for the National Trails System has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, advocating for critical federal programs to be included in the Department's surface transportation proposal. As the sole national support organization for the National Trails System (NTS), PNTS highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure that connects public lands with the nation's transportation networks and supports wildlife and recr more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Pennsylvania Coal Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Mine Safety and Health Administration regarding proposed changes to roof control plan criteria that they believe need significant revisions. PCA, representing a vast majority of Pennsylvania's coal operators, expressed concerns over the regulatory implications of MSHA's proposed revisions that could hinder the state's coal industry. In the letter filed on August 22, PCA outlined that the proposed  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Seton Hall Occupational Therapy Associate Professor Mara Podvey submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of occupational therapy programs in the regulatory definition of "professional degree program" to help ensure students' access to financial aid. The commenter, an alumnus of the program, states that Seton Hall University has awarded master's degrees since 2000 to students who provide care across healthcare, educ more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, LaGrange, Georgia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products, expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule regarding nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. SAWD represents manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of convenience products across 14 states, which collectively house 46% of the nation's convenience stores. In its l more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Energy and Convenience Association of Nevada has issued a public comment letter to the Office of Management and Budget, expressing concerns about new regulations on nicotine yield for cigarettes and certain tobacco products. The proposed rule threatens to ban the sale of combustible cigarettes, a move that the association argues could result in significant economic fallout for the state's tobacco-related businesses. The association, which represents stakeholders acros more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- The Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing urgent concern over the repercussions of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," under which significant alterations to the federal student loan system are expected. The organization argues that these changes could lead to heightened costs for students and increased rates of delinquency and default among borrowers. The SBPC emphasizes that during th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- A public comment letter has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong support for a proposed G code for cryoablation as a strategy for managing post-surgical pain. The letter emphasizes the need for the inclusion of this innovative non-opioid treatment in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 Physician Payments Proposed Rule. The letter highlights that cryoablation, which involves the use of extreme cold to freeze and eliminate unwante more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- Western Oregon University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the inclusion of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate in the regulatory definition of "professional degree." This request relates to the implementation of the student financial aid provisions outlined in Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In the comment letter, WOU details its compliance with state and regional accreditation requirements for  more ST