WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Forty-seven disability and civil rights advocacy organizations issued a public comment letter to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) expressing strong opposition to a proposal that would rescind the voluntary self-identification requirement and the 7% utilization goal for individuals with disabilities among federal contractors. The organizations argue that these established provisions are essential in promoting equal employment opportunities and thei more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- A coalition of nine House Democrats has voiced strong opposition to a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor that seeks to rescind the implementing regulations of Executive Order 11246, a foundational policy established in 1965 to promote equal employment opportunity in federal contracting. This public comment letter outlines concerns regarding the potential rollback of protections intended to prevent discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, or natio more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Access Living, Chicago, Illinois, has expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. Department of Labor's proposed rollback of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs' disability utilization goals. This public comment letter highlights concerns that such changes could diminish job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, who already contend with higher unemployment rates than their non-disabled peers. Access Living is dedicated to empowering individuals with more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor strongly supporting the proposed rescission of the final rule aimed at improving protections for workers in temporary agricultural employment. AFBF, the largest general farm organization in the country, represents diverse farm and ranch families, all of whom rely on the stability of a healthy workforce for their survival and success in American agriculture. In  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Alliance Defending Freedom has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) requesting the rescission of the Biden administration's rule allowing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide taxpayer-funded abortions. This rule, referred to by the organization as the "Biden abortion rule," facilitates access to abortion services for retired service members, their spouses, and dependents. The organization contends t more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The American Civil Rights Project, Dallas, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor, voicing support for proposed rules concerning the rescission of outdated regulations and modifications to various employment laws. The ACR Project aims to uphold the constitutional promise of equal protection, asserting that these proposed changes take crucial steps towards that goal. The organization expressed its appreciation for the Department's efforts  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The American Waterways Operators, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard addressing the proposed Anchorage Ground 1 for the Neches River in Port Arthur, Texas. As the representative body for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry, AWO conveys the collective voice of over 300 member companies engaged in safe and efficient transportation across America's waterways. In the letter, AWO expressed support for the establishment of a  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Arion Care Solutions, LLC, a prominent home care provider in Chandler, Arizona, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing strong support for the proposed rulemaking aimed at reinstating the companionship services exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This move, detailed in the agency's notice issued on July 2, 2025, is seen as critical to enhancing access to non-medical support for older adults and individuals with disa more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Competitive Enterprise Institute submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding proposed regulatory changes as a result of the rescission of Executive Order 11246 implementing regulations. The letter comes in response to Executive Order 14173, signed by President Donald Trump on January 21, 2025, which dismantled significant powers from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) that it previously wielded under EO 11246. Th more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Compressed Gas Association, McLean, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, expressing support for proposed changes to hazardous materials regulations. These adjustments aim to improve the efficiency of special permits and approvals renewals, as outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) HM-268G published in the Federal Register on Jul more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, West Haven, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expressing strong opposition to the agency's proposed rule that seeks to reinstate a full exclusion of abortion and abortion counseling services from the medical benefits package. The organization argues that this exclusion threatens the health and rights of female veterans, a demographic that is rapidly increasing within the veteran community more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Glens Falls, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0096 (HM-268H). The correspondence, addressing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by PHMSA, articulates several key concerns and recommendations related to the modernization of hazardous materials p more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Glens Falls, New York submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0092 (HM-268D) published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025. COSTHA, a not-for-profit organization representing various stakeholders in the hazardous materials transportation more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Glens Falls, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), addressing the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to hazardous materials package regulations under Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0094 (HM-268F). COSTHA, a not-for-profit organization representing various stakeholders in the hazardous ma more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles Inc., Glens Falls, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) expressing strong support for proposed regulatory changes aimed at improving the consistency of hazardous materials regulations. The letter responds to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published by PHMSA under docket number PHMSA-2025-0093 (HM-268E). COSTHA, a not-for-profit or more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles Inc., Glens Falls, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) under Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0091. This proposal focuses on reducing burdens on domestic companies utilizing battery-powered equipment in various trades. COSTHA, which represents a wide network of stakeholders involved in hazardous  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor opposing potential changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act as it applies to Domestic Service. The organization contends that any modification to caregiver wage regulations would severely impact the quality of care provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The GCDD asserts that the current regulations, which est more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), urging a revision of the definition of aerosols in an effort to align with international standards. The HCPA, which represents a diverse range of aerosol product manufacturers, emphasizes that the change would alleviate regulatory burdens and bolster the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in the market. The HCP more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), urging the agency to incorporate two special permits into the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The organization represents a wide array of companies that manufacture an extensive range of cleaning and commercial products, and its letter addresses proposed revisions impacting transport regulations. In its letter more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), advocating for reduced regulatory burdens related to the shipping of limited quantities of hazardous materials. The letter highlights the organization's support for the proposal aimed at streamlining shipping processes for domestic shippers and carriers. HCPA represents a diverse group of manufacturers and supp more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Independent Women Forum, a non-partisan educational organization, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor urging the agency to rescind the 2013 changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) concerning companionship services. The organization contends that the existing regulations have led to detrimental outcomes for those in need of caregiving, particularly the elderly. According to Independent Women, the need for home-based care solutions in th more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding various Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) that are currently under review. The letter addresses significant proposals aimed at amending regulations that govern the transport, storage, and handling of hazardous materials, with the intention of supporting efficiency and safety within the commercial explosives industry. Founded in 1913, IM more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The International Safety Equipment Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to reconsider its proposal to rescind the Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards Standard, 29 CFR 1910.144. The ISEA, which represents the personal protective equipment and safety equipment industry, emphasizes that the existing color code is vital for protecting American workers in  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health has submitted a public comment letter to the Veterans Administration urging the federal agency to withdraw its proposed rule regarding "Reproductive Health Services" (RIN 2900-AS31). This proposed regulation would reinstate exclusions on abortion and abortion counseling from the medical benefits package available to veterans, which the institute argues would have detrimental effects on women's healthcare. In its correspondence, the J more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The National Air Carrier Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, expressing its views on the proposed order to designate U.S. Aviation Safety Teams (USAST) and Aerospace National Registry (ANSIR) information as protected from public disclosure. The airline appreciates the opportunity to contribute feedback regarding the federal agency's efforts to improve safety data handling within the aviation industry. In its commenta more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The National Health and Mental Health (NHMH), a nonprofit patient advocacy organization focused on behavioral health, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for calendar year 2026. In the letter, NHMH expressed gratitude for the Administration's ongoing efforts to integrate behavioral health with primary care, highlighting the necessity of such integration for patients  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the agency's proposed Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for the year 2026, specifically concerning the payment structure for scalp cooling services. These services, crucial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, are specifically designed to minimize hair loss, an often distressing side effect of treatment. In the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- DALS Credit Solutions Co., led by founder Lynette T. Stevenson, has issued a public comment letter opposing the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) proposal to raise size standards for 263 industries, claiming it may undermine the viability of true small businesses. The proposed changes aim to significantly increase the definitions of "small," enabling larger firms to compete for contracts traditionally allocated for genuinely small enterprises, according to the com more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), voicing strong support for proposed regulatory changes aimed at alleviating burdens on domestic companies that utilize battery-powered equipment in their trades. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) addresses ways to facilitate the transportation of hazardous materia more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, expressing strong concerns over proposed modifications to regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The proposed changes are linked to the agency's efforts to fulfill Executive Order 14173, which aims to end illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities. PVA, a veterans  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Pipeline Safety Trust (PST), Bellingham, Washington, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) addressing serious concerns regarding a proposed rulemaking titled "Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Special Permit Conditions." In its letter, PST argues that the proposed amendments aim to weaken existing regulations surrounding special permits for pipeline operators, which t more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Jubilant HollisterStier has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging revisions to payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The letter emphasizes the need for updated regulations surrounding the preparation and provision of antigens for allergy immunotherapy, particularly concerning the accurate assessment of costs and physician work associated with specific CPT codes. In its comments, JHS expresses strong  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Society for Human Resource Management, Alexandria, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) urging government officials to provide clear guidance in the wake of a proposed rule seeking to rescind regulations associated with Executive Order 11246. SHRM, representing nearly 340,000 members globally, advocates for practical workplace strategies that promote compliance, equal opportunity, and a culture  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Shelton, Connecticut, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regarding its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reducing regulatory burdens associated with the use of packaging for hazardous materials. The NPRM, titled "Hazardous Materials: Reducing Burdens by Allowing Continued Use of Department of Transportation Special Permit Packaging more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Shelton, Connecticut, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regarding its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at improving the efficiency of special permits and approvals renewals. Established in 1926, SAAMI represents leading manufacturers in the firearms and ammunition sector, advocating for industry standards and promoting safety i more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Shelton, Connecticut, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) expressing support for a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reducing costs for domestic shippers of limited quantities of hazardous materials. This NPRM, which was released on July 1, 2025, proposes a significant change in the packaging regulations for these shipments.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Shelton, Connecticut, has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), expressing support for a proposed rule aimed at reducing recordkeeping requirements for domestic carriers of hazardous materials. The comment addresses the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) dated July 1, 2025, which seeks to facilitate better compliance and efficiency within the indu more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- A letter from attorney John C. Fox to the U.S. Department of Labor stresses the urgency of rescinding current rules enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regarding the now-void Executive Order 11246. Fox points to recent changes in federal guidelines and legal precedents that necessitate immediate action by the agency. Fox's public comment letter lays out three critical points reinforcing why the OFCCP must cease all enforcement activities more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health Research Professor Lee Friedman, Professor Linda Forst and Cornell Law School Juris Doctor candidate Sasha Friedman submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing grave concerns regarding a proposed rule change to the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The proposed change would restrict the agency's ability  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- Women Employed, Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter opposing the proposed rule by the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service. The organization argues that deregulating crucial protections for home care workers would harm both the workforce and the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. The proposed rule aims to alter existing regulations, which c more ST