WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), Frederick, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. A2LA, which is recognized as an independent, nonprofit accreditation body in the U.S., emphasized the need for revisions related to technical barriers in trade, particularly in the telecommunications sector. In the letter, A2LA outlined it more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regarding the Interim Final Rule on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications. The letter outlines AASHTO's concerns about the agency's decision to implement these modifications without prior public comment, w more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing concerns and seeking further guidance regarding modifications to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The implementation of the Interim Final Rule (IFR) has prompted numerous questions among member firms about the transition process and its implications for their businesses. In the letter, ACEC emphasized its commitm more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting clarifications on key issues in the implementation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions (ACDBE) programs. This inquiry follows the release of the Interim Final Rule (IFR) that was issued on October 3, 2025, along with an accompanying set of frequently asked que more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA), a trade association representing cultural resource management firms, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) expressing concerns related to the interim final rule (IFR) on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. ACRA's letter highlights potential challenges facing small, disadvantaged businesses during the transition phase of program implementation. The DBE program is more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Advanced Medical Technology Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing key challenges faced by the U.S. medical technology industry, particularly in relation to the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. In their submission, AdvaMed emphasizes the vital role that the medical technology sector plays in both the U.S. economy and healthcare system. With over 600 members primarily comprised o more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) expressing opposition to the agency's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to restrict the application of the General Duty Clause in inherently risky professional activities. The AFL-CIO, representing 63 national unions and 15 million workers across diverse sectors, asserts that the proposed changes could  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Akana, a Native American-owned business in Portland, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concerns over the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program's Interim Final Rule. The letter emphasizes the firm's commitment to supporting minority- and women-owned businesses while voicing apprehensions about recent regulatory changes that may undermine the program's objectives. In the letter, Akana highlights the vi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), Rosemont, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the agency to closely examine the detrimental effects of employer noncompete agreements on physicians and patient access to care. Representing over 10,000 physiatrists, AAPM&R highlights how such clauses create barriers not only for healthcare providers but also compromise the quality of care available  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has expressed opposition to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed regulatory changes to the General Duty Clause (GDC). This opposition comes in light of Docket No. OSHA-2025-0041, which seeks to redefine certain workplace hazards as "inherent and inseparable" from particular professional activities, limiting OSHA's ability to cite employers for recognized hazards under the General Duty Clau more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The American Medical Group Association (AMGA), Alexandria, Virginia, is advocating for a state-led approach to regulating employee noncompete agreements in a public comment letter submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Representing over 440 multispecialty medical groups and integrated delivery systems, AMGA emphasizes the importance of tailored regulations that reflect the unique dynamics of healthcare marketplaces. In their letter to the FTC, AMGA underscores th more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior supporting the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) proposal to rescind the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. The department's position is based on concerns regarding the necessity and potential conflicts posed by the rule, which was initially adopted in May 2024. In its correspondence, the department emphasized that the BLM's decision to rescind the 20 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Armand Resource Group Inc. (ARG), Hackensack, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) voicing opposition to the agency's interim final rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. This rule modifies the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) program regulations under 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26, which ARG claims poses severe risks to small businesses operating in the surface transportation and air more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR), Fayetteville, North Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission addressing the detrimental effects of non-compete agreements on rheumatologists, especially women in the field. The organization aims to bring attention to how these legal contracts are limiting career mobility and adversely affecting patient access to care. In response to the Commission's Request for Information regarding non more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- AZAR Design Co., Buffalo, New York, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concerns regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) that went into effect on Oct. 3, 2025. The company, which operates within the agency's disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs, fears that the changes pose a serious threat to equitable participation for small, minority, and women-owned businesses competing for f more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Brown University Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research (CAHPR), Providence, Rhode Island, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imploring the agency to take decisive action regarding the rise of employer noncompete agreements (NCAs) that significantly affect the healthcare sector. The center emphasizes the detrimental effects these agreements have on competition, innovation, and ultimately, patient access to care. The more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The California Department of Transportation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding proposed modifications to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementation. The letter underscores Caltrans' commitment to ensuring opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in federal transportation contracting more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to proposed changes regarding the General Duty Clause (GDC). The changes pertain to the limitation of inherently risky professional activities as outlined in Docket No. OSHA-2025-0041. In the letter, the CDPH outlined the role of its Occupational Health Branch (OHB), which focuses on  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The California Cling Peach Board, Sacramento, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing concerns regarding the ongoing threats to the California processed peach industry from unfair foreign trade practices. The board, which represents the interests of around 350 cling peach growers in California, highlighted the severe impact of subsidized imports from China and the European Union (EU) on local producers. The letter outlines how t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Century Aluminum, Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing significant foreign trade barriers impacting the domestic aluminum industry. The letter highlights Century's concerns over unfair trade practices by countries such as Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union, which the company argues hinder U.S. producers. Century Aluminum operates smelters in Kentucky and South Carolina, providing jobs  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Chicago Women in Trades, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing opposition to the proposed rule titled "Interpretation of the General Duty Clause: Limitation for Inherently Risky Professional Activities." The organization warns that this rule threatens essential worker protections, undermining employer accountability for the safety and wellbeing of employees. With a mission spanning over forty years, Chicago Women in Trad more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The CHRO Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) responding to the agency's Request for Information regarding employee noncompete agreements. The CHRO Association, representing over 360 senior human resource officers from some of the largest corporations globally, emphasizes the careful and limited use of noncompete agreements within its membership. With member companies employing more than 10 million in more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) expressing concerns over the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. The organization, representing over 5,000 members across various chapters in America, emphasized the widespread economic disruption the IFR has caused, particularly for small businesses integral to the nation's transportation supply ch more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) addressing concerns related to the Interim Final Rule on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and its implementation modifications. The letter, which outlines several key questions, aims to ensure effective and accurate implementation of provisions under the IFR. CTDOT expresses appreciation for the opportunity to provid more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), Wales, Wisconsin, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposal to clarify its interpretation of the General Duty Clause. CSHEMA, which has represented the interests of over 400 higher education institutions for more than 70 years, highlights the potential implications o more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opposing the agency's proposed changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards regarding the Interpretation of the General Duty Clause (GDC). In the letter, CSTE emphasized the potential negative impact on worker safety that could result from exempting certain inheren more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Donald M. Elliman, chancellor of the University of Colorado Anschutz (CU Anschutz), Aurora, has submitted a public comment letter to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detailing concerns over the proposed revisions to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This initiative, outlined in DHS Docket No. ICEB-2021-0001, seeks to expand the data collected on international students, a move CU Anschutz believes could pose challenges to the higher ed more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Decorative Hardwoods Association (DHA), Sterling, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) highlighting the detrimental effects of foreign trade barriers on the American hardwood industry. DHA, representing North American manufacturers of hardwood plywood, veneer, and engineered wood flooring, expressed deep concerns over unfair trade practices, particularly from countries in Asia, which are undermining the competitiveness  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Digital Media Association (DIMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing various foreign trade barriers that the organization believes negatively affect U.S. music streaming services. DIMA, which represents leading music streaming services, outlined significant obstacles posed by proposed legislation and regulations in multiple countries, including Chile, Canada, Mexico, Turkiye, and several European nations. In its lett more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Dikita Enterprises Inc., Dallas, Texas, a small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs, has voiced objections to a recently enacted Interim Final Rule (IFR). The organization raised concerns about the implications of the changes, which they claim threaten to reverse progress made in equitable participation for minority and women-owned firms in federa more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing the critical foreign trade barriers impacting the U.S. distilled spirits sector. In light of ongoing challenges, DISCUS emphasizes the need for the USTR to prioritize the removal of both tariff and non-tariff barriers to revitalize American spirits exports and protect industry jobs. DISCUS highlights that the U.S. distilled spirits mar more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Farmworker Legal Services (FLS), Kalamazoo, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing concerns over proposed modifications to the General Duty Clause within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The organization serves over 70,000 farmworkers in Michigan, many of whom face temporary and preventable safety risks. FLS argues that the suggested rule changes could ultimately increase the risk of preven more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- FMI, the Food Industry Association, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) addressing the agency's ongoing request for information regarding employer noncompete agreements. FMI emphasized the necessity of such agreements for safeguarding sensitive business information and promoting efficiency within the highly competitive food industry. The organization pointed out that non-compete agreements serve valid purposes, parti more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC, on behalf of Florida Transportation Builders' Association Inc. (FTBA), Tallahassee, and Prince Contracting LLC, Tampa, Florida, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor urging the agency to include the transportation construction industry in its consideration of a proposed rule regarding the General Duty Clause. The letter, submitted on behalf of the Florida Transportation Builders' Association, Inc. (FTB more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- David Michaels, a professor in the Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration urging the agency to finalize proposed regulations aimed at preventing heat injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work settings. The letter emphasizes the necessity of im more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Global Labor Justice (GLJ) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative raising concerns about foreign trade barriers to U.S. exports due to labor rights violations in Taiwan's distant water fishing (DWF) industry. The organization argues that systemic violations in this sector lead to the suppression of migrant workers' wages, ultimately distorting trade dynamics and undermining fair competition between the U.S. and Taiwan. Taiwan has emerged as  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, San Francisco, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) expressing concerns regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) affecting the disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) program. This letter was posted in response to the rule that was published on October 3, 2025, and immediately enacted ami more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Griffin and Strong PC, Atlanta, Georgia, a law and public policy firm with over 35 years of experience in disparity studies and procurement research, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urging the agency to reconsider its Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding the federal disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and the airport concessions DBE (ACDBE) programs. The firm, known for conducting numerous disparity studies, argues that more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Diana Furchtgott-Roth, director of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at the Heritage Foundation, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of its Interim Final Rule (IFR) modifying the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. The author congratulated the DOT on the development, stating that the previous use of race- and sex-based presumptions for qualifying small busine more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), Chicago, Illinois, has voiced concerns over the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) recent interim final rule (IFR) regarding the disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) programs. The organization expressed that the proposed changes, which eliminate race- and gender-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage, pose a risk to d more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Humane World for Animals has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to maintain its broad interpretation of the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The organization argues that the proposed rule, which seeks to narrow the scope of the clause by excluding inherently risky professional activities, could endanger American workers, particularly those involved in animal care and h more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Talesha Little, an office administrator at Iconic Consulting Group Inc., Dallas, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concern over the interim final rule (IFR) modifying the disadvantaged business enterprise(DBE) and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. The letter stated that the sudden regulatory shift risks undermining decades of progress that supported jobs and communities. The individual argued that the de more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Michael Wilson, a field engineer/quality assurance inspector for Iconic Consulting Group Inc., Dallas, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concern over the Interim Final Rule (IFR) modifying the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. The author stated that these programs are essential for creating opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned firms, and that the sudde more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- DeJuan J. Carter, vice-president of operations / operations manager - projects at Iconic Consulting Group Inc., Dallas, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concern over an Interim Final Rule (IFR) affecting the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. The individual stated that the programs are essential for creating opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned fir more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Internet Infrastructure Coalition, Richmond, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) urging recognition of government-imposed Domain Name System (DNS) blocking and rising encryption restrictions as significant foreign trade barriers. The coalition, which represents small and medium-sized enterprises across the Internet infrastructure landscape, called for the agency's immediate attention to these issues in the context of t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA), Mississippi, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concerns regarding the agency's Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. The letter, submitted on Oct. 27, 2025, warns that the changes outlined in the IFR could adversely affect small businesses, particularly those owned by  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- KAG Engineering PLLC, Bayport, New York, a small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs has submitted a public comment letter expressing grave concerns regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) published on Oct. 3, 2025. The company asserts that the adjustments introduced by the IFR jeopardize equitable access for small, minority, and women-owned firms to federally ass more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Lee L. Davis & Associates, Oakland, California, a small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs, has submitted a public comment letter expressing concern over the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. The firm emphasizes that the changes threaten to undo years of progress in ensuring equitable participation in federally assisted projects for small, minorit more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Legal Aid at Work, San Francisco, California, a nonprofit organization focused on advocating for the rights of low-wage workers, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would limit the application of the General Duty Clause. The organization argues that this proposed change could jeopardize workplace safety across high-hazard industries, putting workers at increased risk of injury or death. The Gen more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Kaliopy Vavoulas, president of Legend Painting Inc., Campbell, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the California Department of Transportation establishing her individual social and economic disadvantage for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) recertification. The statement was submitted under the U.S. Department of Transportation's September 30, 2025, rule requiring evidence without relying on race- or gender-based presumptions. The individual maintains th more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Denis Van Dera, owner of MAG Trucking Inc., a construction trucking company in Hayward, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation endorsing the interim final rule that eliminates racial preferences from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The individual, who has operated in the construction industry for over 40 years, stated their support for the DOT's proposed change, arguing the existing program is unconsti more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Mark Wingate, president of Maxivolt Corp., Amarillo, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce raising concerns about foreign influence in the development of U.S. National Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) and safety regulations. The author, who is focused on technical standards, stated that the U.S. has become a platform where foreign enterprises embed regulations and intellectual property into American industries, which poses ser more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Minority Business Development Initiative (MBDI), Princeton Junction, New Jersey, a 501c3 nonprofit established in D.C. dedicated to advocating for small, local, veteran, women, and minority-owned firms, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The organization endorsed the program's mission to remedy discrimination but warned that the IFR's im more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. (NAACP LDF), New York, has issued an opposition against the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) interim final eule (IFR) regarding the disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) programs. The organization claims that the proposed modifications threaten to reverse decades of progress in combating discrimina more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlining concerns over significant foreign trade barriers that threaten American forest product exports. NAFO, representing the interests of private working forests and wood product manufacturers, emphasizes the vital role these industries play in supporting rural jobs and sustainable resource management. The organization underscores its commitment to p more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supporting a proposed rule that seeks to amend the medical evaluation requirements associated with certain types of respirators. The letter addresses OSHA's intent to remove mandatory medical evaluations for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respir more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing concerns over the agency's recent approach to regulating employer non-compete agreements. NAM, a prominent voice for the manufacturing sector, emphasizes the significance of these agreements in protecting intellectual property and fostering investment in research and development. According to NAM, noncompete agreements play a critical role  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Urbandale, Iowa, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) emphasizing the numerous foreign trade barriers that hinder U.S. pork exports. The NPPC advocates for over 60,000 U.S. pork producers and supports a crucial segment of the agricultural economy, highlighting that the pork industry plays a significant role in employment and economic growth. In its letter, NPPC outlines that the U.S. pork  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The North American Blueberry Council (NABC), Folsom, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlining the barriers to U.S. blueberry exports in various key markets, including Australia, Canada, and China. This letter, which recognizes ongoing obstacles, aims for inclusion in the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report. In its submission, NABC emphasized that the persistence of these trade barriers hinders the competitiveness o more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Ohio Credit Union League (OCUL), Columbus, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) praising the agency's proposed budget for the years 2026-2027. The OCUL represents Ohio's 201 credit unions and their more than three million members, emphasizing the importance of financial access and consumer protection within the cooperative credit system. In the letter, OCUL expresses appreciation for NCUA's commitment to transparency  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the agency's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and its associated modifications. These changes, which were established under the Interim Final Rule published on October 3, 2025, are raising concerns among state transportation officials. In its letter, ODOT addressed the challenges posed by the immediate implementation of the chan more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Raquel Olivier, president and CEO of Olivier Inc., Dallas, Texas, a small business operating within the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, has submitted a public comment letter expressing concerns regarding an Interim Final Rule announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation on October 3, 2025. The rule seeks to eliminate all race- and sex-based presumptions from the DBE and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Ent more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Orion Engineers and Associates, Honolulu, Hawaii, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) expressing concerns regarding modifications to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) programs. The firm, which specializes in airport and infrastructure projects, is worried about how the recent changes could affect small businesses in the industry. The DOT's Interim Final Rule, which was issued on  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The PACO Group Inc., New York, a small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession DBE programs, has expressed serious concerns regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. The company states that the changes implemented by this rule pose a risk to the progress made over decades towards equitable participation for small, minority, and women-owned firms in federally assisted proje more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED), Mechanicsburg, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing concerns about the potential harm caused by noncompete agreements in physician employment contracts. As the largest physician advocacy organization in Pennsylvania, PAMED represents over 13,000 doctors and aims to safeguard the practice of medicine while ensuring quality patient care and the public's health. In its letter, PAMED hi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Prescott Sherrod, owner and CEO of PEMCCO Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, expressed alarm in a public comment letter sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. The new regulations, which govern the DBE and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs, have raised concerns among small, minority, and women-owned businesses that depend on these frameworks for equitable access to federal contracting opportunitie more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Pet Food Institute (PFI), representing U.S. cat and dog food manufacturers, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing foreign trade barriers that impact U.S. exports, particularly concerning South Korea. PFI emphasizes that these trade barriers hinder competitiveness and limit access to significant international markets for pet food products. In its letter, PFI outlines the structural challenges presented by South Korea's  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC), a civil rights law and policy organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing opposition to the proposed changes to the residency requirements of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program. The PRRAC argues that the exclusion of immigrant Native Americans who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents would undermine the program's e more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Jodi Hanelt, an F-1 principal designated school official (PDSO) at the Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing concerns regarding the proposed revisions to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The letter highlights potential detrimental impacts on school operations due to increased administrative burdens and inefficiencies within the current system. The let more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Priority Group Inc., Mesquite, Texas, a certified small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, has voiced concerns regarding the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued on October 3, 2025. The organization submitted a public comment letter to the federal agency, highlighting issues related to the abrupt implementation of the IFR without the necessary public comment process. In the letter, Priority Group, Inc. not more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Rio Blanco County (Colorado) Board of Commissioners has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management advocating for the rescission of the 2024 Public Lands Rule. This letter emphasizes the impact federal land management policies have on the local economy and the well-being of residents in the county, where approximately 75 percent of 2.1 million acres are overseen by federal agencies, primarily the Bureau of Land Management more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- SGH Welding Co. LLC, Killeen, Texas, submitted a public comment letter urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to pause the implementation of a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that poses serious challenges for small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses across the nation. The letter expresses alarm over the recent regulatory changes that could undermine decades of progress in equitable transportation contracting. The IFR, which became effective immediately on October 3 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) recently submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing support for the agency's proposed interpretation of the General Duty Clause under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The SMA emphasized its commitment to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on domestic manufacturers while ensuring robust safety standards for employees. In its letter, SMA noted that the steel in more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- TechProc, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, a small business operating under the U.S. Department of Transportation's disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs, has submitted a public comment letter expressing concern regarding the agency's interim final rule (IFR) issued on Oct. 3, 2025. The company asserts that the changes risk reversing progress toward equitable participation for certified small, minority, and women-owned firms. The IFR  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Teller County (Colorado) Board of Commissioners has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior expressing their endorsement of the proposal to rescind the 2024 Public Lands Rule. The letter highlights that this move is a critical adjustment that seeks to restore the Bureau of Land Management's traditional multiple-use mission. This mission is aimed at keeping public lands accessible, productive, and responsibly managed for the benefit of al more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The U.S. Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) raising concerns about European Union regulations that threaten to impose trade barriers for U.S. wood pellet exporters. The association, representing the wood pellet export sector, highlighted that approximately 20% of U.S. pellets are shipped to the EU, making this market crucial for U.S. producers. The USIPA's comments focus on new legislations in more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The United Steelworkers Union, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration urging the agency to establish a comprehensive standard to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses. The largest industrial union in North America, representing various sectors including steel, chemicals, and healthcare, the Steelworkers expressed strong support for OSHA's proposed rule more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Justin Schwartz, chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressing concerns regarding the agency's information collection request to revise the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The proposed changes would involve updates to the Form I-20 that could significantly increase administrative burdens for educational in more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Kenneth T. Christensen, chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), has submitted a public comment letter addressing the potential changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The university's concerns highlight how these modifications could significantly affect the higher education export sector, which plays a crucial role in th more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Judith Pennywell, director of the International Center at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security concerning proposed revisions to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This public comment letter highlights various concerns about the burden that the proposed changes would impose on educational institutions, claiming that many amendments lack practical utility for the age more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The University of Minnesota International Student and Scholar Services, Minneapolis, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expressing concerns over proposed revisions to data collection protocols for international students. The university, which has a long-standing tradition of hosting international students, currently supports approximately 6,000 on F visas, and emphasizes the vital role  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Veeva Systems Inc., Pleasanton, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the agency to eliminate employer non-compete agreements. The company expressed its support for the FTC's inquiry regarding the prevalence and impact of these agreements, highlighting their detrimental effects on competition in labor markets and overall innovation. In the letter, Veeva, which supports over 1,500 pharmaceutical and biotechnology organiza more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG), Sandy Hook, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation concerning the Department's Interim Final Rule (IFR) that revises the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs, effective October 3, 2025. WestCOG emphasizes the need for stability and clarity as these programs undergo significant changes. In their lette more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL), Milwaukee, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) addressing concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The organization, representing its client Contractors for Equal Opportunity, emphasizes the need for clarity in the amendments to prevent states from circumventing regulations and allowing discriminatory practices. WILL a more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Worker Justice Center of New York (WJCNY) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor in opposition to a proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the General Duty Clause. The organization expresses concern that the rule, which seeks to limit protections for "inherently risky professional activities," will jeopardize the safety and health of vulnerable workers within high-risk industries. WJCNY advocat more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Kurt R. Bauer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Madison, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce advocating for the inclusion of cast iron derivative products in the existing Section 232 action on iron and steel products. The president expressed concerns regarding foreign companies circumventing Section 232 tariffs, particularly concerning products that are predominantly composed of iron. These foreign ent more ST