WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Seventeen disability rights and legal services organizations have sent a public comment letter to the Citizenship and Immigration Services urging the agency to withdraw proposed revisions to the N-648 form and its instructions, which are integral to the medical certification for disability exceptions in the naturalization process. The organizations argue that the changes could create unnecessary barriers and are contrary to federal law, ultimately limiting access for eligib more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding proposed regulations aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in outdoor and indoor work settings. ABC expressed its concerns over the rigidity of the proposal and emphasized the need for flexibility tailored to the unique challenges faced by the construction industry. ABC, a national trade association re more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding its proposed rule related to heat injury and illness prevention in a variety of workplace settings. The proposed regulations, published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024, aim to enforce protective measures against heat-related hazards affecting workers. In its letter, ACD expressed support for OS more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative advocating for stronger measures to counter trade barriers that disadvantage U.S. aerospace and defense exports. The AIA's letter coincides with preparations for the upcoming 2026 National Trade Estimate report, emphasizing the industry's challenges posed by international competitors, particularly China. In the letter, the AIA outlined con more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing opposition to a proposal by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that would eliminate important recordkeeping and reporting requirements for COVID-19 exposure in healthcare settings. The letter highlights concerns for the 1.4 million workers represented by AFSCME, including nurses, emergency responders, and s more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing its opposition to proposed amendments to the Respiratory Protection Standard. The letter highlights concerns over weakening medical evaluation requirements for specific types of respirators, including filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air- more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Alianza Nacional de Campesinas Inc., Oxnard, California, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to advocate for stronger protections against heat-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace. This letter follows their participation in an informal public hearing on the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule. The organization, which amplifies the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative urging the inclusion of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the next National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. The organization argues that the E.U. law's extraterritorial reach imposes disproportionate costs and acts as a barrier to U.S. exports and foreign direct investment. The more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to maintain essential medical evaluations for users of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). The organization, representing 1.8 million members, including a significant number of healthcare professionals, emphasizes that medical evaluations are  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative regarding the European Union's Deforestation-free Products Regulation (EUDR). In their correspondence, AF&PA highlighted the ongoing technical barrier to trade the EUDR poses for the U.S. forest products industry, which significantly impacts manufacturers of various paper and packaging products. The organization expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative calling attention to the significant tariff barriers that hinder U.S. exports of frozen foods. In the letter, AFFI outlines how these tariffs impose restrictions in key international markets such as Brazil, India, Japan, and Vietnam, limiting American products' competitiveness abroad. AFFI represents a diverse array of compani more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Falls Church, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlining concerns regarding recent deregulatory and clean-up initiatives. Representing a wide range of professionals in occupational safety and health, the AIHA emphasized the need for regulatory simplifications that do not compromise worker protections. In a comprehensive letter more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Petroleum Institute (API) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addressing their proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention, known as the Heat Rule. API's letter emphasizes their commitment to worker safety while raising substantial concerns regarding the prescriptive nature of the proposed regulations. API, which represents the diverse segments of America's oil and gas industry, highlights i more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative voicing concerns regarding foreign trade barriers affecting U.S. whiskey exports. As a key player in the U.S. agricultural and manufacturing sectors, the AWA represents producers of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, American Rye Whiskey, and American Single Malt, all at risk from current and proposed trade regulations. In the letter, the organization emphasizes that America more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- ARCO Design/Build, Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration supporting initiatives to enhance domestic manufacturing of drugs and biological products through the agency's PreCheck Program. The organization emphasizes the critical need for accelerated construction timelines in the life sciences sector, believing that improvements will benefit both consumers and companies across the nation. The letter outlines how ARCO Desig more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advocating for the exclusion of railroads from the agency's proposed heat injury and illness prevention standards. This letter supplements the organization's participation in an informal hearing that concluded on July 2, 2025. The proposed regulation aims to implement programmatic standards mandating employers  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The BlueGreen Alliance, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a coalition of labor unions and environmental organizations, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advocating for a robust federal regulation aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses among workers. The organization is responding to questions posed during a June 2025 hearing and emphasizing the need for prescriptive measures to ensure worker safety. I more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- California Citrus Mutual (CCM), Exeter, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) addressing critical trade barriers affecting U.S. agricultural exports in their 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. The association highlights the substantial obstacles faced by California citrus exports, including challenging tariff and non-tariff barriers from various foreign nations. In its correspondence, CCM emp more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB), Sacramento, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlining significant barriers faced by the California pear industry due to rising imports of low-priced Argentine pears. Established in March 1992, the CPAB represents over 100 pear farmers and is vital to California's agricultural economy. The letter emphasizes concerns regarding the competitive market challenges that these imports are creat more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The California Walnut Commission, Folsom, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative calling for action to address significant foreign trade barriers affecting U.S. walnut exports. Representing 3,800 walnut growers and 71 handlers, the organization highlighted challenges faced in international markets, notably in India and Turkiye. The walnut industry in the United States, second only to China in production, exports approximately 6 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Cerus Corp., Concord, California, has issued a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to consider important updates to its draft guidance on blood donation testing for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen. The draft, published on July 16, 2025, aims to enhance transfusion safety through evidence-based regulatory practices. In its letter, Cerus Corporation expresses appreciation for the FDA's proactive role in fostering safety within the blood su more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Cloudflare Inc., San Francisco, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding significant foreign trade barriers impacting U.S. technology providers for the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report. The company details a range of digital trade barriers that undermine global norms and adversely affect market access in several jurisdictions, which notably includes the European Union, Japan, Italy, and South Korea. more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Laura Valdivieso, director of the Colombian Trade Office to the U.S., has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), on behalf of the Government of Colombia, regarding the upcoming 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. In the letter, Colombia emphasizes its commitment to strengthening trade relations with the U.S., focusing on areas such as labor protections, intellectual property enhancements, and the i more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), Tysons Corner, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing concerns regarding a proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention. This letter follows an informal public hearing held by OSHA earlier this year, addressing the need for tailored regulations to protect workers in the construction industry. CISC, which comprises trade associations repr more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Consumer Brands Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding significant foreign trade barriers impacting the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. This sector, which represents nearly 2,000 iconic American brands in food, beverage, household, and personal care products, plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, contributing $2.5 trillion to the nation's GDP and sustaining over 22 mill more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Conservative Political Action Coalition Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing support for the proposed interpretation of the General Duty Clause. This proposal aims to limit the application of the clause to hazards that are not inherently part of certain professional occupations. The comment letter articulates a concern that the General more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Darlington School, a college preparatory institution in Rome, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing concerns regarding a proposed rule that aims to eliminate the duration of status for international students. The letter highlights the potential negative impacts this change could have on both the school's mission and the broader educational landscape in the United States. The school, which serves approximately  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Paola Barrientos, a document control specialist at Iconic Consulting Group, Dallas, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concern over the agency's Interim Final Rule (IFR) modifying the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. The commenter, an employee of a small business that participates in the programs, argues that these initiatives have been essential in creating op more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Duchesne County Commissioners, Utah, submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) expressing their strong support for the agency's proposal to rescind the "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule, which they argue threatens local economic stability and the management of public lands in Utah. The rule, which was published in the Federal Register on September 11, 2025, is viewed by the commissioners as flawed and detrimental to the community.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Employers Heat Illness Prevention Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to adopt a performance-oriented approach in its proposed rule regarding heat injury and illness prevention. This proposal follows an extensive involvement from the Coalition, which represents a diverse array of employers across multiple industries, including construction, retail, and manufacturing. In a letter a more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Marcus Rouhani, office of strategy team lead at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has submitted a public letter expressing self-nomination for membership on the FAA's Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC). The letter outlines the nominee's extensive experience and commitment to advancing the agency's objectives related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). The candidate, who has over 16 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), Gainesville, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing support for the proposed amendment to the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice (POJ). The FFBF is advocating for a reduction in the minimum soluble solids content from 10.5 degrees to 10 degrees Brix, a change that could significantly benefit Florida's struggling citrus industry. In the letter, FFBF outlined the dir more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), Maitland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) underscoring the urgent need to address substantial foreign barriers affecting U.S. exports of goods and services and foreign direct investment. The FFVA's letter responds to USTR's invitation for comments and highlights the critical challenges faced by Florida's agricultural industry due to import competition and trade poli more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Forging Industry Association (FIA), Independence, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) expressing concerns about significant foreign trade barriers affecting the forge manufacturing industry. In their letter, FIA outlined the negative impacts of unfair trade practices from international competitors, particularly those from China, India, and the European Union. Founded in 1913 and based in Independence, Ohio,  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Fragrance Creators Association (FCA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) requesting action against significant foreign trade barriers imposed by the European Union (EU) that hinder U.S. fragrance exports. The letter highlights overly burdensome chemical regulations as a major impediment, emphasizing that removing these barriers could greatly enhance opportunities for U.S. fragrance companies t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Kent Devereaux, president of Goucher College, Baltimore, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asserting that the proposed regulation to eliminate duration of status (D/S) for F, J, and I visa holders and replace it with a fixed admission period would cause substantial harm to international students, exchange visitors, higher education institutions, and the United States economy. The president stated the institution st more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Growth Energy organization has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) detailing significant foreign trade barriers affecting the U.S. ethanol industry. Representing the nation's largest association of ethanol producers, Growth Energy highlights critical issues hindering market access and competitive equity in international trade. The letter outlines how the U.S. ethanol sector is encountering serious challenges from coun more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA), Alexandria, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to its proposed rulemaking regarding heat injury and illness prevention. The letter followed the organization's testimony at an informal public hearing held by the agency on June 23, 2025. ILMA represents over 350 manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of lubricants and rela more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN), Zug, Switzerland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) expressing concerns about new import regulations imposed by the European Union (EU) that could hinder the trade in cultural goods, including coins. The recent regulations, which came into effect in June 2025, are seen as a significant barrier affecting U.S. exports of historical artifacts. The EU's  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), McLean, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlining its recommendations regarding the proposed rulemaking on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. IFDA's letter emphasizes the need for a flexible approach to workplace safety standards, allowing employers to tailor heat illness prevention programs to suit thei more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) condemning a proposed rule interpretation under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The ISEA argues that the current wording in the proposed rule may create confusion and raise liabilities for employers outside the performance-based and entertainment sectors. In its letter, more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Monster Energy Co. Corona, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) expressing their concerns over unfair trade barriers that hinder U.S. firms in international markets. The company emphasizes the growing number of arbitrary and discriminatory measures targeting energy drinks in various countries, which they argue disadvantage not only Monster but also other American energy drink manufacturers. In their letter, more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to finalize a robust standard for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in both outdoor and indoor work settings. The letter cited an alarming increase in heat-related incidents among construction workers and presented 220 peer-reviewed studies as evidence to support the need for this essential l more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The AFL-CIO National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) has expressed its opposition to a proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that seeks to limit protections under the General Duty Clause for inherently risky professional activities. The NALC argues that this change would dangerously exempt certain high-risk occupations from essential safety regulations, posing a serious threat to worker safety. According to the public comment letter submi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Nathan Trotter & Co. Inc., Coatesville, Pennsylvania, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative emphasizing the need for policy revisions regarding foreign trade barriers affecting the domestic tin industry. The company acknowledges the federal government's previous efforts but asserts that current trade policies ultimately undermine the potential revitalization of the U.S. tin market. As an essential metal for defense, infrastructure, and electro more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), Fairfax, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing its concerns over the proposed rule concerning heat injury and illness prevention in outdoor and indoor work settings. The proposal, part of ongoing discussions led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), aims to address heat-related illnesses amid increasing temperatures across various regions in t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for enhancements to the agency's proposed PreCheck program aimed at streamlining drug manufacturing processes in the United States. NAM, the largest manufacturing association in the U.S., represents a wide array of manufacturers across all states and sectors, emphasizing the vital role of biopharmaceutical companies in the economy. In t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Somerville, Massachusetts, 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," put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The organization advocates for the preservation of vital protections that ensure safe work environmen more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Employment Law Project (NELP), New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing support for the agency's proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings standard. The organization emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive regulation that integrates scientifically-grounded measures with flexibility for employers to implement effective safety practices accordin more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Nashville, Tennessee, has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing concerns regarding the proposed rule titled "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings." This letter comes in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking where NFIB seeks adjustments and acknowledges the challenges faced by small businesses during the compliance process. In their letter, NFIB  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Mining Association (NMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlining numerous trade barriers that adversely affect the U.S. mining industry and impede its global competitiveness. The letter focuses on significant foreign trade barriers that will impact the upcoming 2026 National Trade Estimate Report. In their letter, the NMA emphasizes their role as the voice for the U.S. mining industry, representing  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Restaurant Association is seeking the withdrawal of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings standard. In a public comment letter submitted following a rulemaking hearing, the association raised concerns about the potential impact on small businesses in the restaurant industry. Representing over one million establishments that employ approximately 15.7 million wo more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The National Education Association (NEA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the agency's proposed revised interpretation of the General Duty Clause. The NEA opposes the proposed rule, expressing serious concerns about potential harm to worker protections in the field of education. In their letter, the NEA advocates for robust safety standards, voicing fear that the proposed interpretation could endang more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Northwest Workers' Justice Project (NWJP), a non-profit law firm in Portland, Oregon, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing opposition to a proposed change regarding the General Duty Clause for inherently risky professional activities. The organization, which advocates for low-wage workers, argues that the potential deregulation could severely threaten workplace safety for many employees engaged in high-risk jobs such as construct more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), Annapolis, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for the elimination of the proposed testing requirement for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Source and Recovered Plasma. This guidance was highlighted in the FDA's draft issued in July 2025, which pertains to blood donation testing protocols. PPTA contends that since plasma intended for fractionation und more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Susannah Marcucci, a principal designated school official with experience in F-1 immigration compliance, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlighting the concerns from educators regarding proposed changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The letter critiques the agency's plan for a revision of its data collection activities under OMB Control Number 1653-0038. The letter, dated November 3, 2025 more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Rita Murphy Lybek, a road safety professional from Marion, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation nominating herself for the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) as a representative serving a State government. With over 34 years of experience at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Lybek's comprehensive background in transportation aligns closely with the objectives of the council. In her letter, Lybek emphasizes her  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing concerns over the proposed heat injury and illness prevention standards following an informal public hearing led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). SOCMA represents a wide range of chemical manufacturers and has provided feedback based on their experiences with existing regulations. In th more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Arlington, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter addressed to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), highlighting significant foreign trade barriers that impact its members globally. TIA represents approximately 400 manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech telecommunications networks and services, advocating for a robust international trade environment conducive to innovation and competitiveness. In the more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would alter the admission period for international students in the United States. The proposed rule, designated as ICEB-2025-0001, would establish a fixed time period of admission and new extension procedures for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information med more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Inaki Alday, dean of Tulane University School of Architecture and the Built Environment, New Orleans, Louisiana, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arguing that a proposed rule restricting student visas would undermine the school's academic programs. The comment urges the agency to reconsider the plan to replace the existing "duration of status" admissions with fixed four-year end dates for nonimmigrant students. The academic  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Denver, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative urging a focused partnership to tackle tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder U.S. red meat exports. In its comments for the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report, USMEF emphasized the importance of enhancing access to international markets for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb to bolster the nation's agricultural economy. The organizati more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative expressing concerns over significant foreign trade barriers affecting the peanut industry. The organization, which represents various stakeholders including peanut growers and shellers, aims to address inspection rates imposed by the European Union that it claims disadvantage U.S. peanuts in the competitive market. In its letter, USPF highlighted the challenges more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding its proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule. This proposal aims to establish comprehensive requirements for employers to manage heat-related hazards for workers across various sectors, yet small businesses are voicing substantial skepticism about its potential impact. The proposed rule, publis more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Detroit, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in response to proposed regulations aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work environments. The letter emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive Heat Injury and Illness Prevention  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Detroit, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to withdraw its proposed rule to eliminate certain medical evaluation requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard. The union, representing about one million active and retired workers, argues that remo more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Detroit, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opposing a proposed rule that seeks to limit protections provided by the General Duty Clause for workers in inherently risky occupations. The union, representing approximately one million workers, argues that this proposal underm more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- A public comment letter from Stefan Johnsson, associate director of the University of Houston International Student and Scholar Services Office, Texas, has raised concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent proposal to alter the admission and extension procedures for nonimmigrant academic students and exchange visitors. The letter underscores strong objections to the suggested removal of "Duration of Status" (D/S) for F and J visa holders, arg more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The University of Montana, Missoula, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security highlighting its concerns over a proposed rule that would impose fixed time periods for admission and extension of stay procedures for non-immigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information media. The institution argues that the existing system effectively balances security with the educational needs of international  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The U.S. Hop Industry Plant Protection Committee (USHIPPC), Yakima, Washington, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) urging the agency to address significant trade barriers affecting U.S. hop exports as part of the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. The USHIPPC, along with its joint committee partners, represents hop growers from across the nation and emphasizes the vital role of hops in the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Vest Safety Medical Services LLC, Missouri City, Texas, a key provider of respiratory-protection medical evaluations, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to the agency's proposed rule to eliminate mandatory medical evaluations for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). The organization believes that such a move more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the agency's proposed rule for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This comment comes in response to OSHA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on August 30, 2024, aimed at protecting workers from the risks associated with heat exposure. In the letter, L&I expressed  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- The Wine Institute, Sacramento, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative emphasizing the critical need for reducing foreign trade barriers that hinder U.S. wine exports, particularly in key markets where American wines face significant tariff disadvantages. The Wine Institute represents over 1,000 winery members, many of whom are small and medium-sized family-owned businesses. The organization advocates for policies t more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Worksafe, Oakland, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor opposing a proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The rule, titled "Interpretation of the General Duty Clause: Limitation for Inherently Risky Professional Activities," is criticized for potentially undermining essential worker protections and compromising safety in high-risk sectors like healthcare. Worksafe argues that this proposed rev more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Western Washington University (WWU), Bellingham, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding its proposed rule that establishes a fixed admission time period and an extension of stay procedure for non-immigrant academic students and exchange visitors. The university is urging the agency to withdraw the proposed rule, asserting that it would have detrimental effects on international students and the institution as a whole. The le more ST