WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, Salt Lake City, has submitted a public comment letter supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed amendments to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System concerning the disposal of coal combustion residuals from electric utilities. Utah expressed strong approval for the EPA's April 2026 proposal to replace the rigid, uniform regulatory framework established in 2015 with a scientifically sound, site-speci more
Vanderbilt Health Urges FDA to Enhance Support for Drug Repurposing to Address Unmet Medical Needs
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the importance of advancing drug repurposing strategies to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the agency's request for information on drug repurposing for unmet medical needs. Vanderbilt Health outlined its experiences and recommendations to improve the development, regulatory pathways, and utilization of repurposed drugs more
VUNO Med Challenges CMS Proposed Changes to Medicare New Technology Add-On Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- VUNO Med Inc., headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and the manufacturer of the artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support software DeepCARS, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore, Maryland, addressing the proposed changes in the Medicare Acute Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for fiscal year 2027. The letter articulates opposition to CMS's decision not to approve DeepCARS for New Techno more
Amentum Supports NRC's Proposed Microreactor Licensing Rule to Enhance Military Energy Resilience
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Amentum, a leading engineering and operations services contractor headquartered in Aiken, South Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) endorsing the agency's proposed rule on licensing requirements for microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles under 10 CFR Part 57. The submission emphasizes the rule's potential to accelerate private sector deployment of advanced nuclear technologies on Department more
American Society of Echocardiography Urges CMS to Support Cardiovascular Imaging in FY 2027 Hospital Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society of Echocardiography, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) proposed rule. The organization, representing more than 20,000 professionals in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, advocated for payment and policy adjustments that acknowledge the critical role of echocardiography and other cardiovasc more
ASAM Urges FDA to Prioritize Drug Repurposing for Substance Use Disorders
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine, Rockville, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for enhanced efforts in the repurposing of existing medications to address substance use disorders (SUDs). ASAM highlights the urgent need for expanding pharmacotherapy options, particularly for stimulant use disorder, cannabis use disorder, polysubstance use, and behavioral addictions, areas where treatment option more
AV Introduces TOM 50 RE, a Backpackable UGV for Rapid Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal
MONROVIA, California, June 14 [Category: BizNational Defense] -- AeroVironment posted the following news release:
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AV Introduces TOM 50 RE, a Backpackable UGV for Rapid Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal
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Lightweight un crewed ground vehicle expands mission flexibility for highly mobile units operating in complex and contested environments
OSTFILDERN, GERMANY -(June 15, 2026) -AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV"), a global leader in autonomous systems, today announced the launch of more
Baby Safety Alliance Highlights Threat of AI-Driven Fraud in Product Recalls
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Baby Safety Alliance, a trade association based in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, representing manufacturers and stakeholders in the juvenile products industry, addressed concerns about consumer product recall fraud in comments submitted to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The organization underscored the growing risks posed by generative artificial intelligence in enabling sophisticated fraudulent photo submissions during recall verification processes.
more
Charity Network Urges Balanced AML/CFT Rules to Protect Nonprofits and Financial Access
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Charity & Security Network has provided public comment to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and several banking regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and National Credit Union Administration. The comments address proposed rules under the Bank Secrecy Act aimed at refining anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. The network advocates for a reform of t more
Every Cure Proposes Strategies to Advance Drug Repurposing for Unmet Medical Needs
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Every Cure, a nonprofit biotechnology organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding drug repurposing initiatives aimed at addressing unmet medical needs. The organization outlined several challenges impeding progress in repurposing FDA-approved drugs for additional therapeutic uses and proposed actionable recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. Every Cure's intervention reflects more
Fintech Accord and Stablecoin Institute Urge Refinements in Treasury Stablecoin Compliance Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Fintech Accord, Atlanta, Georgia, together with The Stablecoin Institute LLC, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the proposed rule on permitted payment stablecoin issuer anti-money laundering, countering financing of terrorism program, and sanctions compliance program requirements.
The organizations emphasize the critical more
GeneDx Highlights Burdens of Prior Authorization on Patient Care and Providers
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- GeneDx, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services detailing the impact of prior authorization requirements on laboratory tests and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items. The company addressed the burdens these requirements place on health care providers and patients, along with opportunities to improve processes through automation and policy adjustments.
GeneD more
Just Care Urges CMS to Enhance Behavioral Health Coverage and Transparency in Prior Authorization Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Just Care, an independent clinical advocacy platform based in Suwanee, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule CMS-0062-P, which addresses 2026 interoperability standards and prior authorization for drugs. The organization, with extensive clinical and operational expertise, advocates for strengthening protections and processes related to behavioral health drug prior authorization under more
SIFMA Urges FinCEN to Clarify AML/CFT Program Rules and Extend Compliance Timeline
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) expressing support for the agency's proposed rulemaking aimed at reforming anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. SIFMA praised the efforts to modernize the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) regime, enhance FinCEN's supervisory and enforcement role, and reduce regulatory burdens while p more
Six interdisciplinary teams complete Level 1 of UNM's Grand Challenges program
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, June 14 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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Six interdisciplinary teams complete Level 1 of UNM's Grand Challenges program
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Last year, UNM launched six new Level 1 Grand Challenges teams with the shared goal of improving the lives of all New Mexicans. The teams focused on the challenges of biodiversity change over time, disaster resilience, multilingual education, access to perinatal care in rural New Mexico, traffic and pedestrian safet more
Solidus Labs Advocates for Enhanced AML/CFT Program Clarity in Stablecoin Regulation
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Solidus Labs, a New York-based provider of digital asset market surveillance technology, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding their proposed rulemaking for permitted payment stablecoin issuers (PPSIs). The letter addresses the implementation of anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and sanctions compliance program requirements more
YEE! Technologies Highlights Identity Verification Gaps in FinCEN Stablecoin Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- YEE! Technologies of Las Vegas, Nevada, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding the proposed joint rulemaking by FinCEN and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that sets anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and sanctions compliance obligations for permitted payment stablecoin issuers under the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act. The comment empha more
Yardi Virtuoso wins Realcomm Digie Award for Best Tech Innovation
SANTA BARBARA, California, June 12 [Category: BizReal Estate] -- Yardi, a provider of property management software and investment management solutions for real estate, issued the following news release:
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Yardi Virtuoso wins Realcomm Digie Award for Best Tech Innovation
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AI platform honored for advancing intelligent automation across commercial and corporate real estate
Yardi (r), a leading provider of property management software, announced that Yardi Virtuoso (r) has won a 2026 Real more
Congressional Research Service Reports (Weekly)
2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48982) entitled "The 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule."
The report is written by health policy specialists Kavya Sekar and Alexandria K. Mickler and health care financing analyst Vanessa C. Forsberg.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Since 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has published an annual im more
2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48982) entitled "The 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
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Discussion of HHS's Justifications
Comparison of the U.S. Vaccination Schedule with Those of Other Countries
An individual country's public health system may weigh a range of factors when determining and developing vaccine recommendations. These considerations for a specific vaccine recommendation more
2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule Topic of CRS Report (Part 3 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48982) entitled "The 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule:"
(Continued from Part 3 of 2)
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Potential Implications of the Revised Schedule
As mentioned at the beginning of this report, a federal district court stayed the 2026 revised childhood immunization schedule in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy, meaning that the effective date of the revised schedule is postponed while the more
China's Role in the International Financial Institutions Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48983) entitled "China's Role in the International Financial Institutions" by international trade and finance specialist Rebecca M. Nelson.
Here are excerpts:
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Contents
China and the IFIs: Key Policy Issues ... 1
Historical Context ... 2
China as a Recipient of Development Assistance ... 4
China's Representation at the IFIs ... 7
PRC Firms and MDB Procurement ... 12
Selected Policy more
Economic Forecasts & Projections Topic of CRS Fact Sheet
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following fact sheet (No. R47295) by senior research librarian Ben Leubsdorf:
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Economic Forecasts and Projections: Fact Sheet
SUMMARY
Economic projections (also called forecasts) are predictions about the future behavior of economic and financial indicators. They can help lawmakers in assessing the likelihood of key events such as recessions, addressing budget and economic challenges, and estimating the effec more
Effects of Iran Conflict on Natural Gas Prices Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12696) by energy policy specialist Michael Ratner.
Here are excerpts:
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Effects of Iran Conflict on Natural Gas Prices
The U.S./Israel military operations against Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026, quickly raised the specter of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Persian Gulf for the transit of natural gas, oil, and other commodities. Approximate more
Stewardship End Result Contracting - Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11179) by natural resources policy specialist Anne A. Riddle.
Here are excerpts:
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Stewardship End Result Contracting: Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
Stewardship end result contracting, often called stewardship contracting, is a Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contracting and cooperative mechanism that allows these agencies to combine more
Syria & U.S. Policy Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11930) by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Christopher M. Blanchard.
Here are excerpts:
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Syria and U.S. Policy
Syria is in the midst of a political transition shaped by the legacies of decades of authoritarian rule and more than a decade of unrest and conflict that displaced millions and killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians from 2011 through 2024. Ahmed Al Sharaa, who more
Transition of Servicing Defaulted Federal Student Loans to the Department of the Treasury Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, June 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48962) on June 9, 2026, entitled "Transition of Servicing Defaulted Federal Student Loans to the Department of the Treasury: Background and Observations" by social policy specialist Alexandra Hegji.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
As of December 31, 2025, the Department of Education's (ED's) portfolio of defaulted federal student loans comprises loans of about 7.8 million borrowers (about 1 more
Congressional Court Watcher - Circuit Splits From May 2026 Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11439) by deputy assistant director Michael John Garcia and legislative attorney Peter J. Benson:
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Congressional Court Watcher: Circuit Splits from May 2026
The U.S. Courts of Appeals for the thirteen "circuits" issue thousands of precedential decisions each year. Because relatively few of these decisions are ultimately reviewed by the Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts more
DHS Budget Request Analysis - FY2027 Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48979) on June 9, 2026, entitled "DHS Budget Request Analysis: FY2027" by William L. Painter, homeland security and appropriations specialist.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
DHS Budget Request Analysis: FY2027
On April 3, 2026, President Donald Trump's Administration released its budget request for FY2027, including $118.39 billion in total budget authority for the Department of Homeland more
DHS Budget Request Analysis - FY2027 Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48979) on June 9, 2026, entitled "DHS Budget Request Analysis - FY2027:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 3)
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Component-Level Analysis
Law Enforcement Operational Components (Title II)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
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Figure 3. CBP Annual Gross Discretionary Budget Authority
Source: CRS analysis of the CBP Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Justification, Fiscal Year 2027 Budget more
DHS Budget Request Analysis - FY2027 Topic of CRS Report (Part 3 of 3)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48979) on June 9, 2026, entitled "DHS Budget Request Analysis - FY2027:"
(Continued from Part 2 of 3)
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Support Components (Title IV)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
* * *
Figure 22. USCIS Annual Gross Discretionary Budget Authority
Source: CRS analysis of the USCIS Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Justification, Fiscal Year 2027 Budget of the U.S.
Government: Appendi more
FDA Regulation of AI-Enabled Devices Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13245) by health policy specialist Amanda K. Sarata:
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FDA Regulation of AI-Enabled Devices
Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled applications are increasingly used in health care, including for financial, administrative, and clinical purposes. They hold the promise of increased efficiency, improved quality of care, and better health outcomes, while simultaneously challengin more
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act - Issues for the 119th Congress Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13210) by natural resources policy analyst Anthony R. Marshak:
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The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA): Issues for the 119th Congress
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (MSA; 16 U.S.C. Sec.1801 et seq.), is the primary law authorizing the conservation and management of U.S. federal marine fisheries (i.e., th more
Noncompetitive Federal Contract Awards - Other Than Full & Open Competition Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48980) entitled "Noncompetitive Federal Contract Awards: Other than Full and Open Competition" by Dominick A. Fiorentino, government organization and management analyst and David H. Carpenter, legislative attorney.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
In the context of federal procurement, Congress has long been interested in the view that increased competition among potential vendors could resu more
Noncompetitive Federal Contract Awards - Other Than Full & Open Competition Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48980) entitled "Noncompetitive Federal Contract Awards - Other than Full and Open Competition:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
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Agency Justifications of Noncompetitive Contract Awards
Although agencies have discretion to use noncompetitive procedures in certain circumstances, CICA requires that agencies justify their actions in writing./78 In contrast to D&Fs, which are required to supp more
Colombia's 2026 Presidential Election Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12689) by Latin American affairs specialist Clare Ribando Seelke.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Colombia's 2026 Presidential Election
On June 4, 2026, Colombian authorities certified the results of a May 31 first-round presidential election in which right-wing political outsider Abelardo de la Espriella exceeded expectations, garnering 44% of the vote to finish ahead of left-wing se more
Connecting Constituent Organizations to Behavioral Health Funding Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48976) entitled "Connecting Constituent Organizations to Behavioral Health Funding" by senior research librarian Ada S. Cornell:
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SUMMARY
This report provides information and resources to assist congressional offices with responding to constituent questions about federal funding for local organizations that provide behavioral health services. Constituent organizations supporting behavior more
Defense Primer - Arlington National Cemetery Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11362) by research librarian Clayton M. Levy.
Here are excerpts:
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Defense Primer: Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is a military cemetery administered by the Office of Army Cemeteries. Located in Arlington County, Virginia, the cemetery was created in 1864 during the Civil War from 200 acres of plantation land that once belonged to George Wash more
European Parliament & U.S. Interests Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11211) by section research manager Kristin Archick.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
The European Parliament and U.S. Interests
A Key EU Institution
The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the 27-country European Union (EU). The EP's current 720 members represent the EU's roughly 450 million citizens. The EP has accumulated more power over time (most more
Mandatory Detention During Removal Proceedings - Circuit Split Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11438) by legislative attorney Hillel R. Smith:
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Mandatory Detention During Removal Proceedings: Circuit Split
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may arrest and detain aliens for immigration status violations that render them removable. While the agency generally has discretion to release aliens from custody during the pendency of their removal proceedings, so more
Russian Military Activities in Asia - Combined Military Exercises & Patrols Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48978) entitled "Russian Military Activities in Asia: Combined Military Exercises and Patrols" by Andrew S. Bowen, Russian and
European affairs analyst.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Historically, Russia has claimed a role as a major actor in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a policy by which Russia would seek to emphasize and further develop e more
U.S.-South Korea Alliance - Issues for Congress Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 10 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13246) by foreign affairs analyst Daniel J. Longo.
Here are excerpts:
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The U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Issues for Congress
Overview
The U.S.-South Korea (Republic of Korea, or ROK) alliance dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, during which more than 36,000 Americans died in-theater helping South Korea repel an invasion by North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Budget - Background, Trends & Policy Options Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48295) entitled "The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Budget: Background, Trends and Policy Options" by financial economics specialists Karl E. Schneider and Baird Webel.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was created in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank; P.L. 111-203). Dodd-Frank specified that the more
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Budget - Background, Trends & Policy Options Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48295) entitled "The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Budget - Background, Trends and Policy Options:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
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Policy Options and Legislation: 119th Congress
Since the creation of the CFPB, Members of Congress have continued to debate various policy options regarding the funding structure and other aspects of the agency in order to either further strengthen its more
Iraq Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10404) by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Christopher M. Blanchard.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Iraq
The Republic of Iraq (Figure 1) sits at a crossroad in the Middle East region, with ties to Iran, Turkey, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula that shape Iraqi interests, create constraints and opportunities, and attract intervention. In May 2026, Shia Arab businessman Ali Al Za more
Researching Critical Minerals - Selected Resources Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48974) entitled "Researching Critical Minerals: Selected Resources" by research librarians Michael P. Jourdan and Emily N. Peterson:
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SUMMARY
The demand for critical minerals and rare earth elements is increasing due to their applications in various advanced and emerging technologies, including batteries, semiconductors, medical equipment, solar and wind energy systems, and certain milita more
Vegetation Management for Wildfire Mitigation Along Electric Power Line Rights-of-Way on Federal Lands Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48973) entitled "Vegetation Management for Wildfire Mitigation Along Electric Power Line Rights-of-Way on Federal Lands" by natural resources policy analyst Alicyn R. Gitlin.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Congress has shown interest in protecting lives and property from catastrophic wildfires and in protecting electric grid reliability. Electric power line rights-of-way (hereinafter, power more
Vegetation Management for Wildfire Mitigation Along Electric Power Line Rights-of-Way on Federal Lands Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48973) entitled "Vegetation Management for Wildfire Mitigation Along Electric Power Line Rights-of-Way on Federal Lands:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
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BLM-Specific Regulations and Policies
BLM regulates power line ROWs as part of its ROW program under FLPMA./78 BLM requires plans or agreements from operators for all new, renewed, or amended power line ROWs./79 BLM's regulations specify more
Direct Loan Program - Student Loan Repayment Plans Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13243) by education policy analyst Rita R. Zota.
Here are excerpts:
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Direct Loan Program: Student Loan Repayment Plans
When an individual borrows from the Direct Loan program, they assume a contractual obligation to repay that debt over a period of time that may span a decade or more. While borrowers are required to make payments on a monthly basis, they may currently choo more
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act - Legal Issues Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46799) entitled "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Legal Issues" by legislative attorneys Jared P. Cole and Madeline W. Donley.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Schools generate and maintain numerous student records, including grades, standardized test scores, disciplinary accounts, contact information, mental health records, and more. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Ac more
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act - Legal Issues Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46799) entitled "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - Legal Issues:"
(Continued from part 1 of 2)
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FERPA Exceptions
The statute also contains numerous exceptions that allow for disclosure of student education records in certain situations. While the carve-out for directory information allows for disclosure as a general matter (provided schools satisfy the notice requirement), more
FEMA's Emergency Food & Shelter Program Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12026) by Elizabeth M. Webster, emergency
management and disaster recovery specialist.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) provides supplemental grants to local government and nonprofit organizations to support and expand existing programs that aid more
Health Savings Account Contributions - By the Numbers Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13244) by health care financing specialist Ryan J. Rosso and research assistant Alice Y. Choi.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Health Savings Account Contributions: By the Numbers
A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that eligible individuals can use to save and pay for qualified medical expenses. Eligibility to contribute to an HSA is generally associated with e more
Major Railroad Mergers & Acquisitions Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13242) by transportation policy specialists Ben Goldman and John Frittelli.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Major Railroad Mergers and Acquisitions
On July 29, 2025, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) announced that it had agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern Railway (NS). If the transaction is approved, it would reduce the number of U.S. Class I railroads - defined as having annual operating more
Sea Lion Predation on Columbia River Salmon & Steelhead Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11045) by natural resources policy specialist Anthony R. Marshak.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Sea Lion Predation on Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead
Since the 1990s, concerns have persisted about sea lion predation on salmonids (i.e., salmon and steelhead trout [steelhead; Oncorhynchus mykiss]) and certain other fishes, including in the Columbia River and Puget Sound. Managemen more
Year-Round Sale of E15 Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, June 6 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN10979) by Kelsi Bracmort, natural resources and energy policy specialist:
* * *
Year-Round Sale of E15
E15 - a fuel blend of up to 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline - generally cannot be sold during the summer driving season (June 1-September 15) because it does not meet gasoline Reid vapor pressure (RVP) requirements, which limit fuel volatility under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA more
Tipoffs: Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
8 Penn State Health Official Call for Violence Exclusion in CMS Patient Survey
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging a revision in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey methodology.
The letter co-signed by eight healthcare system officials advocating for the inclusion of explicit exclusion criteria for patients exhibiting violent or abusive behavior toward healthcare workers. This proposed change targets patien more
Alstef Group: FAA Should Clarify Buy American Compliance and Complexity Standards for Airport Project Delivery
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Thibaut Giret, Senior Legal Counsel for Asia Pacific at Alstef Group based in Paris, France, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Airport Planning and Programming. The commentary addresses draft Order 5100.38E concerning the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Handbook, particularly Section 3-4.2.7, which governs alternative project delivery contracts for federally funded airport projects. Giret highlights two critical more
Citizens Memorial Hospital District Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposed FY 2027 IPPS Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Citizens Memorial Hospital District, Bolivar, Missouri, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. The hospital outlined several concerns and recommendations related to the proposed Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded Model (CJR-X), inpatient payment updates, and the inclusion of Medicare Advantage (MA) claims in quality measures.
The more
Confluence Health Urges CMS to Increase FY 2027 Hospital Payment Rates and Modify Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Confluence Health, Wenatchee, Washington state, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed inpatient prospective payment system rule for fiscal year 2027. The health system highlighted concerns over the adequacy of the proposed market basket update, the productivity adjustment, disproportionate share hospital funding cuts, and the mandatory nature of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model expansion.
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Conn. River Valley Homes Advocates for FHA Minimum Property Requirements Modernization
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Connecticut River Valley Homes LLC, South Windsor, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Federal Housing Administration concerning the agency's Single Family Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). The brokerage emphasized the need for targeted modernization of the MPRs, highlighting how current standards create obstacles for first-time buyers, who make up a substantial portion of FHA loan recipients.
The firm noted that more
Department of Education Supports OPM Proposed Rule on Suitability and Fitness Actions
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The U.S. Department of Education has expressed strong support for the Office of Personnel Management's proposed rule titled "Suitability and Fitness," which addresses actions based on post-appointment conduct. The department emphasized that the rule would fill a crucial gap by authorizing OPM to direct federal agencies to take suitability actions more efficiently, bypassing the cumbersome Civil Service Reform Act procedures traditionally required for employee removal.
The more
DHR Health Urges CMS to Reassess FY 2027 Medicare Payment Policies and Wage Index Changes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Roberto A. Haddad, vice president and counsel for government affairs and policy at DHR Health, Edinburg, Texas, provided a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about the proposed FY 2027 updates to the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System.
DHR Health operating as Doctors Hospital at Renaissance emphasized the challenges faced by safety-net hospitals like itself in adapting to payment changes t more
DHS Supports Proposed OPM Rule to Enhance Employee Suitability and Enterprise Risk Management
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided feedback to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding a notice of proposed rulemaking for Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations Part 731 aimed at improving suitability and fitness determinations for federal employees. The DHS feedback, consolidated by the Office of the Chief Security Officer and representing several DHS components including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard, and Tra more
FDA Urged to Approve IV Racemic Ketamine for Depression and Suicidal Ideation Treatment
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners, headquartered in Washington state, along with BrainFutures based in California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging formal approval of intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine hydrochloride for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) including treatment-resistant cases, bipolar depression, and acute suicidal ideation. Currently approved only as an anesthet more
Financial Technology Association Urges IRS to Clarify Remittance Transfer Tax Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Financial Technology Association (FTA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the excise tax on remittance transfers under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The letter addresses concerns and support for the proposed rule's treatment of cash-like instruments and calls for greater clarity concerning the anti-avoidance provisions.
The FTA expressed a more
Francis Medical Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposal To Repeal Alternative Pathways For Medicare Device Payments
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Francis Medical, a Maple Grove, Minnesota-based developer of urological cancer treatments, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns about the agency's proposed rule to repeal alternative payment pathways for innovative medical technologies. The proposal, outlined in the 2027 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule, seeks to eliminate the alternative method allowing FDA Brea more
Iowa Environmental Council Urges EPA to Strengthen Coal Ash Regulations
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Iowa Environmental Council, based in Des Moines, Iowa, submitted a public comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency expressing strong opposition to the agency's 2026 proposed amendments to the Coal Combustion Residuals regulations. The Council represents over 100 organizations and 500 individuals concerned with protecting Iowa's air and water quality.
The Council highlighted widespread groundwater contamination at Iowa coal ash disposal sites, noting that more
ISDA Backs CFTC Changes to Interest Rate Swap Clearing Requirements and Urges Longer Implementation Period
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The International Swaps and Derivatives Association of New York, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regarding proposed rulemaking on clearing requirements for interest rate swaps related to Canadian and Mexican reference rates.
ISDA supports the commission's proposals to modify clearing requirements for Canadian dollar-denominated interest rate swaps by removing fixed-to-float swaps referencing CAD CDOR and extending th more
JPMorgan Chase Urges OCC to Block Illinois Interchange Fee Law
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- JPMorgan Chase Bank, New York, has submitted a public comment letter in strong support of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's interim final rule and preemption order concerning national bank powers to charge non-interest fees, including interchange fees. This correspondence addresses the agency's April 29, 2026, interim final rule clarifying that national banks' authority under the National Bank Act includes charging interchange fees, and the final order preemp more
Kharon Proposes Risk-Based Enhancements to AML and CFT Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Kharon, a risk intelligence company, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding the agency's proposed amendments to anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act. The letter addresses the April 2026 joint notice of proposed rulemaking involving FinCEN, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit more
Legacy Health Urges CMS to Reconsider Hospital Payment Policies and Episode Model Proposals
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Legacy Health, provider in Portland, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the agency's proposed rule on the Medicare Program Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) for fiscal year 2027. Legacy Health raised concerns about the adequacy of payment updates and policy shifts that could affect safety-net and rural hospitals, as well as the impact of incorporating ambulatory surgical centers more
Local Initiatives Support Corp. Opposes HUD Rule on Mixed Status Families in Federal Housing
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Local Initiatives Support Corp., a national nonprofit housing and community development organization headquartered in New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing opposition to proposed amendments regarding the verification of eligible status under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. The letter critiques HUD's proposed rule that would prohibit mixed status families-households with bo more
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Urges IRS to Allow States to Open Trump Accounts for Foster Children
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urging the agency to authorize state agencies to open and manage Trump accounts for children in foster care. The letter responds to the IRS notice of proposed rulemaking titled "Trump Accounts," 91 FR 11194, published on March 9, 2026, related to the implementation of section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code. DCFS highlights th more
Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Urges CMS to Preserve Financial Flexibility in Proposed Medicare Reimbursement Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, New Orleans, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's Proposed Rule on the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) and related policy changes for fiscal year 2027. LOPA emphasized the need for regulatory balance that maintains operational flexibility, particularly within reimbursement structures for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), warning more
Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative Supports Mandatory Nutrition Reporting in Hospitals
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative (MQii) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) endorsing the proposed mandatory reporting of the Malnutrition Care Score (MCS) electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) in the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule. MQii recognizes CMS's dedication to enhancing nutrition care quality in hospitalized patients and welcomes the proposal to require MCS reporti more
Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association Urges CMS to Adjust Medicare Payment Policies Amid Rising Hospital Costs
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Boston, provided substantial input to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the agency's proposed inpatient hospital payment policies for fiscal year 2027. The public comment letter addressed several aspects of the Medicare Program, including payment updates, disproportionate share hospital payments, outlier payment thresholds, and other policy modifications under consideration by the U.S. Departmen more
MassMEDIC Urges CMS to Preserve Payment Pathways for Breakthrough Medical Devices
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC), headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to eliminate alternative payment pathways under the FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for FDA-designated Breakthrough Devices.
MassMEDIC, representing over 500 medical technology companies in Massa more
Mayo Clinic Expresses Concerns and Recommendations on Medicare Hospital Payment Reforms
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the agency's proposed rule on Medicare Program changes affecting Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) for acute care hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System for Fiscal Year 2027.
The communication, written by Rachel A. Lindor, chair of Revenue Cycle Compliance Subcommittee and associate profess more
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association Urges CMS to Address Medicare Payment Cuts in Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association of Puerto Rico (MMAPA), based in San Juan, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2027 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule. The association highlights concerns over substantial cuts to Medicare payments affecting all 52 acute care hospitals in Puerto Rico and calls for CMS to use its authority to develop an alternative a more
Medical Information Technology Raises Concerns Over Medicare Quality Reporting Changes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Medical Information Technology, Inc., headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, addressing proposed changes to the Medicare Program's Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems and related quality reporting policies for Fiscal Year 2027.
The company, known for its Expanse electronic health record (EHR) system used in 29 more
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission Supports CMS Proposals on Joint Replacement Payment Model and Technology Add-On Payments
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding its proposed rule on fiscal year 2027 payment policies for hospitals. The letter addresses the agency's plans to implement a new episode-based payment model for joint replacement surgeries and the repeal of alternative pathways for new technology add-on payments and pass-through payments under the inpatient and outpatient prospectiv more
Medtronic Urges CMS to Reconsider Proposed Repeal of New Technology Payment Pathways
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Medtronic, a leading medical technology company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the agency's proposed rule on hospital inpatient prospective payment systems for fiscal year 2027. The letter expresses disappointment with CMS's proposal to repeal the New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System device pass-through alternative pathways for FDA more
Minnesota Hospital Association Urges CMS to Adjust Medicare Payment Policies to Reflect Rising Costs and Support Rural Providers
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Minnesota Hospital Association, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing the agency's proposed fiscal year 2027 rule on hospital inpatient prospective payment systems and related policy changes. The letter highlights critical concerns regarding payment updates, rural hospital provisions, interoperability policies, and quality reporting measures that directly affect Minnesota's 139 mem more
MultiCare Health System Urges CMS to Revise FY 2027 Hospital Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- MultiCare Health System, a healthcare provider headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed rule CMS-1849. The rule addresses the Medicare Program's Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2027, including quality program r more
MXM Surfaces Urges USTR to Exclude Malaysian Quartz Surface Products From Safeguard Measures
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- MXM Surfaces SDN BHD, a Malaysian producer of quartz surface products, together with its U.S. importer MXM Surfaces Inc. submitted a public comment letter urging the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to exclude Malaysian quartz surface product imports from potential safeguard tariffs or quotas. The comments respond to the USTR's request on actions following a May 2026 determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that imports of quart more
Nacha Urges Stronger Federal Measures To Eliminate Paper Check Disbursements
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Nacha, headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service, addressing proposed amendments to regulations governing federal agency paper check disbursements under 31 CFR Part 208. The letter supports efforts to comply with Executive Order 14247, which aims to modernize government payments by eliminating paper checks in favor of electronic transactions.
Nacha emphasized the efficiency and more
NAM Urges EPA to Prioritize Science and Research Over Broad Contaminant Listings in Drinking Water Candidate List
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the agency's draft Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). NAM expressed cautious support for the EPA's effort to identify potential future contaminants in drinking water but emphasized the critical need for research-driven, scientifically validated approaches rather than premature regulation of broadly defined conta more
National Ground Water Association Advocates for Strengthened Monitoring of Coal Combustion Residual Leachate
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The National Ground Water Association, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's proposed revisions to effluent limitations guidelines for the steam electric power generating point source category. The proposed rule addresses unmanaged combustion residual leachate discharged to waters of the United States and includes new groundwater monitoring requirements following a Supreme Co more
National Retail Federation Urges Withdrawal of OCC Interim Final Rule on Interchange Fee Preemption
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The National Retail Federation (NRF) has issued a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) strongly opposing the agency's interim final rule and order concerning national bank non-interest charges and fees, particularly relating to the preemption of Illinois' Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA). The NRF warns that the rule and order undermine merchant savings and call for their withdrawal.
The NRF emphasizes that interchange fees are more
National Rural Health Association Highlights Concerns Over Medicare Hospital Payment Changes for Fiscal Year 2027
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The National Rural Health Association, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the agency's proposed rule on the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and related policies for fiscal year 2027. The organization emphasized the persistent challenges and disparities facing rural hospitals amid proposed payment system adjustments.
The association expressed more
National Rural Health Association Supports CMS Prior Authorization Rule Enhancements for Rural Healthcare
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The National Rural Health Association (NRHA), headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposed rule on Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs. The NRHA conveyed broad support for the rule, emphasizing the importance of reducing administrative burdens on rural healthcare providers and improving the transparency and efficiency of prior authoriz more
Nebraska Medicine Urges CMS to Address Hospital Payment and Policy Concerns in FY2027 Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Nebraska Medicine, a non-profit academic medical system based in Omaha, Nebraska, provided extensive comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the FY2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. The health system, which includes Nebraska Medical Center and Bellevue Medical Center and employs over 9,000 staff, detailed a broad range of concerns tied to payment updates, health equity considerations, quality programs, and provi more
Nevada Raises Concerns About NRC's Proposed Microreactor Transportation Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects, Carson City, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the proposed rulemaking on licensing requirements for microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles.
The letter, written by Fred C. Dilger, executive director, emphasizes transportation safety challenges posed by microreactors, especially those involving transportation of fresh and used fuel containing plutonium. Neva more
North Memorial Health Urges CMS to Increase Payment Rates and Adjust Quality Reporting Timelines
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- North Memorial Health, a nonprofit health system based in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing proposed changes in the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Fiscal Year 2027. The letter highlights concerns over payment updates and quality reporting measures that impact hospitals' financial sustainability and operational capacity.
The health system emphasized that Medicare and Medi more
Northwell Health Advocates for Retention of Severity Level Designation in CMS Hospital Payment Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Northwell Health, based in New Hyde Park, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposed rule for the Medicare and Medicaid Programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program concerning hospital inpatient prospective payment systems for acute care and long-term care hospitals for fiscal year 2027. The letter provides feedback on multiple revisions to MS-DRG classifications and payment poli more
Novant Health Urges CMS to Maintain NTAP and Adjust Sepsis Readmission Timeline
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Novant Health, an integrated healthcare network based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule.
The letter, written by David H. Priest, Senior Vice President and Chief Safety, Quality, and Epidemiology Officer of the Institute of Safety & Quality, addresses critical provisions including the repeal of the New Techno more
OCC Receives Industry Support for Preemption of Illinois Interchange Fee Law and Clarification of National Bank Fee Powers
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Four financial services public policy group jointly submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) endorsing the agency's Order Preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and its concurrent Interim Final Rule on National Bank Non-Interest Charges and Fees. The letter strongly supports the OCC's actions that confirm that the National Bank Act (NBA) preempts Illinois state law restricting interchange fee charges on tax a more
Ocean Conservancy Urges EPA to Prioritize Microplastics in Drinking Water Regulations
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Ocean Conservancy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocating for the inclusion of microplastics in the agency's Contaminant Candidate List 6 under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The organization stresses the importance of maintaining microplastics on the final CCL and calls for heightened EPA efforts to address microplastic pollution in drinking water and beyond.
According to Ocean Conservancy, microplastics meet the sta more
Oceana Urges EPA to Take Stronger Measures Against Microplastics in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Oceana has called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take more decisive regulatory actions to protect public health and the environment from microplastics and associated toxic chemicals. In a public comment letter submitted to the EPA regarding the Contaminant Candidate List sixth edition (CCL6), Oceana acknowledged the agency's recognition of microplastics as a growing threat but urged immediate action beyond listing the pollutant.
Oceana emphasized that micr more
OCHIN Urges CMS to Support Rural Providers With Clear Guidance and Flexible Timelines for FY 2027 Medicare Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- OCHIN, a nonprofit health IT and services organization based in Portland, Oregon, has expressed strong support for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' efforts to modernize quality measurement and advance interoperability in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) rule. Representing over 300 independent provider organizations across 44 states-including Fed more
Oracle Health Seeks Extended Timelines and Clarifications on CMS Hospital Quality Reporting Proposals
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Oracle Health and Life Sciences, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The response addresses the CMS Medicare Program proposals regarding Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) for acute care hospitals, fiscal year 2027 rates, quality program requirements, and other policy changes, which were published in the more
Organizations Urge EPA to Remove Microplastics From Contaminant Candidate List Until Scientific Criteria Are Met
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The American Chemistry Council and several associated organizations have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the agency's Draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (Draft CCL 6) and the potential future monitoring of microplastics under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The letter focuses on scientific, technical, and regulatory concerns regarding the proposal to include microplastics on the final contaminant candidate list.
The co more
PACE Head Start Program in Massachusetts Calls for Increased Wages and Benefits to Support Workforce Stability
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- PACE Head Start, New Bedford, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Notice of Proposed Rule Making on restoring flexibility to support Head Start program access. The letter emphasized the urgent need for higher wages and enhanced benefits for the Head Start workforce to ensure the program's stability and effectiveness.
PACE Head Start highlighted the significant role the program plays in providin more
Pacira BioSciences Urges CMS to Exclude Non-Opioid Pain Treatments From Payment Model Episodes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Pacira BioSciences, Inc., a biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the proposed Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) rule for fiscal year 2027. The letter addresses the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) and the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) Model, urging refinements to better support access more
Penn Medicine Urges CMS to Reconsider Proposed Payment and Policy Changes in FY 2027 Medicare Inpatient Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Penn Medicine, an academic medical center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the agency's Fiscal Year 2027 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule. The healthcare system provided extensive feedback addressing multiple aspects of the proposed payment updates, policy changes, and cost reporting instructions outlined in the rule published in the Federal Register on Ap more
Penn State Health Urges CMS to Enhance Flexibility and Transparency in FY 2027 Medicare Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Penn State Health, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The academic health system emphasized the importance of graduate medical education (GME), payment modernization, and quality program requirements affecting Medicare beneficiaries.
The organization expressed support for CMS's proposed updates to the c more
Phelps Health Calls for Consideration of Rural Hospital Challenges in CMS Payment and Policy Updates
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Phelps Health, based in Rolla, Missouri, issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns about the agency's proposed updates to the fiscal year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and related policy changes. The health system emphasized the distinctive challenges faced by rural Sole Community Hospitals (SCHs) and urged CMS to reconsider provisions that may negatively impact these facilities.
Phelps Health hig more
Philips Recommends Greater Transparency and Caution in Medicare Payment Policy Changes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Philips, a health technology company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to the FY 2027 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospitals proposed rule. The letter addresses key issues pertaining to Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) updates, the New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) program, and quality programs i more
Piomic Medical Urges CMS to Preserve Alternative Pathway for Breakthrough Medical Devices
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Piomic Medical, a Rosemont, Illinois-based medical device company, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) criticizing the agency's proposed repeal of the Alternative Pathway for New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) and the Outpatient Prospective Payment System Transitional Pass-Through (OPPS TPT) program for FDA-designated Breakthrough Devices. Piomic Medical's correspondence focuses on the impact of these regulatory cha more
PNC Financial Services Group Urges OCC to Defend National Bank Powers Against Illinois Fee Law
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- PNC Financial Services Group, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, expressed strong support for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's interim final order preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) and the accompanying interim final rule clarifying national banks' authority to impose non-interest fees including interchange fees. In a public comment letter sent to the OCC, PNC emphasized the importance of these actions to safeguard uniform more
Premia Spine Urges CMS to Reclassify ICD-10-PCS Code XRHB018 and Extend Technology Payment
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Premia Spine of Norwalk, Connecticut, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging reconsideration of its decision to defer review of a request for Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) reassignment related to facet arthroplasty procedures identified by ICD-10-PCS code XRHB018. The company expressed concern that the deferral, occurring in the fiscal year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems propo more
Proof Advocates for Use of Verifiable Digital Credentials in Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Proof, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding proposed reforms to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism programs under the Bank Secrecy Act. The letter focuses on advancing the use of verifiable digital credentials (VDCs) to aid financial institutions in complying with these regulations.
The letter highlights that VDCs are cryptographically secured d more
Proposed Enhancements to Investigator Compliance Oversight in FDA Safety Reporting Guidance
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Sajan Pandya, regulatory affairs specialist at Encore Medical Inc., Eagan, Minnesota, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the final guidance on investigator responsibilities for safety reporting of investigational drugs and devices. Pandya highlighted a critical operational gap in the guidance issued in December 2025 under Docket No. FDA-2021-D-0368.
The guidance clearly defines what investigators must report, including more
Public Citizen Urges EPA to Rescind Proposed Rollbacks on Coal Ash Protections
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Public Citizen, headquartered in Austin, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency objecting to proposed amendments to the Coal Ash Rule under Docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-0107. The organization representing 30,000 Texans criticized the amendments for weakening existing safeguards, potentially increasing contamination of drinking water sources, and allowing companies to evade cleanup duties.
Public Citizen highlighted the ongoing thre more
Public Health Law Center Calls for EPA to Regulate Nicotine and Microplastics in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Public Health Law Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's proposed rule to advance contaminants for the sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6). The Center, which supports public health improvement through law and policy, urged the EPA to give further consideration and take regulatory action on nicotine and microplastics as contaminants of concern in drinking water.
The Publ more
Public Health Law Center Opposes EPA Proposal to Weaken Coal Ash Protections
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Public Health Law Center (PHLC), based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing strong opposition to the agency's proposed amendments to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System rule concerning coal combustion residuals (coal ash) disposal. PHLC condemned the proposal for undermining essential federal safeguards designed to protect public health, groundwater resources, and vulner more
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Regulations. The organization cautions that these changes threaten public health, environmental justice, and the stability of aquatic ecosystems by potentially prolonging the use of coal in the United States energy supply.
The commission highlight more
Rural Community Assistance Partnership Highlights Challenges of EPA's Draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 for Small Rural Water Systems
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Rural Community Assistance Partnership submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency addressing concerns about the agency's Draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). RCAP, a national network that supports rural and Tribal water systems, highlighted challenges facing small rural water systems as the EPA contemplates potential regulatory actions based on CCL 6.
RCAP emphasized that small water systems often lack the financial, technical more
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposed Hospital Payment Rule for Fiscal Year 2027
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC), based in Madison, Wisconsin, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing multiple concerns regarding the agency's proposed rule for the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). The letter highlights issues affecting rural acute care hospitals and seeks modifications to better support rural health care providers amid ongoing financial and o more
Safari Club International Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Approve Bontebok Import Permits and Delist Species
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Safari Club International has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in support of importing sport-hunted bontebok from South Africa. The organization advocates for granting several import permit applications and calls for the delisting of the bontebok from the Endangered Species Act due to the species' recovery.
The organization highlights that regulated hunting programs in South Africa have substantially increased the bontebok metapopula more
Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania Urges CMS to Address Payment and Policy Concerns in FY 2027 Medicare Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP), representing private safety-net hospitals in Harrisburg, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) regulation. SNAP raised multiple concerns about payment changes, policy expansions, and cost reporting proposals outlined in the proposal published in the Federal Register on April 14, more
Select Medical Urges CMS to Address LTCH Payment and Reporting Concerns for Fiscal Year 2027
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Select Medical Holdings, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The letter addresses the CMS Proposed Rule on the Medicare Program concerning Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes for fiscal year 2027. Select Medical operate more
Sen. Grassley Urges Revisions to OPM Nondisclosure Agreement to Protect Whistleblower Rights
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, has addressed concerns in a public comment letter to the Office of Personnel Management regarding the agency's draft nondisclosure agreement form intended for federal employees.
Grassley, who is also Co-Chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, emphasized the critical role whistleblowers play in combating waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the federal government, and highlighted the impor more
SI-BONE Urges CMS to Maintain Alternative Pathway for Breakthrough Device Payment and Reject NTAP Newness Changes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- SI-BONE, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong concerns over the agency's proposed rule for the FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS), particularly proposals affecting the New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) program. The company, an innovator in breakthrough-designated medical devices treating sacropelvic conditions, advocates for CMS more
Solari Urges Treasury to Strengthen Due Process and Privacy Protections in Proposed Stablecoin Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Solari, Inc., a Hickory Valley, Tennessee publisher dedicated to promoting financial sovereignty and privacy through its subscription service the Solari Report, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The letter addresses concerns about the joint Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. more
Southern Environmental Law Center and James River Association Urge NOAA to Shorten Sturgeon Permit Duration and Strengthen Safeguards
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), based in Charlottesville, Virginia, along with the James River Association of Richmond, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding the proposed renewal of Incidental Take Permit (ITP) No. 21516-02. The permit, originally issued to Virginia Electric and Power Company (known as Dominion) for its Chesterfield Power Station near Richmond, Virginia, authorizes incidental tak more
St. Johns Riverkeeper Urges EPA to Take Stronger Action on PFAS and Microplastics in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- St. Johns Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the agency's Draft Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). The organization expressed support for the EPA's recognition of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants present in drinking water but criticized the agency for failing to estab more
Sugarbeet Industry Seeks Extension on EPA Fungicide Strategy Comment Period
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The U.S. Beet Sugar Association alongside the American Sugarbeet Growers Association and Beet Sugar Development Foundation have submitted a public comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Draft Fungicide Strategy. The strategy aims to reduce exposure of federally listed endangered and threatened species and designated critical habitats to conventional agricultural fungicides.
Representing 10,000 family farmers across 11 states producing over hal more
Synchrony Urges Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to Clarify Fee Authority for Federal Savings Associations
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Synchrony Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding the agency's interim final rule on national bank non-interest charges and fees. Synchrony emphasized the necessity for the OCC to explicitly state that Federal savings associations have fee-charging authority equivalent to national banks under the rule.
The interim final rule modifies 12 C.F.R. Sec. 7.4002 to clarify national more
Tennessee Hospital Association Voices Concerns Over Medicare Payment and Policy Changes for Fiscal Year 2027
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Tennessee Hospital Association, Brentwood, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed Medicare Program rule for the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) for fiscal year 2027. The letter addresses multiple aspects of CMS's proposals, including payment updates, wage index adjustments, quality reporting, and mandatory c more
Texas Hospital Association Criticizes CMS Payment Proposals and Urges Revisions to Support Hospitals
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Texas Hospital Association, Austin, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposed updates to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) for Fiscal Year 2027. The association represents over 460 hospitals and health systems across diverse settings.
The association expressed concerns that the proposed 3.2% market basket update fails to adequately reflect current cost increases, urging CMS to r more
Tilde Sciences Proposes Drug Repurposing Pathway for Rare Epilepsy Treatment
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Tilde Sciences LLC, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressing challenges and opportunities in developing repurposed drugs for addressing unmet medical needs. The company focuses on TLD-005, an oral formulation of mecamylamine, currently marketed as Vecamyl, to treat Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy (SHE), an ultra-rare and debilitating neurological disorder with no approved thera more
Tokenization Systems Presents Evidence on Stablecoin Reserve Concentration Risks to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Tokenization Systems, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, submitted a supplemental public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) concerning the risks associated with Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers (PPSIs) and their reserve custody relationships. The comment builds on a previous filing, emphasizing newly available first-party causal evidence showing how concentration risk in reserve custody can cause significant stablecoin price disrup more
Transportation Intermediaries Association Urges Federal Safety Standard for Motor Carrier Selection
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Transportation Intermediaries Association of Alexandria, Virginia, has called on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish a clear federal safety selection standard for motor carriers. The association submitted a public comment letter urging the agency to promulgate a standard governing the use of federally licensed motor carriers, emphasizing the need for consistent, reliable criteria to determine which carriers are safe to operate.
The association more
Trinity Health Urges CMS to Adjust Hospital Payment Policies and Delay Quality Reporting Changes
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Trinity Health, a Livonia, Michigan-based not-for-profit Catholic health care system, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) raising concerns over proposed changes to the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) for fiscal year 2027. The healthcare system, which operates 91 hospitals and serves diverse communities across 23 states, outlined recommendations aimed at supporting affordable, high-qual more
Tufts Medicine Raises Concerns Over Proposed Medicare Payment Updates and Quality Measures
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Tufts Medicine, a Burlington, Massachusetts-based health system, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the agency's proposed Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) rule for fiscal year 2027. The letter outlines significant concerns related to payment updates for acute care hospitals, adjustments to uncompensated care payments, proposed quality metric changes, and value-based care models, emphasizin more
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Calls for Regulatory and Structural Reforms to Boost Drug Repurposing
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration addressing the agency's Request for Information on drug repurposing. The Chamber emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity, intellectual property protections, and updated exclusivity incentives to accelerate development and patient access to treatments for high unmet medical needs.
The Chamber urged the FDA to focus on removing structural and regulatory barriers t more
U.S. Intellectual Property Advocates Call for Joining Riyadh Design Law Treaty Without Reservations
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Intellectual Property Owners Association, Arlington, Virginia, has urged the Patent and Trademark Office to becoming a party to the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (RDLT) without taking any reservations. In a public comment letter, the association highlighted the treaty's potential to harmonize design protection procedures internationally while preserving each country's substantive domestic law.
The letter emphasized that the RDLT would simplify the filing process and reduce more
United Association Backs Expedited Licensing for Nuclear Microreactors to Address Power Grid Challenges
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) supporting the agency's proposed licensing framework for microreactors and other nuclear reactors with comparable risk profiles. The letter emphasizes the urgent need to adopt flexible and expedited licensing pathways to promote the deployment of microrea more
United Pacific Opposes OCC Rule on Swipe Fees and Illinois Law Preemption
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- United Pacific, based in Long Beach, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency opposing the agency's Interim Final Rule on National Bank Non-Interest Charges and Fees and the Interim Final Order preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. The company, which operates over 600 retail gas stations and convenience stores across several Western and Midwestern states, expressed concern that the OCC rule would wors more
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, Salt Lake City, has submitted a public comment letter supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed amendments to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System concerning the disposal of coal combustion residuals from electric utilities. Utah expressed strong approval for the EPA's April 2026 proposal to replace the rigid, uniform regulatory framework established in 2015 with a scientifically sound, site-speci more
Vanderbilt Health Urges FDA to Enhance Support for Drug Repurposing to Address Unmet Medical Needs
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the importance of advancing drug repurposing strategies to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the agency's request for information on drug repurposing for unmet medical needs. Vanderbilt Health outlined its experiences and recommendations to improve the development, regulatory pathways, and utilization of repurposed drugs more
VGM & Associates: Prior Authorization Requirements for Durable Medical Equipment Create Delays and Strain
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- VGM and Associates Inc., Overland Park, Kansas, has addressed concerns to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding prior authorization practices for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The nationwide member services organization, which represents suppliers and manufacturers essential to Medicare beneficiaries' care, highlighted how current prior authorization procedures create barriers for patients and providers.
V more
Vinyl Industry Group Challenges EPA's Inclusion of Microplastics in Drinking Water Candidate List
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Vinyl Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's draft sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The letter expresses concerns about the proposed listing of microplastics as a contaminant group and highlights issues related specifically to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used vinyl resin.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's draft CCL 6 identifies 75 chem more
Vizient Urges CMS to Reconsider Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare Payment and Quality Program Proposals
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Vizient Inc., a healthcare performance improvement company headquartered in Irving, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), addressing the agency's proposed rule for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals and accompanying policy changes. Vizient's extensive feedback highlights concerns over inadequate payment rates, mandatory payment models, and qual more
VUNO Med Challenges CMS Proposed Changes to Medicare New Technology Add-On Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- VUNO Med Inc., headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and the manufacturer of the artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support software DeepCARS, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore, Maryland, addressing the proposed changes in the Medicare Acute Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for fiscal year 2027. The letter articulates opposition to CMS's decision not to approve DeepCARS for New Techno more
Washington State Hospital Association Urges CMS to Adjust Medicare Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Washington State Hospital Association, based in Seattle, Washington, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed inpatient prospective payment system rule for fiscal year 2027. The association advocates for revisions to ensure Medicare payments more accurately represent the rising costs hospitals face in delivering care.
The association expressed concern that the proposed 2.4 percent update to payments, more
Water Protector Legal Collective Urges EPA to Strengthen Drinking Water Protections for Emerging Contaminants
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Water Protector Legal Collective, an Indigenous-led nonprofit headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the agency's proposed rule on drinking water contaminants and the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List. The organization praised the EPA's efforts to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics but stressed the need for more precautionary and equitable m more
WellSpan Health Expresses Concerns Over Medicare Payment Updates and Quality Measures in FY 2027 Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- WellSpan Health, York, Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the fiscal year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. The regional healthcare leader provided feedback focused on payment updates, the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) Model, and quality program proposals outlined by the federal agency.
WellSpan Health emphasized ongoing worries about Med more
Western Governors Seek Hazard Pay Expansion for Prescribed Wildfire Operations
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Western Governors' Association, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, has expressed strong support to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for extending Hazardous Duty Pay and Environmental Differential Pay to federal firefighters engaged in prescribed wildfire activities. This call comes as part of the association's commentary on a proposed rule by the agency to add prescribed wildfire as a qualifying activity for differential pay under the General Schedule and Federa more
Wisconsin Bankers Association Supports OCC Rule on Interchange Fee Authority and State Preemption
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Wisconsin Bankers Association of Madison, Wisconsin, has expressed strong support for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's interim final rule and interim final order clarifying national banks' authority to impose non-interest charges, including interchange fees, and preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. The association, representing nearly 180 banks and financial institutions in Wisconsin, emphasized the need for clarity regarding national more
Wisconsin Credit Union League Supports NCUA's Risk-Based AML/CFT Proposal and Seeks Clarification on CTR Filing Rules
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- The Wisconsin Credit Union League, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration addressing the agency's proposed joint rule on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism programs. The League represents Wisconsin credit unions and their 3.9 million members and expressed strong support for the proposed shift toward principles-based regulations focused on outcomes and risk-based sys more
4P-Pharma Calls for FDA Incentives to Overcome Economic Barriers in Drug Repurposing
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- 4P-Pharma SAS, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in Lille, France, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with drug repurposing for unmet medical needs. The letter responds to the FDA's Request for Information (RFI) on drug repurposing and offers operational insights derived from over a decade of experience in Europe and the United States.
The letter highlights more
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Urges FDA to Clarify Drug Repurposing for Uncommon Infectious Diseases
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Inc., has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the agency's initiative on drug repurposing for unmet medical needs. The company expressed support for the FDA's effort and highlighted tafenoquine, an FDA-approved antiprotozoal developed by 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, as a promising candidate for repurposing to treat relapsing babesiosis in immunocompromised patients.
Babesiosis, caused by a tick-bor more
A+ of Dover Proposes Multi-Issuer Stablecoin Model to Treasury Agencies for Regulatory Review
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- A+ of Dover, Delaware, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and Office of Foreign Assets Control addressing the joint notice of proposed rulemaking concerning permitted payment stablecoin issuer anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance programs. The letter outlines A+'s multi-issuer network approach for issuing payment stablecoins in compliance with the Guiding and Establishing National In more
AdvaMed Urges CMS to Maintain Payment Pathways and Enhance Transparency in FY 2027 Hospital Payment Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Advanced Medical Technology Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and related policies. The letter addresses numerous aspects of the rulemaking, urging CMS to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain timely access to innovative medical technologies while emphasizing the need for transparency a more
Advocate Health Urges CMS to Reconsider Payment and Policy Proposals in FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Advocate Health, a nonprofit integrated health system headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing concerns and recommendations related to the agency's Fiscal Year 2027 proposed rule for the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Advocate Health, serving approximately six million patients across six states through its hospital networks and care locations, provid more
AgNovos Bioscience Advocates for Operating Room Classification of AGN1 LOEP in Medicare Payment System
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- AgNovos Bioscience Inc., a medical device company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the fiscal year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule. The company is advocating for the appropriate designation of its AGN1 Local Osteo-Enhancement Procedure (LOEP) as a surgical operating room (O.R.) procedure for Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related more
Alliance for Rural Hospital Access Urges CMS to Adjust Policies to Support Rural Hospitals Under Proposed Payment Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Alliance for Rural Hospital Access has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services addressing the proposed Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System rule for Fiscal Year 2027. The Alliance represents hospitals designated as Medicare-Dependent Hospitals, Sole Community Hospitals, and Rural Referral Centers, which serve rural populations with essential healthcare access. The organization expressed concern that several policies more
Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines Urges FDA to Exclude Certain Drugs From Bulk List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging the exclusion of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B Bulks List under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The group expressed concern that compounding these drugs is expanding beyond Congress's original intent, driven more by commercial demand than individual medical necessity.
The organization highlighted risks associated more
Allina Health Urges CMS to Address Payment and Policy Concerns in FY 2027 Inpatient Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Allina Health, an integrated health system headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has presented detailed feedback to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. The extensive public comment letter submitted to the agency addresses a wide range of topics including payment updates, quality program modifications, accountable care models, provider-based location criteria, and more
Altibbe Urges FDA to Maintain Lot-Level Granularity in Food Traceability Requirements
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Altibbe Inc., an independent research organization in California, urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to preserve strict lot-level granularity and linkage of Key Data Elements across Critical Tracking Events in the administration of the Food Traceability Rule.
In its public comment letter to the FDA, Altibbe cautioned against flexibility that would relax the granularity of lot-level records, warning this could undermine recall speed and compromise the integrity o more
Alzheimer's Groups Advocate for Drug Repurposing Initiatives at FDA
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Chicago Illinois, urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advance drug repurposing strategies aimed at addressing the critical unmet medical needs in Alzheimer's disease treatment. In their public comment letter, the organizations highlighted the urgent need for effective therapies given the growing population affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias, which currently impact an estimated 7.4 milli more
Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Urges Caution on Including Surgery Centers in Episode-Based Payment Model
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposal for the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems and related policy changes. The association expressed concerns about the inclusion of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in CMS' Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) and other similar episode-based payment more
Amentum Supports NRC's Proposed Microreactor Licensing Rule to Enhance Military Energy Resilience
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Amentum, a leading engineering and operations services contractor headquartered in Aiken, South Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) endorsing the agency's proposed rule on licensing requirements for microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles under 10 CFR Part 57. The submission emphasizes the rule's potential to accelerate private sector deployment of advanced nuclear technologies on Department more
America's Credit Unions Seeks Clarification on IRS Rules for Remittance Transfer Excise Tax
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- America's Credit Unions, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service regarding the proposed rulemaking on the excise tax on remittance transfers scheduled to take effect after December 31, 2025. The organization supports the IRS's efforts to implement requirements consistent with Public Law 119-21 but requests clarification on several issues affecting credit unions as remittance transfer providers.
The credit unions advocate for more
American Academy of Neurology Supports CMS Proposed Rule on Prior Authorization in Medicare and Medicaid
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposed rule to improve patient protections and interoperability standards for prior authorization of drugs in Medicare Advantage, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies, and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) on Federally-facilitated Exchanges. The letter addresses more
American Chemistry Council Challenges EPA's Hazard Quotient for Bisphenol A on Draft Drinking Water List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Chemistry Council representing leading chemical manufacturers including the Bisphenol A North American Team, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency challenging the agency's draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL6) for drinking water contaminants. The draft list proposes inclusion of Bisphenol A (BPA) with a final Hazard Quotient (fHQ) of 3500, a figure the Council argues is excessively conservative and misaligned wit more
American Chemistry Council Urges EPA to Refine Prioritization in Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Chemistry Council, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's draft Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). The Council emphasized the need for a more focused and scientifically grounded approach in the selection of contaminants for future regulatory consideration under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
The SDWA requires the EPA to periodically identify contamina more
American Coatings Association Urges EPA to Delay Microplastics Listing on Contaminant Candidate List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Coatings Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's proposal to list microplastics as a candidate contaminant in the Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). The association, representing 90 percent of the domestic paint and coatings industry, raised concerns about the current scientific understanding of microplastics, their characterization, detection methods, and associated health effects more
American College of Emergency Physicians Highlights Challenges of ED Boarding and Sepsis Measures in CMS Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American College of Emergency Physicians, Irving, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, addressing the "Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Polic more
American Diabetes Association Urges CMS to Support Diabetes Care Measures and Technology Access
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Diabetes Association, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The association addressed provisions related specifically to the treatment and management of diabetes and prediabetes within hospital settings.
The association voiced strong support for the proposed incorporation of the Excess Days in Acute Care (EDAC) Af more
American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Urge EPA to Reconsider Broad Chemical Group Listings on Drinking Water Contaminant List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing concerns about the draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL-6) recently published for public review. AFPM cautioned against the inclusion of broad chemical "groups" or "classes" on the draft contaminant list, highlighting potential legal, scientific, and regulatory issues arising from such categorizations under the Safe Drinking Wa more
American Nephrology Nurses Association Urges CMS to Enhance Nurse Inclusion and Maintain Quality Measures in Medicare Hospital Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Nephrology Nurses Association, Baltimore, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing the agency's proposed rule on the Medicare Program's Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and Long-Term Care Hospitals for Fiscal Year 2027. The letter emphasizes the critical role of nurses in health care, urging CMS to make several modifications and uphold current policies related more
American Nurses Association Urges Medicare To Include Nurses and Maintain Key Quality Measures in Hospital Payment Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Nurses Association, Silver Spring, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to incorporate nurses fully in its proposed updates to the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2027. The ANA's letter emphasizes ensuring registered nurses (RNs) are included in procedure more
American Occupational Therapy Association Urges CMS to Enhance Care Coordination and Access in Proposed Hospital Payment Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the agency's proposed rule for the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System. The letter addresses CMS's proposed updates and expansions related to hospital inpatient payment systems, specifically focusing on the anticipated more
American Podiatric Medical Association Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposed Changes to TEAM Model and ASC Participation
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Podiatric Medical Association, Bethesda, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The association addressed CMS's suggested updates to the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) and the agency's request for information on potentially expanding ambulatory surgical center (ASC) participation within the model.
T more
American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Urges CMS to Address Payment Challenges for Cell and Gene Therapies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, a professional membership association headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, representing more than 3,900 physicians, investigators, and other health care professionals, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the fiscal year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. ASTCT advocates for improved Medicare payment policies that e more
American Society of Anesthesiologists Urges CMS to Refine Payment Models to Enhance Specialist Engagement and Patient Safety
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists, Schaumburg, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed fiscal year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals rule. The society outlined concerns and recommendations aimed at improving the Medicare Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) and Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) programs more
American Society of Echocardiography Urges CMS to Support Cardiovascular Imaging in FY 2027 Hospital Payment Policies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society of Echocardiography, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) proposed rule. The organization, representing more than 20,000 professionals in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, advocated for payment and policy adjustments that acknowledge the critical role of echocardiography and other cardiovasc more
Amgen Requests Hearing on FDA Proposal to Withdraw Approval of TAVNEOS for Rare Disease Treatment
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Amgen Inc. of Thousand Oaks, California has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) opposing the agency's proposal to withdraw approval of TAVNEOS (avacopan) capsules used for the treatment of the rare disease antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Amgen's letter, filed in response to a public notice published by CDER, requests a hearing to address issues ra more
Animal Health Institute Advocates for Modernized Approach in Animal Drug User Fee Act Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Animal Health Institute submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the upcoming reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA). AHI represents companies dedicated to developing medicines and treatments for companion and food-producing animals, supporting both animal health and food safety in the United States.
AHI emphasized the importance of advancing speed, innovation, and harmonization in the ADUFA VI proces more
Animal Health Institute Urges Modernization in Animal Drug Review Process
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Animal Health Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration regarding the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) program and its upcoming reauthorization. The letter highlights the need for enhancements to improve the speed, innovation, and harmonization of animal drug regulation to better serve veterinarians, animal owners, and producers across the United States.
AHI represents companies involved in the research, development, and manuf more
Arizona Hospital Association Voices Concerns Over 2027 Medicare Payment Updates and Proposed Joint Replacement Model
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, Phoenix, Arizona, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing key elements of the Fiscal Year 2027 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule. AzHHA's comments focus on hospital reimbursement issues particularly related to the proposed payment update and the implementation approach of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) model. more
Arizona Public Service Company Urges Flexible Risk-Based Approach to Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Arizona Public Service Company, Phoenix, Arizona, provided extensive public comment to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding proposed amendments to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System rules governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities. APS emphasized the importance of granting permitting authorities maximum flexibility to apply risk-based decision-making in managing CCR units to balance environmen more
Army Industrial Security Community Urges Clarifications to DFARS Foreign Ownership Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G-2 Industrial Security, has submitted a public comment letter to the Department of Defense regarding the draft Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Case 2021-D011. The comments address concerns about implementing Section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which expands vetting requirements for foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) in defense con more
Arnold Ventures Highlights Challenges and Suggestions for Generic Drug Repurposing at FDA
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Arnold Ventures, a philanthropy based in Houston, Texas, addressed the Food and Drug Administration in a public comment letter regarding barriers and opportunities in generic drug repurposing to meet unmet medical needs. The organization emphasized that the generic drug market's low profitability and high costs for clinical trials limit private sector incentives to pursue repurposing for new uses. Typically, repurposing efforts are led by government agencies, academic bodi more
ASAM Urges FDA to Prioritize Drug Repurposing for Substance Use Disorders
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine, Rockville, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for enhanced efforts in the repurposing of existing medications to address substance use disorders (SUDs). ASAM highlights the urgent need for expanding pharmacotherapy options, particularly for stimulant use disorder, cannabis use disorder, polysubstance use, and behavioral addictions, areas where treatment option more
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Urges CMS to Reform Medicare Diabetes Training Benefits
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Chicago, Illinois, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADCES provided detailed feedback on the Calendar Year 2027 Medicare Program Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals proposed rule. The organization, representing over 11,000 interdisciplinary diabetes care professionals, more
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Urges EPA to Accelerate Contaminant Regulation and Research Efforts
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing concerns and recommendations regarding the agency's Draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). ASDWA, which represents officials from the 57 state and territorial drinking water primacy agencies implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), emphasized the need for expedited regulatory action for cont more
Baby Safety Alliance Highlights Threat of AI-Driven Fraud in Product Recalls
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Baby Safety Alliance, a trade association based in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, representing manufacturers and stakeholders in the juvenile products industry, addressed concerns about consumer product recall fraud in comments submitted to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The organization underscored the growing risks posed by generative artificial intelligence in enabling sophisticated fraudulent photo submissions during recall verification processes.
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BayCare Health System Addresses Medicare Payment and Policy Concerns in Comments to CMS
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- BayCare Health System, Clearwater, Florida, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 rule for the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System. The health system, representing sixteen hospitals across West Central Florida, expressed appreciation for the proposed 2.4% increase in operating payments but raised serious concerns about t more
Betico Creek Farms Calls for Rigorous Evaluation of Mid-States Corridor Project Impact
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Betico Creek Farms LLC, an agricultural operation based in Jasper, Indiana, submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Highway Administration Indiana Division regarding the Mid-States Corridor Project, Section 2. The farm raised concerns about the project's potential impact on local farming operations, infrastructure, and environmental health.
The farm urged the Federal Highway Administration to ensure the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement thoroughly analyzes in more
Billings Clinic Logan Health Urges CMS to Address Hospital Payment Challenges in FY 2027 Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Billings Clinic Logan Health, Montana, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the fiscal year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. The health system highlighted concerns about inadequate payment updates and the structure of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement-Expanded (CJR-X) model.
Billings Clinic Logan Health emphasized that the proposed 2.4% market basket update does not suff more
Biopharmaceutical Company Urges CMS to Preserve Payment Incentives for Infectious Disease Products
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- PolyPid Ltd., a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Petach Tikva, Israel, has expressed strong opposition to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed elimination of the accelerated new technology add-on payment (NTAP) pathway for Qualified Infectious Disease Products (QIDPs). The company submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, urging the agency not to finaliz more
Boston Scientific Urges CMS to Adjust Medicare Payment Systems for Complex Cardiac Procedures and New Technologies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Boston Scientific Corp., Marlborough, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing its recommendations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare inpatient and long-term care hospital prospective payment systems. The company, which develops medical devices for various specialties including cardiac rhythm management and interventional cardiology, emphasized the need for CMS to update payment classifications more
Breakthrough T1D Urges CMS to Enhance Medicare Support for Innovative Diabetes Therapies and Inpatient Care
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Breakthrough T1D, a leading global organization headquartered in New York, focused on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The letter addresses the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare inpatient fee schedule and emphasizes the need for enhanced reimbursement and policy adjustments to better support cutting-edge cell therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to improve inpatient care more
Bristol Myers Squibb Urges CMS to Approve COBENFY for FY 2027 New Technology Add-On Payment
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Bristol Myers Squibb, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the agency's Fiscal Year 2027 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Proposed Rule. The letter addresses reimbursement policies for CAR T cell therapies and calls for the approval of COBENFY (xanomeline and trospium chloride) for the New Technology Add-on Paym more
Business Research Insights Calls for Enhanced Market Transparency in Public Comment to U.S. Federal Trade Commission
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Business Research Insights, headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission raising concerns about the need for improved transparency and competitive data dissemination in market research sectors. The firm underscores the importance of accessible, comprehensive data and analyses to support competitive strategy development and market forecasting.
In the letter, Business Research Insights emphasizes the escal more
Canada Urges U.S. Trade Representative to Reject Steel-Style Licensing for Quartz Imports
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Government of Canada submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative addressing the proposed safeguard actions on imports of quartz surface products.
The letter, which serves as rebuttal comments in Docket No. USTR-2026-0232, objects to the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America's call for a Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System (SIMA)-style import licensing regime as part of the safeguard remedy, arguing that such a system would unlawfully more
Center for Biological Diversity Urges PHMSA to Reject Argent LNG Special Permit Over Environmental and Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit conservation organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), urging the agency to deny Argent LNG's request for a special permit to operate a natural gas liquefaction and export facility in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The letter highlights critical concerns regarding public participation, pipeline safety, environme more
Ceribell Urges CMS to Maintain New Technology Add-on Payment for Breakthrough Medical Devices
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Ceribell, Burlingame, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing support for the approval of New Technology Add-on Payments (NTAP) for its Ceribell Delirium Monitor under the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System rule. Ceribell emphasized the importance of the alternative pathway for FDA Breakthrough Device designated technologies, which assists hospitals in accessing critical de more
Chainalysis Urges Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to Modernize Anti-Money Laundering Rulemaking for Digital Assets
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Chainalysis, a blockchain data platform based in New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) addressing the agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. Chainalysis detailed key recommendations aimed at modernizing FinCEN's regulatory framework to better accommodate digital asset-specific risks and technologies, emphasizing measu more
Charity Network Urges Balanced AML/CFT Rules to Protect Nonprofits and Financial Access
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Charity & Security Network has provided public comment to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and several banking regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and National Credit Union Administration. The comments address proposed rules under the Bank Secrecy Act aimed at refining anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. The network advocates for a reform of t more
Children's Hospital Association Addresses Medicare Proposed Rule Impacting Pediatric Care
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the fiscal year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The association focuses on how these proposed policies could affect pediatric healthcare delivery, particularly through their influence on Medicaid and commercial insurance despite most child more
Clean Wisconsin Urges EPA to Prioritize Neonicotinoids Microplastics and Disinfection Byproducts on Contaminant Candidate List 6
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, provided a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the agency's Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6). The organization emphasized the critical need for the EPA to prioritize certain contaminants including neonicotinoid pesticides, microplastics, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) due to their potential health risks and widespread occurrenc more
Cleveland Clinic Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposed Changes to Hospital Payment Systems
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed updates to the Medicare Program's Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and related policies for fiscal year 2027. The healthcare system addressed several key proposals, highlighting concerns and recommendations for improvements.
The letter expressed apprehension about CMS's plan to adopt a new Hospital 30-day more
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Supports NTAP Approval for RAPIBLYK in ICU Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for approval of the New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) application for RAPIBLYK (landiolol) for injection. The support comes from a clinical pharmacy specialist with expertise in cardiology and anticoagulation, who highlighted RAPIBLYK's advantages in managing critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requiring acute more
CMS Urged to Adopt Broader Approach for Unique Device Identification Implementation
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Orca1, a healthcare technology and supply chain management company based in Boston, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The letter responds to CMS's proposed rule on Unique Device Identification (UDI) requirements for implantable medical devices, emphasizing broader patient safety, device traceability, and post-market surveillance goals. Orca1 highlights significant concerns about CMS's proposed reliance o more
CODE Technology Urges CMS to Expand Medicare Cohort for Joint Replacement Quality Measure
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- CODE Technology, Edina, Minnesota, provided a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the continued use of the Hospital-Level Total Hip and/or Total Knee Arthroplasty Patient-Reported Outcome-Based Performance Measure (THA/TKA PRO-PM). The company advocates for expanding the measure cohort to include Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in addition to fee-for-service patients across the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded ( more
Commerce Bancshares Highlights Challenges of Illinois Fee Prohibition Act to Comptroller of the Currency
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Commerce Bancshares of Kansas City, Missouri, a regional bank holding company with $35.7 billion in assets and banking locations across the Midwest including Illinois, has addressed concerns to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding the National Bank Non-Interest Charges and Fees Interim Final Rule. The bank praised the interim final rule for clarifying national banks' authority to charge fees regardless of who sets them and urged the OCC to codify it into more
Connecticut Hospital Association Urges CMS to Adjust FY 2027 Medicare Payment Policies to Support Hospital Financial Stability
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Connecticut Hospital Association, a not-for-profit membership organization representing hospitals and health-related organizations headquartered in Hartford, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) rule. The letter addresses numerous CMS proposals impacting hospital payments, quality programs, and policy changes as more
Connecticut Nuclear Energy Advisory Council Urges Caution in Licensing Microreactors
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Connecticut Nuclear Energy Advisory Council of Hartford submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the proposed rule on licensing microreactors and reactors with comparable risk profiles under 10 CFR Part 57. The Council, which advises state officials on nuclear safety, raised concerns about departures from established safety practices in the proposed regulatory framework.
The Council highlighted that allowing licensees to de more
Corewell Health Urges Revisions to Medicare Hospital Payment Systems and Quality Programs
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Corewell Health, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based nonprofit integrated health system, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) and related policies for fiscal year 2027. As Michigan's largest health system and private employer, Corewell Health outlined several concerns and recommendations addressing payment rates, disproportionate share hos more
Darling Ingredients Urges IRS to Define Used Cooking Oil Origin by Waste Generation Location
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Darling Ingredients Inc., Irving, Texas, submitted supplemental comments to the Internal Revenue Service regarding proposed regulations for section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. The company, North America's largest collector and processor of waste fats and oils and co-owner of Diamond Green Diesel, addressed the agency's request for input on how to determine the geographic origin of used cooking oil (UCO) for the purposes of compliance with the foreign feedstock limita more
DDCP Foundation Advances Compliance Framework for Stablecoin Regulation Under FinCEN and OFAC Proposals
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The DDCP Foundation, Inc., a Sheridan, Wyoming nonprofit corporation that oversees the open-source DDCP protocol infrastructure, has submitted a detailed public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The letter responds to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuer (PPSI) Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Fi more
Deep Fission Urges U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Enable Fleet-Based Licensing for Microreactors
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Deep Fission, a nuclear technology company in Berkeley, California, has submitted a comprehensive public comment letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding proposed 10 CFR Part 57, which sets licensing requirements for microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles. The company expressed strong support for the NRC's efforts to modernize reactor licensing frameworks to enable rapid, high-volume deployment of advanced nuclear reactor tec more
Drug Repurposing for Substance Use Disorder Gains Focus in Public Comment to FDA
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research, a pharma-independent nonprofit based in Boston, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressing the agency's request for information on drug repurposing to meet unmet medical needs. CASPR emphasized the critical need to prioritize substance use disorders (SUD) within drug repurposing efforts and proposed a novel framework for advancing off-patent medications t more
Elliptic Urges Federal Regulators to Adopt Consistent Digital Asset AML Standards
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Elliptic Inc., a blockchain analytics firm headquartered in London, England, submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) regarding proposed amendments to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) program rules. The letter responds to the agencies' joint Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) desi more
Endologix Urges CMS to Reclassify DETOUR Procedure to Preserve Medicare Access
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Endologix LLC, Santa Rosa, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking to protect Medicare beneficiary access to the DETOUR system, a minimally invasive technology used in Percutaneous Transmural Arterial Bypass (PTAB) procedures for treating severe vascular obstructions in the leg. The device maker expressed concerns about CMS's proposed changes for the fiscal year 2027 hospital inpatient prospective paym more
EPA Proposal to Weaken Coal Ash Dump Site Regulations Faces Opposition
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Sierra Club, Oakland, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency opposing a proposed rule that would significantly relax federal oversight of coal combustion residuals disposal sites.
The EPA proposal seeks to exempt hundreds of coal ash dump sites from established monitoring and cleanup mandates, delegating broad discretion to state agencies and EPA regional offices to grant variances requested by the coal industry.
The envi more
EPA Urged to Include Mifepristone in Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Ethics and Public Policy Center submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging the agency to add the pharmaceutical mifepristone to the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This request comes amid EPA's recent proposal to prioritize pharmaceuticals as a contaminant group warranting further research and possible future regulation.
The EPPC letter highlights that EPA's draft list, more
Epic Offers Feedback on CMS Proposed Rule for FY 2027 Inpatient Payment and Quality Programs
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Epic, a healthcare software company in Verona, Wisconsin, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regarding the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule. The letter addresses several regulatory updates, focusing primarily on the Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, the Promoting Interoperability Program, and the Comprehensive Care for Joint more
Epilepsy Foundation Urges CMS to Maintain Alternative Payment Pathways for Epilepsy Therapies
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opposing the proposed removal of alternative payment pathways for breakthrough epilepsy devices. The letter addresses the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems rule, expressing concerns about repealing the alternative pathway for new technology add-on payments (NTAP) and eliminating hospital outpatient pro more
Every Cure Proposes Strategies to Advance Drug Repurposing for Unmet Medical Needs
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Every Cure, a nonprofit biotechnology organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding drug repurposing initiatives aimed at addressing unmet medical needs. The organization outlined several challenges impeding progress in repurposing FDA-approved drugs for additional therapeutic uses and proposed actionable recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. Every Cure's intervention reflects more
Excellus Health Plan Urges CMS to Address Hospital Reclassification Impact on Medicare Rates
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Excellus Health Plan Inc., Rochester, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals. The nonprofit insurer, serving about 1.5 million members across Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored plans, highlighted concerns about the abuse of hospital geographic area reclassification provisions that disrupt Medicare pay more
Fintech Accord and Stablecoin Institute Urge Refinements in Treasury Stablecoin Compliance Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Fintech Accord, Atlanta, Georgia, together with The Stablecoin Institute LLC, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the proposed rule on permitted payment stablecoin issuer anti-money laundering, countering financing of terrorism program, and sanctions compliance program requirements.
The organizations emphasize the critical more
GE Aerospace Urges Clarifications in FAA Airworthiness Directive for General Electric Engines
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- GE Aerospace, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company engines, specifically related to the CF34 series. The comments address concerns about inspection methods, compliance criteria, and technical descriptions in the FAA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Docket No. FAA-2026-3875, Proj more
GeneDx Highlights Burdens of Prior Authorization on Patient Care and Providers
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- GeneDx, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services detailing the impact of prior authorization requirements on laboratory tests and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items. The company addressed the burdens these requirements place on health care providers and patients, along with opportunities to improve processes through automation and policy adjustments.
GeneD more
Global Surfaces FZE Seeks Tailored Safeguard Measures for UAE Quartz Surface Product Exports
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Global Surfaces FZE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, submitted public comment letters to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) addressing proposed safeguard remedies related to quartz surface products. The company presented rebuttal comments concerning import restrictions advocated by the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America, urging consideration of the unique status of UAE-origin imports within the ongoing investigation.
Global Surfaces FZE is the more
Hackensack Meridian Health Urges CMS To Address Hospital Payment Challenges and ASC Participation in Medicare Policy
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Hackensack Meridian Health, Iselin, New Jersey, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns and recommendations related to the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule. The comprehensive health care network addressed payment updates, wage index policies, uncompensated care funding, and the potential inclusion of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) in epi more
Head Start Program Urges Federal Action on Workforce Compensation and Stability
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- PACE Head Start, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address compensation and workforce stability issues facing Head Start programs nationwide. In a public comment letter submitted regarding the Notice of Proposed Rule Making Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access, the organization expressed concern about stagnant funding and wage disparities that undermine staff retention and recruitment.
The letter more
Housing and Economic Rights Advocates Urge HUD to Withdraw Proposed Rule Affecting LGBTQ+ Housing Protections
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Housing and Economic Rights Advocates, a nonprofit organization in Oakland, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing strong opposition to the proposed Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions. The group criticized the proposed rule as a harmful attack on LGBTQ+ families, particularly transgender individuals, and called for its full withdrawal.
The advocates highlighted that the rule would res more
Illinois Hospital Association Raises Concerns Over CMS Proposed Payment Rule for 2027
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Illinois Health and Hospital Association, Naperville, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing the fiscal year 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The association highlighted the financial challenges facing hospitals in Illinois alongside concerns about specific provisions in the proposed rule, urging the agency to reconsider several policies and payment methodologies.
The Illinois Health and Hos more
Indiana Spine Hospital Supports Voluntary Opt-In to Transforming Episode Accountability Model
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Indiana Spine Hospital LLC, Carmel, Indiana, has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services voluntary opt-in approach to the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) program. The physician-owned hospital's board of directors highlighted its successful management of spine health issues and lower costs achieved through focused, high-quality care.
The hospital operates in a region dominated by large more
Infirmary Health System Supports Low Quartile Reclassification Mechanism for Hospital Wage Index
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Infirmary Health System Inc., Mobile, Alabama, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System/Long-Term Care Hospital Proposed Rule.
The healthcare provider advocated for finalizing and adopting the Low Quartile Reclassification Mechanism under 42 C.F.R. Sec. 412.230, which would allow hospitals in the lowest national wage quartile to reclassify to a higher wage area within a 50- more
Institute of International Bankers Urges Clarity and Flexibility in Proposed Stablecoin Compliance Rules
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Institute of International Bankers, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) concerning the agency's Proposed Rulemaking on Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuer Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Program and Sanctions Compliance Program Requirements. The letter outlines key recommendations and clarifications as FinCEN works to implement provisions of the Guiding and Establishing Nationa more
Intellectual Property Owners Association Supports U.S. Joining Riyadh Design Law Treaty
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Intellectual Property Owners Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office expressing strong support for the United States becoming a party to the World Intellectual Property Organization's Riyadh Design Law Treaty (RDLT). IPO is an international trade association representing more than 125 companies across over 30 countries that advocate for effective and affordable intellectual property ownership rights.
The association hi more
Intermountain Health Seeks Revisions to Medicare Graduate Medical Education Program Rules
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems rule for fiscal year 2027. The letter addresses concerns with the new criteria CMS has proposed for defining "new programs" within graduate medical education (GME) and requests modifications to enhance flexibility and support for small and rural residency programs.
Int more
International Bancshares Urges Extension of Merchant Banking Investment Holding Period to 15 Years
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- International Bancshares Corp., a financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The letter addresses proposed amendments to regulatory capital rules aimed at reducing capital burdens on banking organizations and better aligning surcharges with ri more
Iota Intel Urges EPA to Strengthen Transparency and Rigor in Finalizing Sixth Contaminant Candidate List
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Iota Intel LLC, Frisco, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency addressing the agency's Draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6). The organization expresses support for EPA's scientific efforts on the draft list but urges the agency to finalize the list with improved transparency, a clearer prioritization framework, and stronger adherence to statutory criteria under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Iota Intel empha more
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Calls for Clearer AML Regulations Tailored to Jewelry Industry
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Jewelers Vigilance Committee, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding its proposed rulemaking to update anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program requirements for dealers in precious metals, stones, and jewels. The trade association, which focuses on promoting ethical business practices in the jewelry industry, emphasizes the need for regulations that are scal more
Just Care Urges CMS to Enhance Behavioral Health Coverage and Transparency in Prior Authorization Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Just Care, an independent clinical advocacy platform based in Suwanee, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule CMS-0062-P, which addresses 2026 interoperability standards and prior authorization for drugs. The organization, with extensive clinical and operational expertise, advocates for strengthening protections and processes related to behavioral health drug prior authorization under more
MCG Health Supports CMS Prior Authorization Proposal While Urging Flexibility for Clinical Nuance
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- MCG Health, Seattle, Washington, has provided a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule. The healthcare guidelines publisher expressed overall support for CMS's objectives to reduce administrative burden, accelerate access to medically necessary care, and establish more consistent, transparent, and interoperable prior authorization processes more
OLA of Eastern Long Island Opposes Expansion of Immigration Address Change Form
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- OLA of Eastern Long Island, New York, submitted a public comment letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expressing strong opposition to proposed changes to Form AR-11. The organization, which provides support to immigrant communities including unaccompanied children and families, argues that the revisions would transform the straightforward address change form into an extensive data collection tool that threatens privacy and compliance.
According to OLA of Ea more
Oregon Workforce Partnership Opposes Proposed Changes to Federal Financial Assistance Rules
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Oregon Workforce Partnership, Portland, has voiced strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget's proposed revisions to the federal guidance for financial assistance. In a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the statewide association representing nine local workforce development boards highlighted concerns that the changes would introduce uncertainty and administrative burdens detrimental to service delivery.
The or more
OTC Markets Group Seeks Tailored AML/CFT Requirements for Utility Alternative Trading Systems
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- OTC Markets Group, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding proposed reforms to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs for financial institutions. The company voiced support for FinCEN's intention to modernize AML/CFT requirements by emphasizing effectiveness, risk-based resource allocation, and enhanced information quality for law enforcement. However, OTC Markets more
Proof Advocates for Use of Verifiable Digital Credentials in Stablecoin Compliance Rules
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Proof, a digital identity and transaction security platform based in Boston, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding proposed anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and sanctions compliance requirements for permitted payment stablecoin issuers (PPSIs) under the GENIUS Act. The company urged FinCEN to explicitly allow PPSIs to use verifiable digital credentials (VDCs) more
SIFMA Urges FinCEN to Clarify AML/CFT Program Rules and Extend Compliance Timeline
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) expressing support for the agency's proposed rulemaking aimed at reforming anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. SIFMA praised the efforts to modernize the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) regime, enhance FinCEN's supervisory and enforcement role, and reduce regulatory burdens while p more
Solidus Labs Advocates for Enhanced AML/CFT Program Clarity in Stablecoin Regulation
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Solidus Labs, a New York-based provider of digital asset market surveillance technology, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding their proposed rulemaking for permitted payment stablecoin issuers (PPSIs). The letter addresses the implementation of anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and sanctions compliance program requirements more
Wisconsin Bankers Association Backs Risk-Based Anti-Money Laundering Program Reforms
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The Wisconsin Bankers Association of Madison, has voiced strong support for proposed reforms to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs, outlined by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). These proposals aim to modernize Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements for banks and other financial institutions to en more
YEE! Technologies Highlights Identity Verification Gaps in FinCEN Stablecoin Rule
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- YEE! Technologies of Las Vegas, Nevada, has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding the proposed joint rulemaking by FinCEN and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that sets anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and sanctions compliance obligations for permitted payment stablecoin issuers under the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act. The comment empha more
Tipoffs: Iran
Fischer Joins FOX News Sunday to Discuss Iran, National Security
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
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Fischer Joins FOX News Sunday to Discuss Iran, National Security
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined FOX News Sunday live with Shannon Bream to discuss the potential peace deal between the United States and Iran.
Fischer's exchanges below:
BREAM: I want to go back to start with the Iran deal, because there are thos more
LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "WE HAVE TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING"
WASHINGTON, June 14 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "WE HAVE TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, where he made clear that House Democrats remain committed to ending the reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, driving down the high cost of living and pushing back on the extremism being unl more
LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "WE HAVE TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING"
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "WE HAVE TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, where he made clear that House Democrats remain committed to ending the reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, driving down the high cost of living and pushing back on the extremism being unleashed on the American peo more
Lujan Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated
WASHINGTON, June 14 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 34 Senate Democrats in refuting the Trump administration's claim in a May more
Lujan Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 34 Senate Democrats in refuting the Trump administration's claim in a May more
Minnesota DFL: GOP Candidates for Governor Silent on Housing; Klobuchar Proposes Plan to Lower Housing Costs and Tackle 100,000 Home Shortage in Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 9 -- Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party issued the following news release:
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GOP Candidates for Governor Silent on Housing; Klobuchar Proposes Plan to Lower Housing Costs and Tackle 100,000 Home Shortage in Minnesota
The Republican candidates for Governor continue to offer zero solutions to address the issue of housing affordability that is facing Minnesota families. Yesterday, their silence was put in stark contrast as Senator Amy Klobuchar released a com more
