Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Study Funded By the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Finds Exercise Hormone Could Protect Nerve Cells in Multiple Sclerosis
NEW YORK, May 23 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Study Funded By the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Finds Exercise Hormone Could Protect Nerve Cells in Multiple Sclerosis
Exercise is known to help people with MS manage symptoms and improve overall health, but the biological reasons behind these benefits are not fully understood. New research funded by the National MS Society and led by investigators at Mass General Brigham and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf suggests that a hormone released during exercise - called irisin - can protect
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NEW YORK, May 23 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Study Funded By the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Finds Exercise Hormone Could Protect Nerve Cells in Multiple Sclerosis
Exercise is known to help people with MS manage symptoms and improve overall health, but the biological reasons behind these benefits are not fully understood. New research funded by the National MS Society and led by investigators at Mass General Brigham and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf suggests that a hormone released during exercise - called irisin - can protectnerve cells.
The researchers studied irisin using a mouse model with MS-like disease. They found that exercise preserved nerve cell health and improved recovery from symptoms, but only when irisin was present. Mice that could not produce irisin did not show these exercise benefits. However, when researchers delivered irisin to the mice, the protective effects were restored: nerve cell death decreased and recovery was improved.
This is important because most current MS treatments primarily work by reducing harmful inflammation, but they do not stop ongoing nerve cell damage. By directly protecting nerve cells, irisin may be a novel future therapeutic strategy for people living with MS.
Read more about the study (https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/exercise-hormone-irisin-potential-multiple-sclerosis-therapies) from Mass General Brigham.
Learn more...
Visit our website (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/living-well/exercises-for-ms) or watch a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwtkWMKmHPk) to learn more about exercising with MS.
"The exercise hormone irisin has neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis" by Sina C. Rosenkranz, Joana F. da Rocha, Luis Moreira, Pius Schlachter, Jasmina Bier, Kaela Healy, Daniela Neves Silva, Mohamed Ariff Iqbal, Marjan Gharagozloo, Yueyue Xiong, Matthew A. Murphy, Helena C. Lichtenfeld, Lukas Raich, Michaela Schweizer, Asude Ertas, Marcel S. Woo, Vanessa Vieira, Samuel E. Honeycutt, James P. White, Gregory A. Wyant, Manuel A. Friese, Peter A. Calabresi, Ruxandra F. Sirbulescu, and Christiane D. Wrann is published in Nature Metabolism (2026).
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About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
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About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/irisin-neuroprotective
[Category: Health Care]
Steele Chapter Honors Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 22 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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Steele Chapter Honors Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year
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AFA's D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter in Northern Virginia continued its long-standing support of cadet development by awarding Cadet Lt. Col. Giselle Terrazas with the Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year award at the Arlington Career Center on May 12, 2026.
Mike Maxwell, AFA Virginia State President, represented the chapter during the ceremony and presented Terrazas with the medal, certificates of achievement,
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 22 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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Steele Chapter Honors Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year
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AFA's D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter in Northern Virginia continued its long-standing support of cadet development by awarding Cadet Lt. Col. Giselle Terrazas with the Space Force JROTC Cadet of the Year award at the Arlington Career Center on May 12, 2026.
Mike Maxwell, AFA Virginia State President, represented the chapter during the ceremony and presented Terrazas with the medal, certificates of achievement,and a cash award.
"It's always a great honor to present AFA's Cadet of the Year Award," said Maxwell. "This year's recipient, Cadet Terrazas, demonstrated stellar leadership and outstanding achievement throughout the year. The Arlington Career Center continues to be an exceptional partner with AFA, and we look forward to continuing that relationship well into the future."
Col. Scott Dierlam, USAF (Ret.), a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, said the competition for the award is always highly competitive within the squadron.
"Our winner, Cadet Lt. Col. Terrazas, excelled as VA-821's squadron commander," Dierlam said. "Her leadership was instrumental as the unit scored a 100% on the unit self-inspection, earned the Distinguished Unit Award, and led the Inspection Team at the Virginia State Drill Meet."
Following graduation in 2027, Terrazas plans to attend Virginia Tech, participate in Air Force ROTC through the Corps of Cadets, and major in computer science.
The AFA Cadet of the Year Award is the highest honor presented to a JROTC cadet. During the past two months, Steele Chapter leaders attended five Civil Air Patrol and JROTC ceremonies across Northern Virginia to recognize outstanding cadets with certificates and cash awards.
Dierlam also reflected on why he and Master Sgt. Victor Jude, an assistant JROTC instructor, continue serving as instructors following their Air Force careers.
"Teaching Space Force JROTC is incredibly rewarding," Dierlam said. "In a short amount of time, you are often able to see tremendous growth in the cadets. Their desire to serve their community is very motivating, and it is easy to come to work each day when you have students so eager to learn and become the best versions of themselves."
The Steele Chapter has long partnered with the Arlington Career Center squadron, supporting drill meet participation, CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers teams, Honor Guard activities, and cadet attendance at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Arlington Career Center is home to one of only 10 Space Force JROTC units in the nation.
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Original text here: https://www.afa.org/steele-chapter-honors-space-force-jrotc-cadet-of-the-year-2/
SEMA'S LANDMARK RIGHT-TO-MODIFY BILL ADVANCES TO HOUSE FLOOR
DIAMOND BAR, California, May 22 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
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SEMA'S LANDMARK RIGHT-TO-MODIFY BILL ADVANCES TO HOUSE FLOOR
ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act's inclusion in automotive safety package sets stage for key vote on access to critical calibration information to keep roads safe
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the
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DIAMOND BAR, California, May 22 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
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SEMA'S LANDMARK RIGHT-TO-MODIFY BILL ADVANCES TO HOUSE FLOOR
ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act's inclusion in automotive safety package sets stage for key vote on access to critical calibration information to keep roads safe
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in theU.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches, or even bike racks.
* The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.
"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket, and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President-Public & Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs, and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Donald Trump."
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ABOUT THE BILL
Sec. 221 of H.R. 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
* Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.
* NHTSA's study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle's ADAS performance.
* The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.
* NHTSA also would be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.
Sec. 221 (b) of H.R. 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.
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BACKGROUND
As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain, or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.
* Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.
* Beginning in model year 2029, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.
* SEMA has invested over $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich., the SEMA Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data, and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.
* To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision, and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.
* Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels, and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers, and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.
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ABOUT SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates nearly $53 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
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Original text here: https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/semas-landmark-right-modify-bill-advances-house-floor
[Category: Industrial Materials]
MGMA Urges Congress to Pass Medicare Payment Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Medical Group Management Association issued the following letter on May 20, 2026:
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The Honorable Morgan Griffith, Chairman, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of Representatives, 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Diana DeGette, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S House of Representatives, 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Re: Statement for the Record for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Hearing,
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WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Medical Group Management Association issued the following letter on May 20, 2026:
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The Honorable Morgan Griffith, Chairman, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of Representatives, 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Diana DeGette, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S House of Representatives, 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Re: Statement for the Record for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Hearing,"Examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and Opportunities for Payment Reform"
Dear Chairman Griffith and Ranking Member DeGette:
On behalf of our member medical group practices, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) thanks you for holding this important hearing on "Examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and Opportunities for Payment Reform." Congress must intervene to create longterm stabilization for the Medicare reimbursement system that has long threatened the livelihood of our nation's medical practices.
With a membership of more than 60,000 medical practice administrators, executives, and leaders, MGMA represents more than 15,000 medical group practices ranging from small private medical practices to large national health systems, representing more than 350,000 physicians. MGMA's diverse membership uniquely situates us to offer the following legislative recommendations.
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) was enacted to repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, stabilize payment rates to physicians in Medicare fee-forservice (FFS), and incentivize physicians' transition to value-based care models through the Quality Payment Program (QPP). While well-intentioned, MACRA's methodology for updating the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) does not keep pace with rising practice costs and inflation and often simultaneously cuts reimbursement for physicians.
Comprehensive reform is needed to address the multi-faceted issues undermining Medicare payment and the QPP. We offer the following recommendations for legislative action that would address these concerns and allow physician practices to focus on providing high-quality, cost-effective care to their communities.
Medicare Part B Payment Reform
Medical groups continue to feel the negative consequences that the inadequate Medicare payment system has on practice operations as it exacerbates costly administrative tasks and undermines the viability of medical groups. MGMA members have illuminated for years the fallout from these policies -- financial precarity, increased staffing challenges and burnout, access challenges for Medicare beneficiaries, and increased consolidation./1 In addition to failing to cover the cost of providing care to Medicare beneficiaries, given the centrality of Medicare rates to benchmarks for commercial payers and Medicaid, inadequate Medicare reimbursement has cascading effects across payers.
Physician practices dealt with a 2.83% cut to the Medicare conversion factor for all of 2025 that compounded other financial pressures such as staffing shortages and rising operating costs. While we appreciate Congress for passing a 2.5% increase to 2026 Medicare reimbursement, 2026 payment rates are barely above 2024 reimbursement levels. This minor increase is undercut by other policies finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that decreased reimbursement for certain specialties. Given the downward trajectory of Medicare reimbursement, with its frequent reductions and lack of an inflationary update, it is time to enact structural reform to stop the significant negative impact of inadequate reimbursement.
The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6160) would make structural changes to the Medicare payment system that are needed to support medical groups and avoid annual threats to their financial viability. This legislation would provide an annual Medicare physician payment update tied to inflation, as measured by the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). An inflationary update is necessary to not only align with other CMS payment systems, but also to adequately account for the cost of operating a medical group.
Further, the Medicare PFS has been subject to antiquated budget neutrality requirements that trigger broad cuts to Medicare reimbursement to offset changes in Relative Value Units (RVUs) that exceed a low threshold. These rules have destabilized Medicare payment over the years and undermined the ability of medical groups to continue treating Medicare beneficiaries. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163) would make modernizing changes such as increasing the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $54.3 million and indexing it to inflation. It would also allow for the correction of erroneous utilization estimates of Medicare services to avoid unwarranted cuts. MGMA looks forward to working with Congress to pass these two critical bills in unison to stabilize Medicare payment.
Quality Payment Program Reform
The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
MACRA replaced the sustainable growth rate formula with the QPP that includes two reporting pathways to facilitate the transition to value-based care: MIPS and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).
MIPS has been plagued with issues as complying with the program is a time-consuming and laborious process. Studies have shown the significant amount of staff time and money dedicated to MIPS reporting with an average cost of $12,811 per physician, and clinicians and administrators spent more than 200 hours per physician on MIPS reporting activities./2 Medical groups report that the significant program compliance costs associated with MIPS take valuable time and resources away from clinical priorities.
The reporting burden is substantial -- 86 percent of MGMA members surveyed who participate in MIPS found reporting to lead to increased administrative burden with little clinical benefit./3 "MIPS is especially unworkable," as one MGMA member succinctly put it in our 2026 survey. This aligns with what MGMA members have unfortunately said for years.
MIPS reporting requires clinicians to report on quality measures that are not clinically relevant to their practice. Medical groups often do not know what cost measures they are being scored on, and which patients have been attributed to them. CMS does not provide timely and actionable feedback to allow clinicians to understand and improve their performance. Exacerbating these reporting concerns are the steep payment cuts that medical groups face often due to opaque scoring methodologies and the punitive tournament-style model.
To address these significant concerns, we recommend Congress reform the MIPS program to improve its clinical relevance and reduce the cost and administrative burden of reporting. Specifically, Congress should pass the Medicare Physician Data-driven Performance Payment System Act (H.R. 8622). This bill would eliminate MIPS' tournament-style scoring approach that leads to penalties and tie payment adjustments to annual payment updates. It would freeze the current performance threshold to promote stability in the program. Lastly, the bill would ensure CMS provides timely feedback reports and claims data during the performance year. These changes would help mitigate many of the current issues plaguing MIPS.
APMs
The APM incentive payment has been essential to medical groups attempting to transition to value-based care models, allowing them to make the necessary infrastructure investments to succeed in these arrangements. The lapse of the incentive payment in 2025 contributed to increased financial instability for practices and prevented them from making critical investments in value-based care operations and technologies. We thank Congress for passing the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, that reinstated the Advanced APM incentive payment at 3.1 percent for the 2026 performance year and reverted the 2026 qualifying APM participant (QP) thresholds at the 2024 level. Congress should work to further extend these policies to ensure that APMs offer a viable and stable pathway for medical groups to transition to value-based care.
MACRA also established the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) as an avenue for experts in physician-focused payment models to review and recommend models endorsed by physician stakeholders. MGMA continues to believe the models that will best align with CMMI's original charter to improve coordination, quality, and efficiency of health care services are those that come from providers. CMMI has yet to adopt any models recommended by PTAC. In the past year, CMMI has branched into new types of models that cater towards technology companies as the primary participants. The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) and Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) models both target technology companies, not physicians, as participants, shifting the focus of improving care away from those who are responsible for providing care. While the integration of innovative technologies is a critical component of health care, real improvements in cost and quality will come from models that focus directly on how physicians provide care. A recommitment between CMMI and PTAC to establish a pipeline of physician-focused models that are seriously considered by CMMI is necessary to ensure the future of successful value-based care opportunities.
As part of a renewed focus on physician-focused models, CMMI should also commit to keeping models voluntary. Voluntary models allow providers who have the necessary resources and support to fully invest in a successful transition to value-based care. When new, untested models are made mandatory, it can create unnecessary financial and administrative burdens for practices who are not in a position to participate in a given model. Forcing providers to participate in models before they're prepared to do so, and without sufficient financial support, will not result in successful transitions to value-based care.
Conclusion
MGMA sincerely appreciates your attention to reforming MACRA and the Medicare PFS. We urge you to pass the above-referenced legislation to address years of inadequate Medicare reimbursement and administrative burden, and reinforce group practices' ability to provide high-quality, cost-effective care. If you have any questions, please contact James Haynes, Associate Director of Government Affairs, at jhaynes@mgma.org or 202-293-3450.
Sincerely,
Anders Gilberg, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
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Footnotes
1 See Testimony of incoming MGMA Board Chair Jeffrey Smith to the U.S Senate Special Committee on Aging, Feb. 11, 2026, https://www.mgma.com/advocacy-letters/february-11-2026-mgma-testifies-on-regulatory-burdenand-physician-burnout.
2 Dhruv Kullar, MD, MPP; Amelia M. Bond, PhD; Eloise May O'Donnell, MPH, "Time and Financial Costs for Physician Practices to Participate in the Medicare Merit-based Incentive Payment System," JAMA Network, May 14, 2021, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2779947.
3 MGMA's 2026 Regulatory Burden Report, Apr. 9, 2026, https://www.mgma.com/federal-policy-resources/april-92026-regulatory-burden-report.
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Original text here: https://www.mgma.com/getkaiasset/3e49e370-923c-4528-bafe-1b0972cb9269/SubcomitteeHearingFinal.pdf
[Category: Medical]
ITI: Canada's New 15% Tax on Streamers Will Strain U.S.-Canada Relationship
WASHINGTON, May 22 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Information Technology Industry Council posted the following news release:
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ITI: Canada's New 15% Tax on Streamers Will Strain U.S.-Canada Relationship
Today, global tech trade association ITI reacted to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announcement requiring streaming providers-including music, video, and other multimedia forms-to contribute 15 percent of Canadian revenues to fund Canadian content creation without being able to access these funds in the same manner as broadcasters. This includes
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WASHINGTON, May 22 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Information Technology Industry Council posted the following news release:
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ITI: Canada's New 15% Tax on Streamers Will Strain U.S.-Canada Relationship
Today, global tech trade association ITI reacted to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announcement requiring streaming providers-including music, video, and other multimedia forms-to contribute 15 percent of Canadian revenues to fund Canadian content creation without being able to access these funds in the same manner as broadcasters. This includesthe existing five percent base contribution initially set by the CRTC.
"CRTC's decision to impose an unprecedented 15 percent revenue contribution requirement on online streamers and advance prescriptive discoverability mandates will negatively impact industry's ability to bring Canadian content to global audiences," said ITI Executive Vice President of Policy John Miller. "Rather than strengthening Canada's digital economy, these decisions risk producing the opposite effect: reduced investment, limited consumer choice, and a strained U.S.-Canada economic relationship. ITI strongly encourages the CRTC to reconsider its approach in favor of one that recognizes the meaningful investments that streaming providers make to developing and sharing Canadian content."
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Original text here: https://www.itic.org/news-events/news-releases/iti-canada-s-new-15-tax-on-streamers-will-strain-u-s-canada-relationship
CCIA Statement on CRTC Decision on Canadian Content Discoverability and Programming Expenditures
WASHINGTON, May 22 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Statement on CRTC Decision on Canadian Content Discoverability and Programming Expenditures
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Washington - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a series of decisions this week aimed at providing preferences for Canadian content in the broadcasting and online streaming sectors. Canada's decision to significantly expand mandatory local content contributions of online streaming services exacerbates a
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WASHINGTON, May 22 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Statement on CRTC Decision on Canadian Content Discoverability and Programming Expenditures
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Washington - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a series of decisions this week aimed at providing preferences for Canadian content in the broadcasting and online streaming sectors. Canada's decision to significantly expand mandatory local content contributions of online streaming services exacerbates adiscriminatory regime, whose burdens fall overwhelmingly on U.S. suppliers. The Computer & Communications Industry Association has long opposed this regime.
Under the new framework, broadcasters with more than $25 million in annual Canadian broadcasting revenues will face mandatory contribution requirements to fund Canadian content. Traditional broadcasters, by definition Canadian, will see their burden reduced while online broadcasters (largely American) will be required to contribute 15% of their revenue to local content, building on the existing 5% base contribution established in 2024. These expanded requirements could cost covered companies nearly $7 billion over the next five years.
Mandatory local content expenditures and prescriptive content-placement rules distort competition and force U.S. firms to subsidize their direct Canadian competitors, on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars U.S. services already invest voluntarily in the Canadian creative sector each year. CCIA urges U.S. policy leaders to initiate an investigation to assess steps that the USMCA envisaged to maintain the balance of benefits under this agreement.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale:
"Canada's unfortunate decision to triple local content funding obligations for streaming companies from 5 to 15% is a major step backwards, coming at an inopportune time given the ongoing USMCA review. Imposing legacy broadcasting requirements on innovative digital platforms, which will cost U.S. firms almost $7 billion over the next five years, will only impede Canada's audiovisual industry's ability to adapt to an interactive medium with global reach. CCIA supports efforts to promote Canadian and Indigenous creators, but mandatory revenue obligations and prescriptive discoverability rules will raise costs, reduce choice, and discourage investment. CCIA calls on U.S. policymakers to initiate an investigation into the impact of this decision and consider an appropriate and timely response."
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Original text here: https://ccianet.org/news/2026/05/ccia-statement-on-crtc-decision-on-canadian-content-discoverability-and-programming-expenditures/
ATA Applauds Final Rule to Expand Training, Opportunity in Trucking
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 22 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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ATA Applauds Final Rule to Expand Training, Opportunity in Trucking
Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded the U.S. Department of Education's final rule establishing the "Workforce Pell Grant" program, a transformative policy that will make more commercial driver's license (CDL) and diesel technician schools eligible for federal student aid.
Beginning July 1, qualifying students will be able to apply Pell Grants toward short-term workforce programs
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 22 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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ATA Applauds Final Rule to Expand Training, Opportunity in Trucking
Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded the U.S. Department of Education's final rule establishing the "Workforce Pell Grant" program, a transformative policy that will make more commercial driver's license (CDL) and diesel technician schools eligible for federal student aid.
Beginning July 1, qualifying students will be able to apply Pell Grants toward short-term workforce programsdesigned to prepare them for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers.
For decades, Pell Grants have been limited to longer academic programs, leaving many short-term, career-focused training opportunities out of reach for students who could not afford them. Under the new rule, students will be able to use Pell Grants for approved programs lasting from eight to 15 weeks, significantly expanding access to education pathways that lead directly to employment.
"This is a landmark step forward in expanding opportunity and strengthening America's workforce," said ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. "This reform will help build a stronger talent pipeline, reduce financial obstacles for aspiring workers, and reinforce trucking's role as a pathway to the middle class. It also represents a critical investment in the skilled professionals our industry depends on to safely and efficiently deliver the nation's freight."
ATA has long championed reforms to modernize federal financial aid to align it with today's workforce needs and strengthen supply chains. The final rule implements provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill for which ATA advocated to help students from low-income households enroll in credentialing programs that meet rigorous federal and state standards.
By removing outdated barriers that previously restricted Pell Grants to programs lasting 15 weeks or longer, the policy will make CDL training, diesel technician education, and similar programs more accessible.
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Original text here: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-applauds-final-rule-expand-training-opportunity-trucking
