Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
Here's a look at public comments on proposed Federal Register rules
Featured Stories
Axxess Urges CMS to Reconsider Proposed Reimbursement Cuts Impacting Home Health Care
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Axxess, a Dallas-based global healthcare technology company, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing deep concern over the proposed reimbursement rate reductions for home health care in the 2026 Medicare home health program. As a long-time partner of CMS, Axxess provides cloud-based software solutions that enhance healthcare delivery to over 7 million patients across the nation.
In its letter, Axxess outlined the potential consequences of cutting Medicare payments to home health agencies, which already operate
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Axxess, a Dallas-based global healthcare technology company, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing deep concern over the proposed reimbursement rate reductions for home health care in the 2026 Medicare home health program. As a long-time partner of CMS, Axxess provides cloud-based software solutions that enhance healthcare delivery to over 7 million patients across the nation.
In its letter, Axxess outlined the potential consequences of cutting Medicare payments to home health agencies, which already operatewith narrow profit margins, especially when treating Medicare Advantage and Medicaid recipients. The proposed reductions, Axxess warns, risk the viability of these agencies and their ability to invest in necessary technology enhancements, such as digital quality measures and interoperability frameworks. By limiting financial resources, agencies may struggle to employ and maintain essential staff, ultimately damaging service availability, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The technology firm also raised alarms regarding the broader implications of continued cuts, indicating that they could hinder CMS's progress toward enhanced quality and accessibility in home-based care. Increased administrative burdens restricting efficient operations could lead to a reduced ability for health providers to coordinate care effectively and leverage telehealth services. This could shift more patients toward more expensive inpatient healthcare settings.
Axxess recommended that CMS pauses the proposed payment cuts until gathering more comprehensive data from the National Alliance for Care at Home. Furthermore, the organization emphasized the need for targeted technology investment incentives that support the modernization of home health operations.
The letter also addressed changes to the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) survey, applauding CMS's efforts to simplify it while requesting a timely release of technical specifications to ensure smooth integration with existing systems.
Moreover, Axxess expressed support for CMS in seeking feedback on revising data submission deadlines but highlighted concerns over how payment cuts could affect the healthcare workforce and timely assessments for data collection.
The company reiterated the importance of coupling policy adjustments with adequate funding and clarity in technical guidance. Axxess believes that ensuring financial stability for home health agencies aligns with achieving both the goals of quality care delivery and patient experience improvements.
Axxess concluded its letter by calling for collaborative efforts among CMS and technology partners to secure resources and support essential for enabling the healthcare system to function optimally and meet the agencies' ambitious quality enhancement initiatives.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/CMS-2025-0242-2993
Arkansas Department of Transportation Urges DOT to Address Critical Infrastructure Needs in Arkansas
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation highlighting critical issues related to federal funding and the need for transportation infrastructure improvements. The agency's comments come in response to a "Request for Information" regarding surface transportation proposals that address America's infrastructure needs.
In its correspondence, ARDOT expressed support for the positions articulated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, while emphasizing several
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation highlighting critical issues related to federal funding and the need for transportation infrastructure improvements. The agency's comments come in response to a "Request for Information" regarding surface transportation proposals that address America's infrastructure needs.
In its correspondence, ARDOT expressed support for the positions articulated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, while emphasizing severalkey priorities. Chief among these is the necessity for funding stability, as state governments depend on consistent federal funding to maintain and enhance their transportation systems. The letter outlines that current funding levels must be increased beyond those established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to cope with rising construction costs and inflation.
Furthermore, ARDOT called for streamlining federal-aid programs to allow states greater flexibility in meeting their unique transportation needs. The introduction of narrow formula programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been perceived as restrictive, particularly for rural states. ARDOT advocates shifting funding from these programs to existing core initiatives, such as the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, which would enable states to prioritize projects that best suit their local contexts.
The agency also underscored the requirement for a reform of the discretionary grant program. ARDOT noted that these programs are often inefficient for state departments of transportation due to severe restrictions. The letter suggests that future legislation should allocate discretionary funds for larger projects, treating these grants similarly to formula funding to expedite project delivery.
Additionally, the letter addressed the complications surrounding August redistribution, where state DOTs are expected to obligate a large share of formula funds. ARDOT cautions that unable to utilize all funding can result from this process, urging that the next surface transportation act provides a resolution to alleviate these burdens.
The agency also emphasized the ongoing need for Congressionally-designated spending to support high-priority initiatives in Arkansas and called for reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act to mitigate project delays.
In conclusion, ARDOT expressed its eagerness to collaborate further with the U.S. Department of Transportation on these pressing issues, reiterating the importance of addressing funding and regulatory hurdles that affect transportation infrastructure planning and implementation.
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The letter was signed by:
Jared B. Wiley, P.E.
Director
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The letter was copied to:
Highway Commission
Chief of Administration
Chief Engineer - Operations
Chief Engineer - Preconstruction
Assistant Chief Engineer - Administration
Assistant Chief Engineer - Planning
Assistant Chief Engineer - Program Delivery
Communications
Local Programs
Planning & Research
FHWA - Arkansas Division
AASHTO
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-0468-1322
American National Bank of Texas Urges Financial Sector to Work Together to Combat Payments Fraud
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- American National Bank of Texas has submitted a public comment letter addressing payments fraud to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration among stakeholders in the financial sector to detect, prevent, and mitigate payments fraud effectively.
In the letter, the bank stresses that establishing clear communication channels and fostering information sharing are key steps to enhancing collaboration. The organization advocates for the creation of secure platforms for data exchange and suggests that a coordinated approach
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- American National Bank of Texas has submitted a public comment letter addressing payments fraud to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration among stakeholders in the financial sector to detect, prevent, and mitigate payments fraud effectively.
In the letter, the bank stresses that establishing clear communication channels and fostering information sharing are key steps to enhancing collaboration. The organization advocates for the creation of secure platforms for data exchange and suggests that a coordinated approachto fraud prevention should be prioritized, ensuring that existing regulations support these efforts.
Moreover, the bank points out that near real-time sharing of suspicious activity, particularly across borders, is essential to counteract the evolving tactics of fraudsters. Direct communication with law enforcement during investigations is also highlighted as vital, as it allows financial institutions to share pertinent information while adhering to privacy and legal constraints.
The organization notes that regulatory barriers, particularly those designed to protect customer privacy, may discourage financial institutions from sharing crucial fraud-related data. This reluctance could hinder collaborative efforts that are necessary in the fight against payments fraud.
The public comment letter also addresses the role of external organizations in combating payments fraud, suggesting that entities such as the Federal Trade Commission, cybersecurity firms, and FinTech companies could offer valuable insights. It calls for increased collaboration among federal and state agencies, emphasizing that such joint efforts could enhance the detection and prevention of payment fraud across sectors.
The bank further argues that educating consumers about safe payment practices is essential. Specific educational strategies targeting different demographics are recommended to foster awareness and reduce engagement with scams. The organization emphasizes that while education alone cannot eliminate fraud, it is an effective tool for risk mitigation.
In addition, the bank calls for revisions to regulatory frameworks that govern electronic funds transfers to better address emerging fraud schemes and protect consumers. It suggests that supervisory guidance should be tailored to the rapid adoption of new payment methods, ensuring that financial institutions are equipped to navigate the associated fraud risks.
By highlighting these points, American National Bank of Texas aims to contribute to a broader dialogue about improving collaboration in the fight against payments fraud and fostering a safer payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.
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The letter was signed by:
Stephanie Moushon, CRCM, CAMS, CRCMP, CCS
Senior EVP, Chief Risk Officer
American National Bank of Texas
Office 214-863-7318 | Mobile 469-964-9355
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/OCC-2025-0009-0029
American Economic Liberties Project Urges FTC to Deny Petition from EQT and Quantum Energy
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Economic Liberties Project (AELP) has submitted a public comment letter in opposition to a petition filed by EQT Corporation and Quantum Energy Partners VI, LP, requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reopen and set aside a recent decision and order concerning an earlier proposed transaction deemed anti-competitive. The organization maintains that the petitioners' allegations of compliance with the existing order do not justify altering the restrictions imposed by the FTC.
The public comment letter, delivered to the FTC, emphasizes concerns surrounding
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Economic Liberties Project (AELP) has submitted a public comment letter in opposition to a petition filed by EQT Corporation and Quantum Energy Partners VI, LP, requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reopen and set aside a recent decision and order concerning an earlier proposed transaction deemed anti-competitive. The organization maintains that the petitioners' allegations of compliance with the existing order do not justify altering the restrictions imposed by the FTC.
The public comment letter, delivered to the FTC, emphasizes concerns surroundinganti-competitive behavior linked to the proposed $5.2 billion deal between EQT Corporation and Quantum. This transaction had been criticized in the past for potentially eliminating a key competitor in the natural gas industry and enabling sensitive information exchange between corporations that would undermine competition in the Appalachian Basin.
The AELP asserted that the initial compliance of the petitioners, which lasted less than two years of the ten-year term stipulated in the consent order, should not suffice as grounds to lift all compliance obligations. The organization pointed out that the ongoing risks of sharing competitively sensitive information, particularly with regard to HG Energy II, LLC, a direct competitor mentioned in the FTC's complaint, still exist.
Furthermore, the AELP highlighted that the petitioners have not substantiated any changes in law or facts that would warrant the request to modify or dismiss the existing order. The organization firmly believes that maintaining the order serves the public interest, citing that the implications of price-fixing in the oil market had cost American households thousands in 2021 alone, illustrating the potential ramifications of diminishing enforcement in the energy sector.
In its letter, the AELP called upon the commission to uphold the current restrictions, emphasizing their crucial role in fostering competition and protecting consumers from anti-competitive practices. It also stressed that any move to modify the order could set a dangerous precedent, leading other entities under similar consent agreements to challenge the enforcement of such regulations.
The letter from AELP comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of the natural gas industry, which has witnessed fluctuations in prices, and an ongoing push by federal agencies to address cost-of-living concerns for American families. The organization urges prompt and decisive action to ensure that the FTC continues to enforce antitrust laws effectively, underscoring the importance of vigilance in preventing collusion in markets ripe for such behavior.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2025-0231-0004
Akutan's Tribal Transportation Program Urges DOT to Prioritize Sustained Investment in Tribal and Rural Communities
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Akutan's Tribal Transportation Program, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the urgent need for sustained investment in surface transportation to support Tribal and rural communities. The letter outlines several policy priorities aimed at enhancing existing transportation programs and ensuring they effectively meet the evolving needs of these areas.
The organization highlighted the importance of recovering existing contract authority for funds already allocated by Congress. This recovery would guarantee that
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Akutan's Tribal Transportation Program, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the urgent need for sustained investment in surface transportation to support Tribal and rural communities. The letter outlines several policy priorities aimed at enhancing existing transportation programs and ensuring they effectively meet the evolving needs of these areas.
The organization highlighted the importance of recovering existing contract authority for funds already allocated by Congress. This recovery would guarantee thatTribes have full access to the trust-obligated resources that are necessary for maintaining and improving transportation services.
To facilitate better funding mechanisms, the letter proposed the establishment of a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. Such a committee would focus on addressing funding formulas for both the Tribal Transportation Program and the Tribal Transit Program. The aim would be to ensure meaningful participation from Tribal representatives, creating a more collaborative approach to transportation issues.
In addition, the organization called for an increase in funding for the Office of Tribal Government Affairs, suggesting an annual budget increase to $3 million. This funding boost would help the office manage the rising number of Tribes entering the program. Furthermore, the proposal includes allocating $150,000 annually for Tribal participation in the Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium Annual Conference, as well as another $150,000 for the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee.
To strengthen support for Tribal projects, the Native Village of Akutan proposed enhancing the Tribal High Priority Projects Discretionary Grant Program to $30 million annually and increasing the project ceiling to $2 million. The letter also called for amending the TTP 4% Safety Fund Grant Program to reinstate its original focus on engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services.
Additionally, reforming and strengthening the Tribal Technical Assistance Program was highlighted as essential. The organization supports transferring the program to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Tribal Government Affairs and increasing its funding to $850,000 per center annually. This restructuring aims to address long-standing funding issues and improve training and assistance for Tribes.
The Native Village of Akutan emphasized the necessity of meaningful Tribal consultation, urging the federal government to engage in true government-to-government discussions that lead to meaningful outcomes for Tribal Nations. By advancing these priorities, the letter argues, Congress can enhance equity in transportation investment and ensure that Tribal Nations and rural communities are included in America's infrastructure development.
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The letter was signed by:
Sarah Stepetin
Tribal Transportation Director
Native Village of Akutan
Qigiigun.transportation@outlook.com
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-0468-1080
AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department Urges FMC to Thoroughly Investigate Flags of Convenience
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the practice of flags of convenience (FOC) and favorable conditions created by certain flagging practices. Representing 39 affiliate unions within the transportation sector, TTD advocates for the maritime workforce that plays a crucial role in sustaining supply chains.
The comment calls attention to the systemic issues tied to FOC registries, where commercial vessels operate under foreign
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the practice of flags of convenience (FOC) and favorable conditions created by certain flagging practices. Representing 39 affiliate unions within the transportation sector, TTD advocates for the maritime workforce that plays a crucial role in sustaining supply chains.
The comment calls attention to the systemic issues tied to FOC registries, where commercial vessels operate under foreignflags with minimal regulatory oversight. This arrangement often circumvents local labor laws, safety regulations, and environmental standards, potentially jeopardizing the welfare of seafarers and promoting unsafe shipping conditions. The issues raised are echoed by TTD's affiliates, including the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association and the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, who have similarly expressed concerns about the implications of these practices.
According to TTD, the occurrence of uninspected vessels operating with expired or forged documentation presents significant safety risks. Many flag states allow ships to maintain provisional registrations that can be valid for extended periods, facilitating a lack of oversight. The organization highlights a troubling trend of "flag hopping," where shipowners frequently change flags to evade stricter regulations and reduce operational costs, ultimately leading to a lack of accountability.
This situation contributes to increased maritime casualties and environmental violations linked to FOC-flagged vessels. TTD specifically mentions incidents such as the collision of the MV Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which underscores the dangers posed by aging ships operating without stringent oversight. The organization emphasizes the necessity for stronger safety standards focused on protecting maritime workers and the integrity of U.S. ports.
Labor rights concerns are also central to TTD's commentary. Issues such as abandonment of seafarers, wage disputes, and denial of collective bargaining rights are prevalent on FOC vessels. Additionally, the exploitation of foreign labor agencies complicates the legal recourse for workers facing mistreatment, heightening the risk for thousands of maritime workers.
In light of these concerns, TTD urges the FMC to adopt several recommendations aimed at enhancing maritime safety and labor protections. Suggestions include establishing clear definitions for irresponsible flag states, enforcing minimum financial security guarantees for vessel operators, and increasing U.S. enforcement powers to address FOC abuses more effectively.
TTD's letter supports the FMC's investigation and encourages consideration of the proposed actions to protect maritime workers and uphold safety standards across the industry.
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The letter was signed by:
Greg Regan
President
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FMC-2025-0009-0037
ABC Calls for Revisions to Medicare and Medicaid Home Health Payment System Proposals
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), outlining detailed feedback on the proposed Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) for Calendar Year 2026. ABC emphasizes its commitment to ensuring patient access, regulatory efficiency, and ethical healthcare delivery in its critique of the proposed regulations.
In the letter, ABC raises concerns regarding the amount of information that accrediting organizations (AOs) must provide
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), outlining detailed feedback on the proposed Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) for Calendar Year 2026. ABC emphasizes its commitment to ensuring patient access, regulatory efficiency, and ethical healthcare delivery in its critique of the proposed regulations.
In the letter, ABC raises concerns regarding the amount of information that accrediting organizations (AOs) must provideduring the application processes. The organization asserts that any requests for additional data must be accompanied by clear guidelines and a reasonable time frame for submission to avoid unnecessary burdens. ABC encourages a targeted approach to reporting requirements, urging CMS to implement enhancements only when clearly justified, thereby reducing duplicative efforts and controlling implementation costs.
Additionally, ABC highlights the need for flexibility in response timelines, suggesting that deadlines should reflect business days rather than calendar days. This adjustment would account for federal holidays and weekends, minimizing the risk of noncompliance due to administrative challenges faced by organizations.
On the matter of supplier accreditation, ABC supports the current grounds for termination but calls for stricter action against misrepresentation by suppliers. The organization contends that AOs should have the authority to deny accreditation when there is substantiated evidence of falsified information.
ABC also expresses concerns that the proposed unannounced survey requirement could disrupt innovative care delivery models, which are especially vital for reaching high-need populations. The organization advocates for targeted exemptions to the unannounced survey mandate to allow for better continuity of care, particularly in rural or homebound patient scenarios.
Moreover, ABC argues against an annual survey requirement for DMEPOS suppliers, recommending instead a tiered survey scheduling system that prioritizes annual evaluations for suppliers with a history of noncompliance. This risk-based approach would enhance oversight without unnecessarily straining resources of compliant organizations.
In summary, ABC's comments stress the importance of ensuring effective regulation while maintaining access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. The recommendations put forth seek to align CMS policies with best practices and operational realities of healthcare providers, thereby protecting patient welfare and upholding the integrity of accreditation processes.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/CMS-2025-0242-1866
5 Labor Organizations Urge Action Against Flags of Convenience in Shipping and Aviation
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- A coalition of five labor organizations submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) expressing strong support for the agency's investigation into flags of convenience (FOC) practices. The group outlined how such practices undermine fair working conditions for U.S. workers in both the maritime and aviation sectors.
In their letter, the organizations emphasized that the FOC model operates under predatory business principles that favor foreign shipping interests while compromising American mariners' job security. This systemic issue has created
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- A coalition of five labor organizations submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) expressing strong support for the agency's investigation into flags of convenience (FOC) practices. The group outlined how such practices undermine fair working conditions for U.S. workers in both the maritime and aviation sectors.
In their letter, the organizations emphasized that the FOC model operates under predatory business principles that favor foreign shipping interests while compromising American mariners' job security. This systemic issue has createdunfavorable conditions for U.S. workers, negatively affecting essential domestic industries, particularly in freight rail and maritime sectors. The FOC method allows companies to hire the lowest-wage foreign mariners and prioritizes profit over safety, endangering both maritime safety and the livelihood of American workers.
Additionally, the letter highlighted how FOC practices have permeated the aviation sector since the establishment of the U.S.-EU Air Transport Agreement in 2007. This agreement has fostered conditions ripe for the emergence of foreign carriers looking to exploit regulatory loopholes in labor laws. The organizations pointed to "flight crew forum shopping" as a significant concern, where global carriers allegedly avoid provisions that protect U.S. workers, leading to competition based on lower labor standards.
One cited example involved Waltzing Matilda Aviation, which aimed to operate in the U.S. market while exclusively hiring foreign crews under cheaper labor contracts. This tactic, the organizations argued, poses a serious threat to U.S. airline employees and directly contravenes the Department of Transportation's mandates regarding fair wages and strong competitive positions for U.S. carriers.
The coalition expressed its appreciation for the FMC's investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for the commission to address the detrimental effects of the maritime FOC model on the economy. They underscored that the current regulatory framework places American workers at a disadvantage, thereby worsening their safety and wellbeing across various transportation industries.
The labor organizations concluded by reaffirming their commitment to collaboratively counteract these harmful practices and advocating for the protection of American jobs in an increasingly competitive global market. They called upon the FMC to prioritize U.S. worker wellbeing in decisions impacting the maritime and aviation landscapes.
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The letter was signed by:
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD)
Transport Workers Unions of America (TWU)
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FMC-2025-0009-0036
