WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- A coalition of 30 trade associations and industry advocacy groups has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the Adoption and Procedures of the Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariff Inclusions Process. The comments are directed at the Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees the implementation of import tariffs affecting steel and aluminum products. In their letter, organizations that manufacture, import, distribute, or requi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- A coalition of 32 national hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation organizations has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements in the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. Citing concerns over transportation safety and habitat preservation, the organizations proposed several initiatives to enhance the nation's surface transportation system and   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Forty healthcare and public health professions and associated educational organizations has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) urging the department to consider all graduate-level health professions programs as part of the regulatory definition of "professional degree program." This request comes as part of the department's ongoing efforts related to the implementation of the student financial aid provisions under Public Law 119-21,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Advancement Project has raised concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Education's proposed regulations for the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. In a public comment letter, the organization expressed that the proposed requirement to prohibit program funds from endorsing specific terms poses serious concerns about free speech and mental health practices in schools. The organization, which has worked for over 25 years advocating for educational equity an  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- AdventHealth, Altamonte Springs, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing strong concerns regarding the proposed 6.4% aggregate reduction in Medicare home health payments outlined in the Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule. The faith-based health care system, which operates over 50 hospitals and 2,000 care sites across nine states, aims to ensure that patients continue to  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Adventist Health Policy Association (AHPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) voicing strong concerns over proposed cuts to Medicare home health payments for Calendar Year 2026. The organization, representing five large faith-based, nonprofit health systems, argues that these cuts could jeopardize the delivery of vital home health services across diverse communities from large urban centers to rural areas. Key  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Aging Together, Chicago, Illinois, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns over proposed decreases in reimbursements for physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). The organization highlighted that the suggested -1% change to non-facility-based provider reimbursements threatens both professions' ability to contribute effectively to the national healthcare strategy of lowering chronic disease rate  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) on behalf of the State of Alaska has submitted a public comment letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding the proposed regulations governing the incidental take of marine mammals in connection with the 8 Star Alaska, LLC Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Cook Inlet. The letter, addressed to the Office of Protected Resources, expresses support for the Service's Letter of Authorization (LOA) that allows the incide  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois, and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing their support for the proposed rule regarding the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System for Calendar Year 2026. The letter emphasizes the pressing need for improved access to diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease to enhance treatment options for millions of Americans affected by th  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Association of Career Schools has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to a recent announcement regarding the establishment of two negotiated rulemaking committees. The committees are intended to implement provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and review other federal regulatory adjustments, particularly concerning Title IV programs. In the letter, the association articulated its concerns over the de  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients, Tampa, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing serious concerns about the impact of recent policy changes on kidney patients. The letter addresses the controversial decision to bundle oral-only therapies, including critical phosphate-lowering therapies, into the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, which is set to create access barriers for vu  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Rosemont, Illinois, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing both support for certain proposed revisions to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and concerns over other aspects of the rule. The letter, submitted in response to proposed rules for the upcoming fiscal year, highlights the association's position on improving healthcare acc  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Council of the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor addressing the proposed rulemaking regarding Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The organization, representing individuals who are blind or have low vision, emphasizes the necessity of promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Founded in 1961, the American Council of the Blind is a leading member-driven non-prof  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Counseling Association, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing alarm over proposed changes to the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. These changes, the ACA contends, could undermine crucial mental health support for students, particularly in underserved communities. Originally authorized by Congress in 2022 through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the SBMH Grant Program a  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Dental Association (ADA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule for 2026. The ADA, representing 159,000 dental professionals, commended the agency for its efforts to provide quality and affordable coverage while seeking to minimize administrative burdens and reduce medical waste. The letter emphasizes the ADA's support for continued Medicar  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Health Information Management Association, Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing concerns related to the proposed rules in the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for calendar year 2026. AHIMA, a global nonprofit association with over 61,000 members, advocates for improvements in health information management and aims to ensure the accuracy and avai  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Hospital Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) expressing strong opposition to the agency's proposed 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program. With application deadlines looming, the AHA raised alarms over potential harms to hospitals and patients associated with the shift from a long-standing upfront discount model to a rebate system. The AHA argues that adopting a rebate model would drastically a  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, has expressed its concerns regarding a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning payment rates for dialysis services, addressing the various challenges faced by patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In a public comment letter, the nation's leading kidney nonprofit emphasized the need for adjustments in the ESRD bundled payment update to align better with real health care cost in  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Nephrology Nurses Association, Pitman, New Jersey, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule for the 2026 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System. The organization has expressed concern over several critical issues, including reimbursement levels, workforce sustainability, and health equity measures that impact nephrology nurses and patient care. In the letter, ANNA h  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing concerns regarding the proposed priorities for the School-Based Mental Health Services Program. AOTA advocates for enhancing access to school-based mental health services, especially in high-need educational areas. However, they express worry that the current proposals disproportionately favor only school psychologists and   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Medicare Program. These changes relate to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System and specifically address the new inclusion of phosphate-binding agents into the payment bundle. ASCP, a professional organization dedicated to improving medi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) expressing support for updated safety standards regarding the transportation of refrigerants. The letter discusses two notices of proposed rulemakings by PHMSA aiming to adopt specific Department of Transportation special permi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Anumana, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services seeking to enhance access to its advanced ECG-based AI diagnostics aimed at early detection of cardiovascular diseases. The company, which has established a strategic partnership with the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes the potential of its artificial intelligence algorithms to improve clinical workflows in both urban and rural settings. In its letter, Anuman  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) voicing concerns over the agency's newly proposed 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program. AzHHA, which represents over 80 hospitals, healthcare providers, and affiliated health systems in Arizona, believes that rebate models would fundamentally disrupt the longstanding goals of the 340B program that has provided critical assistan  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to retain crucial regulations that support medical school borrowers. The letter comes in response to the Department's announcement to establish two negotiated rulemaking committees focused on Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. The AAMC emphasized the n  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, College Point, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System. In the letter, ADMS expresses its commitment to improving healthcare for patients suffering from ESRD and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with CMS to achieve a more efficient healthcare system. ADMS operates thirtee  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Atlantic Dialysis Management Services LLC, College Point, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System and related initiatives. The organization, which operates 13 dialysis facilities in the metropolitan New York City area and serves approximately 2,000 patients, has highlighted several key recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, College Point, New York, has sent a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concern over the proposed elimination of formal monitoring of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) care. The organization serves around 2,000 patients in the metropolitan New York City area, advocating for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered and equitable care.   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. has submitted a public comment letter to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding the proposed modifications to regulatory capital rules, particularly those affecting the enhanced supplementary leverage ratio (eSLR) standards. This commentary emphasizes the critical need for adjustments to leverage ratios in order to enhance   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Bridge Oncology, Pelahatchie, Mississippi, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the permanent extension of virtual direct supervision for therapeutic radiation therapy services. This request comes as the current authorization for such supervision is set to expire at the end of 2025, raising concerns about potential disruptions in patient access to vital care. In their letter, Bridge emphasized the importance of ma  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Bridge Oncology, Pelahatchie, Mississippi, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns over proposed changes to reimbursement codes that could impact patient access to vital cancer treatment. The organization emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the payment classifications reflect current practices and utilization in order to maintain financial sustainability and improve patient care delivery. In its corr  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Calciscon, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advocating for the incorporation of the T50 test into the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) management framework. The letter responds to a Request for Information from CMS regarding the Calendar Year 2026 End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule, specifically addressing CKD measures aimed at early detection and treatment. Calci  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority, Mather, California, has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the need for federal investment in rural highway infrastructure projects. The letter highlights the ongoing development of the 34-mile Capital SouthEast Connector expressway in southeastern Sacramento County, which aims to alleviate congestion and enhance goods movement efficiency. This ambitious project is poise  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- CarbonBuilt, Los Angeles, California, a pioneer in sustainable concrete technology, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for the modernization of America's infrastructural backbone through innovative cement production methods. The proposals outlined aim to foster a robust domestic supply of advanced construction materials while addressing the growing challenges faced by the cement and concrete industry. In its letter, C  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, San Rafael, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed regulations regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The regulations could impose restrictions that impact the eligibility of certain nonprofit organizations for PSLF benefits, raising concerns about the potential destabilization of the nonprofit workforce and its eff  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- CentralReach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for the creation of a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code. This initiative aims to support the integration of FDA-cleared diagnostic tools for autism evaluation in clinical settings. In the letter, CentralReach emphasized the importance of harnessing clinical data and technology to improve outcomes f  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Century Foundation, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to proposed regulatory changes regarding federal student loan programs and institutional accountability. The letter emphasizes the need for robust accountability measures to protect students and taxpayers from low-value educational programs. In the letter, The Century Foundation expresses deep concern about the investment made by students and taxpayers i  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for essential improvements in the care of individuals living with serious illnesses, particularly those affected by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The coalition, which comprises over 200 organizations dedicated to improving care for the most vulnerable populations, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that treatment align  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding proposals to modify the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio (eSLR) standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies. The CSBS emphasizes the necessity of robust capital ratio modifications, particularly emphasizing their importance  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Connecticut Department of Transportation, on behalf of the states making up the Northeast Corridor have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation responding to the Department's Request for Information regarding surface transportation proposals aimed at addressing America's critical infrastructure needs. The enclosed principles by the Northeast Corridor state members, namely Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Yo  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- CorMedix Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter addressing critical issues regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule for the calendar year 2026 pertaining to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System (ESRD PPS). The proposed rule includes payment adjustments for renal dialysis services and a Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment (TDAPA) for innovativ  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Council of Autism Service Providers, Lexington, South Carolina, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for the establishment of a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code for FDA-cleared diagnostic tools intended for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluations. CASP, a non-profit trade association representing over 400 autism service provider organizations, emphasizes the urgent need  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The County of Riverside Board of Supervisors, California, has submitted a public comment letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation outlining the region's infrastructure priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization legislation. The letter emphasizes the county's responsibility in managing a vast transportation network that spans over 7,300 square miles and supports its 2.5 million residents. In its request, Riverside County Transportation Department   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Delta Air Lines Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing concerns over a proposed rule affecting airworthiness directives related to Goodrich Service Bulletin modifications. The comments submitted pertain specifically to Docket No. FAA-2025-1360 and Project Identifier AD-2024-00710-Q,T, which are crucial for ensuring operational safety and compliance within the aviation sector. In the letter, Delta outl  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Dialysis Patient Citizens, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging immediate attention to the proposed updates in the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System (ESRD PPS). With a membership of approximately 35,000 individuals affected by kidney disease, DPC emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that Medicare payments are adequate to support the growing needs of dialysis patients. DPC, a pati  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Early Edge California, Burbank, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing serious concerns regarding provisions of the recent reconciliation law that could adversely impact higher education for early childhood educators. The group emphasizes that ongoing challenges such as staff shortages and inadequate compensation could be exacerbated by these proposed changes. In its comments, Early Edge California highlights the vital role th  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Electrify America LLC, Reston, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Guidance. The company, which operates the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the United States, is calling for more flexible and innovative regulatory approaches to enhance the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. In the letter, El  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Equifax Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) addressing the growing concern over Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) unsecured debt and its implications for the mortgage industry. The letter emphasizes the need for HUD to examine how the rise of BNPL and alternative financing options may affect lending practices and housing affordability. Equifax notes that the adoption of BNPL has surged signific  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization dedicated to prioritizing children's needs in federal policy, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed regulations that could negatively impact early childhood educators and the children they serve. The letter addresses the ongoing negotiated rulemaking process aimed at implementing changes to the Federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of th  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Floid, Las Condes, Chile, has issued a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in response to the re-evaluation of the Personal Financial Data Rights Rule under Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The letter emphasizes the organization's commitment to enhancing consumer rights while ensuring a balance that fosters innovation in the financial sector. In its correspondence, Floid outlines its operations as a facilitator connecting consumers,  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Furno Materials, San Francisco, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for legislative priorities aimed at modernizing and revitalizing the domestic cement and concrete industry. The organization highlights significant supply chain and environmental challenges that the industry currently faces, particularly in light of increased tariffs impacting imports from key suppliers. The letter outlines the urgent need   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Hanover College, Indiana, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed expansion of the Admissions, Completion, and Transfer Student (ACTS) regulations. The college, which anticipates 1,235 enrolled students for Fall 2025, raised concerns over the potential burden that the new reporting requirements would impose on their Institutional Research office. The letter emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability whi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- HealthQuest Multidisciplinary Therapy and Rehabilitation Billing and Credentialing Officer Lisa Whittemore issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns regarding the proposed calendar year 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. The letter outlines major issues related to the reweighting of Work and Practice Expense relative value units (RVUs), which the providers believe will negatively impact their ability to provide essential s  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Inseparable, a nationwide organization committed to enhancing student access to mental health support, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing the proposed priorities, requirements, and definitions for the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program, and emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services in schools. Inseparable's letter highlights the pressing issue of mental health among youth, noting t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Investment Company Institute (ICI) submitted a public comment letter to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding proposed adjustments to the enhanced supplementary leverage ratio (eSLR) standards for U.S. global systemically important bank holding companies (GSIBs). ICI stated its support for the recalibration of these standards, emphasizing that this cha  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- It's Electric Inc., a curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging company headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) urging the agency to revise its guidelines for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The letter outlines critical recommendations aimed at improving access to electric vehicles for millions of American drivers who lack access to private charging facilities. I  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Ithaca College Department of Physical Therapy, Ithaca, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee's upcoming negotiated rulemaking tied to the student financial aid provisions under Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The college advocates for the explicit inclusion of physical therapist degree programs within the regulatory definition  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Medical Society of the State of New York, Albany, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing significant concerns about proposed changes to the Medicare Part B payment structure for 2026. The letter addresses the implications of the new rules, which MSSNY argues could have detrimental effects on the quality and accessibility of healthcare for millions of Americans. In the letter, MSSNY highlights that while t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Wilmington, Delaware, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its plans to establish negotiated rulemaking committees. This initiative, initially detailed in a notice published in the Federal Register, aims to address critical regulatory changes affecting educational institutions. In its letter, MSCHE emphasized the importance of including a diverse representation of stakeholders  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) expressing concerns about the growing use of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) debt and its potential impact on borrowers, particularly first-time homebuyers. The MBA emphasized the importance of understanding BNPL's implications for consumer credit and mortgage qualification amid its rapid growth in recent years. According to the MBA, BNPL services accounted fo  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the renewal of the information collection related to exemptions for air taxi operations, specifically referencing DOCKET NO. DOT-OST-2004-16951. In their letter, NATA proposes critical revisions aimed at simplifying the certification process and transitioning the data collection from paper-based to fully electronic systems. NATA represen  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The National Association of School Psychologists, Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed priorities and requirements for the School Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. The organization, representing nearly 25,000 school psychologists and educators, urged the Department to enhance access to school psychological services, highlighting their essential role in supporting student mental health  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The National Athletic Trainers' Association, Carrollton, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging changes to the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Recommendations focus on enhancing the roles of certified athletic trainers within existing healthcare frameworks to improve patient care access, especially in underserved areas. In their correspondence, NATA represents over 37,000 certified health ca  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing opposition to specific requirements outlined in the proposed "School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program." The organization, which focuses on translating youth radical imagination into effective policy, is particularly concerned about the implications of paragraph (d) of the proposed regulations. TYP Collaborative emphasize  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The National Community Pharmacists Association, Alexandria, Virginia, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging reconsideration of the proposed changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System. The organization represents America's community pharmacists, including 18,900 independent community pharmacies that play a critical role in delivering healthcare services to millions of patients. In their comments, NC  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- New America Higher Education Program has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing a proposed rulemaking that could reshape federal higher education policy. The letter highlights significant changes introduced by Congress's recent legislation, H.R. 1, which affects student loan limits, repayment terms, and the establishment of a Workforce Pell Grant. As outlined in the letter, New America emphasizes its commitment to ensuring afforda  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education expressing support for the proposed School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program while advocating for important modifications. The Health Department acknowledges the agency's efforts to enhance mental health services for children and youth but urges a broader inclusion of qualified mental health   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, Boston, Massachusetts, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting an extension to the deadline for public comments regarding the agency's proposed reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and associated greenhouse gas vehicle standards. Currently, the deadline for public comment is set for September 22, 2025, following a prior extension. In its corresponde  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- NY Kidney Hypertension Medicine, Queens, and Tidal Dialysis LLC, Brooklyn, New York, have submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing pressing issues surrounding the treatment and management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Their communication underscores significant regulatory barriers affecting home-only dialysis clinics and advocates for improved interoperability in renal care. In their letter, the organizations detail  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- NYC Wound LLC Managing Director Daniel Orlov submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services raising concerns about a proposed flat reimbursement rate for skin substitutes, arguing that it would eliminate home-based care for the most vulnerable patients and ultimately increase overall Medicare spending. The letter states that the organization's network specializes in serving homebound Medicare beneficiaries who often have exhausted other   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- OT Potential, Aurora, Nebraska, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) voicing urgent concerns over proposed reimbursement cuts to occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) services. The proposed changes are perceived as detrimental to efforts to combat chronic disease in America by undermining the very professions crucial for mobilizing preventive health strategies. The letter highlights a proposed decrease of 1%  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- OT Potential, Aurora, Nebraska, has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighting concerns over proposed reimbursement cuts for non-facility-based occupational and physical therapists for the calendar year 2026. The letter outlines that the suggested decrease of 1% in Practice Expense Relative Value Unit (RVU) for these professions could undermine efforts to lower chronic disease rates in the United States. The criticism  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Policy and Programs Director Melissa Marshall submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) opposing proposed deletions to regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, arguing that the changes would backtrack on efforts to include qualified people with disabilities in the workforce. According to the letter, disabled people are two to four times m  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Pediatrix Medical Group, Sunrise, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns regarding the proposed payment policies under the Calendar Year 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The organization, a leading provider of physician services focused on women, babies, and children, underscored the potential negative impacts of several proposed changes to Medicare payment structures, particularly for neon  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, Florida, has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) urging stronger support for bus funding and improvements to transportation services in response to recent challenges faced by transit operations. The PSTA's request comes as the agency grapples with the aftermath of severe hurricane damage and strives to enhance public transportation offerings. In its correspondence, PSTA emphasi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Postsecondary Education & Economics Research Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, emphasizing the need for robust transparency and accountability in the proposed rulemaking process under Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0151. The letter outlines suggestions aimed at implementing changes in higher education policy mandated by P.L. 119-21. PEER Center representatives highlighted the crucial importance of maintaining comprehensive financ  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Renal Healthcare Association, Mount Royal, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for immediate action to protect access to life-sustaining dialysis care for Medicare beneficiaries amidst rising costs and ongoing workforce shortages. The association, which represents dialysis providers across the country, warns that inadequate reimbursement policies are increasingly straining dialysis facilit  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Renal Support Network (RSN) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging critical changes in policies related to kidney disease treatment. Citing the challenges faced by individuals with chronic kidney disease, RSN emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and the need for updated measures to improve treatment experiences and health outcomes. The organization, founded to empower those with kidney disease,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Sandy Hook Promise, Newtown, Connecticut, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education responding to proposed changes in the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH). The organization, founded by families affected by the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, highlighted the urgent need for mental health professionals in schools and the potential consequences of limiting grant eligibility. In its correspondence, Sandy Ho  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Stanbridge University, Irvine, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to recognize occupational therapy graduate programs as professional degrees in the context of federal financial aid. This recommendation comes as part of the ongoing negotiated rulemaking process regarding the implementation of student financial aid provisions under Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Stanbridge Univers  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Austin, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed Air Plan Approval related to Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area. TCEQ's correspondence, dated August 25, addresses the agency's evaluation of Texas regulations concerning volatile organic compounds (VOC) as they pertain to compliance with the 2008 National Amb  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- ThoroughCare Inc., a care management software company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The letter outlines the organization's insights and recommendations regarding the proposed revisions to the Calendar Year 2026 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and related initiatives. In the letter, ThoroughCare emphasizes the value that current CMS programs provide to clinic  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- The Trust for Public Land, San Francisco, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advocating for active transportation programs as the agency prepares for the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. As a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating parks and trails, Trust for Public Land has outlined several key proposals that emphasize the importance of active transportation infrastructure for  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- VPS Medical Services PC has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing critical issues regarding the proposed regulations outlined in the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. With 30 years of dedicated service in home-based primary care, VPS Medical Services emphasizes the importance of reforming payment methodologies for skin substitute products that have detrimental effects on patient care and financial sustaina  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- YourCoach Health, Brooklyn, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to improve the structure of health coaching services within Medicare and Medicaid programs. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for policy adjustments to address chronic disease management, encouraging the adoption of lifestyle interventions that could significantly impact public health. In the letter, YourCoach Heal  more