WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has issued a public comment letter to the Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules, specifically addressing the proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 related to machine-generated evidence admissibility. The ACLU supports the Committee's objectives, urging revisions to ensure the reliability of such evidence in criminal cases. In its letter, the ACLU highlights concerns about how prosecutors often use law enforcement officers as witnes  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Agri Beef Co., an integrated cattle supplier, has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advocating for clarity regarding the exclusion of interest on loans secured by rural or agricultural real property under IRC Section 139L. The company emphasizes that providing clear definitions related to agricultural products and real estate is crucial to addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. The Idaho-based company, which has been  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Alabama Legal and Investigative Services Inc. submitted a public comment letter to the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, voicing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45. The organization expressed concerns regarding the economic ramifications these changes could impose on the professional process-serving industry, as well as broader risks to due process and the reliability of subpoena enforcement. The proposed amendmen  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Four Alaska state legislators, representing communities dependent on the rich resources of the Bering Sea, have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior regarding the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. The letter emphasizes the need to exclude specific areas from offshore oil and gas leasing due to the lack of industrial interest and the importance of the region for traditional practices and sust  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Allegiant Air has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding FAA Docket No. FAA 2025 5571 and Airspace Docket No. 25 AWP 172, which involves amendments to Class D airspace and the establishment of Class E airspace at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD) and Phoenix, Arizona. The airline, which operates out of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA), has voiced concerns about the proposed increase in the vertical limit of Class D airspace at Cha  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The American Bankers Association (ABA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), advocating for modifications to the proposed regulations concerning the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT). The letter outlines specific recommendations aimed at reducing compliance burdens on taxpayers and enhancing the clarity of the regulations. The ABA expressed appreciation for the IRS's efforts in providing interim guidance through Notice 2025-28.  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The American Bankers Association (ABA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), addressing the Interim Guidance on interest related to loans secured by rural or agricultural real property as outlined in Section 139L of the Internal Revenue Code. The association emphasizes the importance of this guidance in enhancing access to affordable credit for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. In the letter, the ABA expresses its support  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Angel City Flyers, Long Beach, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing concerns over FAA Order 8000.95D, Change 1, the Individual Designee Management Policy. The organization argues that the recent changes proposed in the policy threaten to exacerbate the already strained certification process for aspiring pilots. According to the letter, the operational realities of today's flight training environment seem   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), a key trade group representing over 50 members in the Asian video industry, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Trade Representative, detailing ongoing challenges related to digital piracy in several Asian markets. The AVIA letter highlights increased threats to intellectual property rights that directly affect revenues for U.S. media companies. In its correspondence, AVIA raises alarms about the rampant proliferation   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Aspen Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, raising concerns about proposed deregulation measures that could undermine crucial aspects of health data protection and interoperability. The organization cautioned that the removal of privacy and security certification criteria, as outlined in the proposed rule, risks creating operational vacuums contrary to the goals of the 21st Century Cures Act. In the letter  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- ASSYST Inc., Sterling, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advocating for improvements to the draft 2025 Minimum Elements for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). The organization commended the agency for reflecting advancements in technology while maintaining a focus on security across various scales. In the letter, ASSYST outlined key recommendations to ensure that SBOMs are precisely machine-actionable   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Bank Policy Institute (BPI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, advocating for essential reforms to streamline the Call Report process. The letter, directed towards addressing the regulatory reporting burden faced by banking institutions, emphasizes potential improvements in data collection methods that could lesse  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A coalition of Black church leaders has formally contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urging the federal agency to reconsider its plans to weaken fuel economy standards for vehicles. In a public comment letter, the leaders express concerns about the potential health impacts on marginalized communities, particularly those adversely affected by air quality issues. The proposed changes to fuel economy standards are expected to increase vehicle   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The BlueRibbon Coalition, a national non-profit organization that advocates for responsible recreation, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service addressing the urgent need for effective post-fire recovery strategies on national forest system lands. The organization's feedback highlights significant gaps in the current recovery processes, which it claims are often too slow and ineffective in addressing the realities of modern wildfires. BRC emphasize  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Boeing Company has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the agency's Draft Order 8000.95D CHG 1 Designee Management Policy. In this correspondence, Boeing expressed its appreciation for the chance to review the proposed order and offered insights based on its analysis of the document. Boeing's comments emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Designee Management Policy aligns with industry standards and practices. T  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Boston Medical Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, expressing serious concerns regarding a proposed rule that could disrupt the status and work of nonimmigrant academic students and medical trainees. The proposal, which aims to establish a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for nonimmigrant visitors, could have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system and clinical research enterprise.   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Business Software Alliance (BSA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requesting the opportunity to testify at the upcoming Special 301 Hearing scheduled for February 18, 2026. The organization acknowledged that it inadvertently omitted its Notice of Intent to Appear when it submitted its full comments on the Special 301 process. BSA is urging USTR to consider its request to allow this notice to be filed on  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The California Four Wheel Drive Association (Cal4Wheel) and the American Sand Association (ASA) have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) addressing the recently proposed Incidental Take Permit application and the accompanying Draft Habitat Conservation Plan specifically related to the Oceano Dunes District in San Luis Obispo County, California. The organizations, representing tens of thousands of off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The California Coastal Commission has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for Oceano Dunes. This plan, which aims to manage and protect various species under both the California and federal Endangered Species Acts, has raised alarm among conservationists, as the Coastal Commission highlights several ongoing issues. In the letter, the Commission expressed appreciation for the efforts   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Camara Industrial de Laboratorios Farmaceuticos Argentinos (CILFA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) urging the agency to reconsider Argentina's status on the Priority Watch List regarding the pharmaceutical sector. CILFA, representing a significant portion of Argentina's pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, contests assertions made in the 2025 Special 301 Report that label the country as a barrier to  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Center for Biological Diversity has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expressing concerns regarding the 2025 Draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Oceano Dunes District. The organization argues that the proposed plan, which is intended to safeguard various threatened species, fails to adequately protect the western snowy plover and California least tern, allowing for incr  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- CiDR, an AI-native banking infrastructure and governance provider, submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in response to a request for information on community banks' use of core banking and essential third-party service providers. The company, which focuses on facilitating modernization for community banks while ensuring regulatory compliance, expressed its concerns over the challenges these banks face in adopting innovativ  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A coalition of professional scientists has issued a public comment letter addressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's proposal for a nationwide environmental assessment focused on post-fire salvage logging. The scientists, who specialize in ecological sciences and natural resource management, have expressed serious concerns regarding potential environmental risks associated with the agency's streamlined review processes. They argue that this approa  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (CODNR) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) addressing their plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for post-fire recovery actions on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The correspondence highlights the necessity of integrating local expertise into recovery strategies to protect Colorado's vital natural resources and outdoor recreation economy. In their letter, CODNR emphasized the  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Attorneys General of several states and Harris County, Texas, have submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), expressing significant concerns regarding the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Drone Package Delivery Operations published in the Federal Register. This collective effort by the attorneys general highlights the pressing issues surrounding the potential environmental impacts of drone delivery expansions across t  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- An organization has submitted a public comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA), expressing strong opposition to its Interim Final Rule (IFR) aimed at enhancing disaster loan assistance. The letter highlights various constitutional concerns and procedural violations posed by the proposed regulation. The IFR, announced in the Federal Register, has become controversial due to its provisions that seem to circumvent state and local jurisdiction regarding land   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a school psychologist focuses on the troubling rise in gluten sensitivities and related health issues experienced by individuals in the United States. The letter details a personal journey through severe gastrointestinal distress that began unexpectedly at age 65, leading to the diagnosis of lymphocytic/microscopic colitis. The writer, who has faced drastic weight loss due to food intoleran  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Countrywide Process, LLC, a nationwide professional process service and legal support firm, issued a public comment letter directed at the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, voicing strong opposition to proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45. The firm, which works closely with attorneys, courts, and witnesses involved in compulsory processes, raised concerns that the changes could undermine due process protections and lead to negative economic and operati  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Defiance College submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging updates to the Accreditation Handbook. The college emphasized that an improved structure of the handbook could enhance clarity and effectiveness for accrediting agencies and educational institutions alike. In the letter, Defiance College outlined several suggestions aimed at refining the accreditation process. The institution expressed the need for the handbook to be organized in  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Environment America Research and Policy Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which received 12,542 signatures urging the agency to halt proposed commercial leasing for minerals in the waters offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This initiative has sparked significant concern over the potential impact on fragile ocean ecosystems. In the letter, the organization highlights the precarious state of   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Environmental Action, Denver, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), urging the agency to halt plans for mineral leasing offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The letter, which is backed by over 11,000 signatures, expresses serious concerns over the ecological impacts of potential deep-sea mining. In its communication to the bureau, the organization highlighted the delicate nature of deep-sea ec  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Environmental Action, a grassroots organization focused on promoting environmental activism since its inception in 1970, has issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). This letter, bolstered by 10,400 signatures, calls for a halt to any plans to expand leasing for offshore oil and gas development under the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The organization's letter expresses growing concerns regarding th  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Environmental Defense Center (EDC), along with numerous environmental groups, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management voicing strong opposition to the proposed expansion of oil and gas leasing in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) region. The coalition letter signed by Maggie Hall, Deputy Chief Counsel and Lauren Partch, Staff Attorney and Environmental Justice Program Outreach Coordinator, argues that the 11th National Oute  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Center for Biological Diversity and a coalition of environmental organizations have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), expressing serious concerns regarding its recent Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed nationwide framework on post-fire logging actions. This proposed analysis aims to evaluate ecological impacts of salvage logging after wildfires but raises numerous issues related to transparency,  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised concerns about proposed revisions to Order 8000.95D, particularly regarding new requirements for Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). The FAA's draft order includes an update mandating that DPEs log at least five hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flight time in a specific make and model before administering practical tests in single-engine or multiengine land airplanes. Supporters of the   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) addressing the interim guidance for Section 139L of the Internal Revenue Code. The guidance aims to assist in providing access to credit for farmers and ranchers, fostering support for the agricultural sector's financial stability. Farmer Mac expressed its appreciation for the IRS's timely issuance of the interim guidance through Notice 2025-71, stating that   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has submitted a public comment letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him to maintain the existing ban on offshore oil and gas leasing along Florida's coastlines. The organization represents all 67 counties in Florida and emphasizes the critical importance of healthy coastal waters for tourism, local economies, and military operations. In its letter, FAC commends the President's 2020 executive action that extended the moratoriu  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) seeking to address critical intellectual property (IP) issues impacting American footwear brands. In anticipation of the 2026 Special 301 Review, the FDRA is requesting the opportunity to testify at a public hearing scheduled for February 18, 2026. Representing over 500 footwear companies and brands, the FDRA is deep  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Fugro USA Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. As a leading provider of integrated Geo-data solutions, Fugro advocates for the critical role offshore leasing plays in ensuring energy security and economic opportunity in the United States. Fugro emphasizes that its operations have supported resource development and coastal infrastru  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- GreenLatinos, a nonprofit organization focused on environmental justice, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressing opposition to the proposed rollbacks of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The letter highlights the potential negative impact on public health and the environment if the Trump administration's proposal is enacted. The organization underscores that rolling back fuel economy stan  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Greenpeace USA has formally expressed its opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) over its plans to allow commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The public comment letter outlines serious concerns regarding the environmental and cultural risks of deep sea mining (DSM) operations, reflecting a growing sentiment among local communities and scientists. The organization emphas  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Heritage Foundation has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), expressing strong support for the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Program. The organization advocates for restoring the OCS leasing program as vital to aligning with congressional intent as outlined in the OCS Lands Act. The letter highlights concerns regarding the existing lease plan inherited from the previous admin  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Imperial Beach, California, Mayor Mitchell D. McKay has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) expressing strong opposition to the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. Mayor McKay's letter emphasizes the potential adverse effects that offshore drilling could have on the local economy, environmental integrity, and public health. The letter highlights that Imperial Beach adopted Resolution 2018-78  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Brenda Williams, senior vice president and project manager of Austin Bank, Flint, Texas National Association, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), addressing critical concerns regarding the relationships between community banks and their core service providers and third-party vendors. The bank, which has been in operation for 125 years and serves the East Texas and Houston markets, articulated the challenges it faces   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Institute of International Bankers (IIB) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation addressing the need for revisions to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (FFIEC) reporting forms, particularly the Call Reports utilized by financial entities operating in the U.S. The IIB advocates for optimizing the repor  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressing the recent Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding potential revisions to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA). Representing nearly 8,000 independent cattle producers, the ICA emphasizes the importance of protecting local economic interests within Iowa's beef cattle industry, which generates over $9.45 billion in   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- J.C. Long, president and CEO of Bank of Commerce and Trust Co., Wellington, Kansas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, advocating for significant revisions to the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework. The bank, which operates with approximately $115 million in assets serving a 60-mile radius around Wellington, Ka  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition, Tacoma, Washington, has issued a public comment letter expressing serious concerns regarding the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) proposed Notice of Intent for Environmental Assessment For Post-Fire Recovery Actions on National Forest System Lands. Published in the Federal Register on January 9, 2026, the LFDC highlights several critical flaws in the assessment process that could undermine long-term ecological health. The organization empha  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Arkansas Trucking Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), advocating for Leslie Stout's appointment to the agency's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. This action highlights the association's commitment to improving transportation safety through experienced leadership. In their letter, the Arkansas Trucking Association detailed Stout's extensive qualifications, which include two decades of expe  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Marco Island City Council has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, expressing strong opposition to proposed oil and gas lease sales in the upcoming 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The council's letter emphasizes the importance of protecting the Gulf of Mexico and all U.S. waters from further oil and gas development. According to the councilors, the expansion of offshore drilling poses a ser  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (MGAA) has raised substantial concerns regarding the proposed airspace changes outlined in the public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Docket No. FAA-2025-5571. The authority, supported by numerous regional stakeholders, is actively engaged in the Phoenix Area Modernization Project (PAMP), advocating for a more comprehensive approach to the area's airspace. MGAA claims that the proposed alterations overlook crit  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- MX Technologies, Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), addressing the critical challenges community banks face in partnering with core service providers. The company emphasizes that these banks play an essential role in the American financial system, providing crucial personalized services that drive local economic growth. In its letter, MX highlights the urgent need for community banks to innovate and modernize   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Association of Flight Instructors, Kalamazoo, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing concerns about Draft FAA Order 8000.95D, Change 1. NAFI, which represents thousands of certificated flight instructors and pilot examiners, argues that the proposed changes could have detrimental effects on examiner availability, certification costs, and overall training effectiveness. NAFI highlights four key is  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has submitted a public comment letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addressing concerns over the agency's proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule III, which sets fuel economy standards for model years 2022 to 2031 for passenger cars and light trucks. The NAM, representing the interests of the manufacturing community, emphasizes the importance of realistic and achievable fuel econ  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Conference of State Legislatures has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency expressing opposition to the agency's proposed rule regarding the preemption of state interest-on-escrow laws. NCSL argues that the proposal would undermine consumer protections by preempting laws in twelve states that mandate mortgage servicers to pay interest on consumer escrow accounts, which they contend is inconsistent with the National B  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Foreign Trade Council has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative emphasizing the critical need for robust intellectual property (IP) protections in upcoming trade negotiations as part of the 2026 Special 301 Review. The NFTC highlights the vital role that IP rights play in ensuring the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where American companies invest around $100 billion annua  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Organization of Veterans' Advocates Inc. (NOVA) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding an agency information collection activity related to the Notice of Disagreement process. The letter, dated January 28, 2026, highlights important proposed changes that aim to enhance the efficiency of the appeals process for military veterans. NOVA, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization established in 1993, represents over 900 at  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, Princeton, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for the extension of data collection authority for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). This program is recognized as vital for maternal and infant health surveillance within the nation. PRAMS represents one of the few population-based data systems that captures essential information on breastfeedi  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A participant in the Hawaii Pacific Health Retirement Plan has raised serious objections to a proposed prohibited transaction exemption submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor concerning the sale of plan-owned real property to an affiliated entity. The individual formally requested that application D-12082 be denied and urged for a hearing to be conducted on this matter. In a public comment letter submitted to the department, the participant expressed concerns about the   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- In a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, a participant in the Hawaii Pacific Health Retirement Plan has expressed strong opposition to a proposed exemption involving the sale of plan-owned real property to an affiliated entity. The application, identified as D-12082, has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on retirement plan participants. The letter asserts that the pension fund has failed to take necessary steps to ensure the proper  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- An organization has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, opposing proposed lease sales for offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf. The letter articulates concerns that drilling activities would threaten ecological systems and public health, particularly along the coasts of California, Alaska, and in the Eastern Gulf. The organization emphasizes its strong connection to the Pacific Ocean and highlights its ongoing resear  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Hawaii Pacific Health Retirement Plan participants have raised serious concerns regarding a proposed prohibited transaction exemption addressed in a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. The letter, which was sent to the agency earlier this month, urges the denial of application D-12082 concerning the sale of plan-owned land to an affiliated entity. The letter expresses apprehensions that the pension fund has not exercised due diligence in ensuri  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Obelisk Tech Systems Inc. and Save the American Communities LLC have issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy challenging the agency's burden estimates related to the annual report for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Financing Program. The two organizations, which provide consulting and regulatory services, claim that the current estimates significantly understate the true paperwork burden placed on state and local governments. Acco  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Partnership for Public Service has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) expressing serious objections to the agency's proposed regulation, RIN 3206-AO96, titled "Streamlining Probationary and Trial Appeals." Published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2025, the proposal is seen as a potential threat to the integrity of the probationary period, an essential element of performance management and hiring in federal agencies. I  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Pismo Beach, California, Mayor Ed Waage has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) expressing opposition to the proposed expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing in California's federal waters under the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The city's officials raise significant concerns about the potential impacts this expansion could have on the coastal community's identity, economy, and environ  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Minnesota Pilots Association submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing concerns over proposed changes outlined in FAA Order 8000.95D, specifically regarding the impact on designated pilot examiners (DPEs) and the scheduling of practical tests for aspiring pilots. The association, representing 1,180 members, argues that these changes could significantly hinder the ability of young individuals to pursue aviation careers.    more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Association of Flight Instructors has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration expressing strong opposition to a proposed requirement mandating designated pilot examiners (DPEs) to have five hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) time in each make and model before conducting check rides in single-engine aircraft. The organization argues that implementing this requirement would contradict current policies, best practices, and safety conside  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has garnered attention for its staunch opposition to the proposed 11th National Offshore Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The letter articulates concerns from a Southcentral Alaskan resident who argues that the new program is unnecessary and poses significant environmental risks. The resident contends that the existing 10th National OCS Program for 2024-2029, which went into eff  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Education raises significant concerns regarding a proposed revision to the definition of "professional degree" as outlined in 34 C.F.R. Sec. 668.2. The organization behind the letter argues that the ambiguity surrounding the new definition could lead to confusion for both educational institutions and students seeking clarity on loan eligibility. The letter indicates that several terms within the proposed rule rema  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Administrative Office of the United States Courts, expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45. The organization raises alarms over the economic impacts these amendments may have on the process-serving industry, along with their potential to undermine due process and reliability in subpoena enforcement. According to NAPPS, the proposed amendments would allow non-personal methods  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Stop Foodborne Illness, a non-profit Chicago, Illinois, organization dedicated to food safety advocacy, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding strategies to reduce Salmonella in poultry products. The letter follows verbal comments made during a public meeting earlier this month. STOP has worked alongside illness survivors and their families for over three decades, pushing for improve  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Silvix Resources, a nonprofit environmental law firm with over 25 years of experience in federal forest law and policy, has formally submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service regarding its forthcoming programmatic environmental assessment for post-fire recovery actions. The letter highlights concerns about certain proposed recovery actions, particularly post-fire salvage logging, which is viewed as detrimental to ecological health and recovery. In its le  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Software Finance and Tax Executives Council (SoFTEC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expressing concerns over the agency's proposed regulations under Notice 2025-78 concerning the application of Section 250(b)(3)(A)(i)(VII) to sales or other dispositions of property. SoFTEC, an influential trade association focusing on software industry advocacy, emphasizes the importance of clear and precise guidance as it pertains to the tax  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Southern Environmental Law Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding its 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. This collective effort, endorsed by numerous environmental groups and community organizations, emphasizes the critical need for precaution against offshore drilling, especially along the Atlantic Coast. The letter commends BOEM's decision to exclude Atlantic plann  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) received a critical public comment letter from a long-serving federal employee expressing grave concerns regarding proposed changes to the probationary and trial period appeals process. The letter urges OPM to extend the comment period by 60 days, arguing that the current timeframe of 30 days, which includes federal holidays, does not allow adequate opportunity for stakeholder evaluation of the significant implications of the propose  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) of Auburn, California, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), expressing strong support for expedited post-fire recovery activities on National Forest System Lands. The agency, which operates the Middle Fork American River Project, emphasizes the urgent need for initiatives that will enhance soil stability and resilience in areas affected by recent wildfires. PCWA highlighted the significant challenges po  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, calling for the prompt finalization of a proposed rule that seeks to lower the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) from 9% to 8%. TBA, representing approximately 375 federally insured depository institutions in Texas, contends that this adjustment  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), a national conservation organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service regarding the agency's proposed Post-Fire Environmental Assessment (EA). The TRCP advocates for effective recovery strategies that promote the health of ecosystems impacted by wildfires on National Forest System lands, emphasizing the importance of both wildlife and water resource management. In its letter, the TRCP   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has highlighted pressing issues regarding the proposed updates to the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) regulation. The letter emphasizes the need for improved clarity and accessibility in the data presented to the public, particularly concerning health care provider networks and associated rates. The organization that issued the public comment letter argues that CMS's proposal to includ  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Trine University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing strong opposition to proposed regulations that would impose a fixed admission period for international students. The institution argues that such rules compromise the flexibility integral to the U.S. higher education system. The proposed rule, which would introduce new extension procedures and rigid timelines for admissions, has raised alarms among educational lead  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued a public comment letter in support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule III. The Chamber emphasizes the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks that foster economic growth while addressing environmental concerns. They believe that the proposed rules present an essential opportunity to align fuel economy standards with current market reali  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of State has raised concerns over the current regulations governing coin imports into the United States. The letter emphasizes that the existing legal framework is overly restrictive and ineffective, highlighting a contrasting approach employed by the United Kingdom that promotes preservation through incentive-based measures. The writer points out that the U.S. mandates under the Cultural Property Implementation Act   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The United Cook Inlet Drift Association (UCIDA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, urging the removal of five proposed offshore lease sales in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) 5 Year Plan for Lower Cook Inlet. Representing over 500 commercial fishing families, UCIDA asserts that these lease sales threaten the vibrancy of local fisheries and the livelihoods of those engaged in the salmon fishery. UCIDA, which plays  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The University of Notre Dame has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressing serious concerns regarding a proposed rule that would establish a fixed time period of admission and a new extension procedure for nonimmigrant academic students and exchange visitors. The letter emphasizes the negative impact that these changes could have on the university's diverse international community. According to the university, which has  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Wesley A. McCauley, CEO of United Veteran's Disability LLC, a D.C.-based veteran advocacy firm, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs regarding proposed amendments to the rating schedule for Bradycardia. The organization, which is led by a VA accredited agent, expressed strong support for modernizing the evaluation criteria but raised concerns about the adequacy of the proposed temporary convalescence rating following surgeries.   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Whisper Aero has submitted a response to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the agency's draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) package delivery operations. The company emphasizes the importance of assessing the environmental impacts of commercial drone deliveries, particularly concerning noise levels. Whisper Aero commended the FAA for its active role in evaluating the foreseeable environmental impacts o  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Wildlife Management Advisory Council, North Slope, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding a draft environmental assessment for the proposed winter access project across the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The council, established under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1988, plays a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife and habitats in the Yukon North Slope. The council focuses on the potential impacts of t  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, highlighting urgent needs for adaptation in conservation policies and practices due to climate change, specifically in relation to soil erosion and water runoff. This inquiry follows a 2003 report by SWCS, which called for significant revisions in conservation strategies in light of increasing precipitation and its  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Yodlee has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) addressing concerns about third-party risk management (TPRM) frameworks and their implications for community banks. The letter expresses appreciation for the OCC's efforts to acquire insights on how these risk management practices affect the relationships between community banks and third-party service providers. In the letter, Yodlee emphasizes the integral role of TPRM fra  more