How To Comment On Federal Regulations

This resource covers the logistics of submitting a comment and provides tips for drafting an effective comment. 

Regulations issued by federal agencies provide additional detail on how implement laws passed by Congress. Before regulations go into effect, federal agencies must publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register and provide the public with an opportunity to comment. Agencies must take those comments into consideration when drafting the final rule. However, regulations are not finalized through a majority-rules voting process. Understanding how the regulatory comment process works and what agencies need will help your comment have more impact.