Federal Register Digest: October 27, 2025
See what’s inside the October 27, 2025 Federal Register: new EPA chemical safety rules, TRICARE changes, AI export program, and more.
The policies announced each week in the Federal Register reach surprisingly far into daily life, overlooking everything from the products in our homes, to the services available to military families, to the standards that guide energy and environmental practices. This week’s updates explain the key changes unfolding across several agencies—and show what steps are next for industries, citizens, or anyone interested in public policy.
EPA Moves to Tighten Controls on New Chemical Uses
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed revisions to its Significant New Use Rules, a regulatory process designed to ensure that certain industrial chemicals undergo additional scrutiny before finding new applications in the marketplace. The SNUR program operates by requiring companies to notify the EPA—and submit relevant safety data—if they plan to use specified substances in products or contexts the agency has flagged as potentially risky or insufficiently studied.
This process means that, before anything changes hands on store shelves, EPA scientists have a chance to assess the possible health and environmental impacts. The affected chemicals often relate to common commercial products such as coatings, plastics, and household cleaners. The proposed rule’s publication opens a period for public comment, giving stakeholders—from manufacturers to advocacy organizations and interested citizens—an opportunity to weigh in before any change takes effect.
TRICARE Unveils Changes to 2026 Military Healthcare Plans
Anticipated updates to the TRICARE program are set to change the landscape of military healthcare for the 2026 calendar year. TRICARE is the healthcare coverage administered by the Department of Defense for active-duty service members, military retirees, and their families, encompassing millions of beneficiaries across the world.
Each year, the program undergoes a review resulting in changes to copays, premiums, and the scope of covered services. The most recent announcement signals adjustments to both cost-sharing requirements at civilian facilities and the list of medical or prescription services included. These annual changes are planned in advance, and usually, the finalized documents and rate tables are provided to the public ahead of the new plan year. For those calculating future expenses, resources like the official TRICARE website provide tools and updates for estimating personal costs.
CFPB Outlines Federal Preemption in Credit Reporting Rules
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released a proposed clarification on the boundaries between federal and state authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA is the central law governing how credit information is collected, shared, and corrected, applying to all consumers in the United States.
States may sometimes enact their own, more stringent standards regarding credit freezes, error correction, or data privacy. However, under the Supremacy Clause, federal standards can override state laws (“preemption”) where Congress has chosen uniformity. The Bureau’s new guidance lays out when and how this federal preemption applies, an important matter for credit bureaus, lenders, and state regulators. The publication in the Federal Register marks the start of a public comment window, during which the precise details are further shaped by input from the public and affected industries.
Commerce Department Looks to Shape Framework for AI Exports
The International Trade Administration (ITA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has begun gathering public feedback on a proposed American AI Exports Program. This initiative aims to develop a framework for exporting American artificial intelligence technologies to global markets, while at the same time considering national security risks associated with certain strategic applications.
In the U.S., export control measures for emerging technologies have a long history, particularly for products tied to defense, communications, or surveillance. The current ITA proposal is part of a broader trend—balancing the drive to promote U.S. technology worldwide against concerns about where and how critical AI systems are deployed. The agency collects comments and suggestions through Requests for Information, with the official rulemaking process and stakeholder consultations to follow.
DOE Updates Financing Programs for Major Energy Infrastructure
Modernizing the nation’s energy system is a continuous government priority, and the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced changes to the programs supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. Over the years, DOE has invested in a wide variety of energy technologies, using mechanisms such as loans, loan guarantees, and direct grants to assist in the construction of new power plants, upgrades to the electrical grid, and the manufacturing of equipment for solar, nuclear, and hydrogen energy.
The updated guidance details which project types and sectors will be eligible for support and explains the application timeline for stakeholders. Federal financing programs of this sort are intended to lower costs, spread risk, and accelerate deployment across a range of energy resource types. Proposed rule changes and updates are posted for public input, in line with federal procedure.
USPS and PRC Revise International Shipping Framework
The U.S. Postal Service, together with its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), has moved to update the agreements and rates governing several international mail services—including Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service. These changes affect how mail and packages are routed, delivered, and priced for customers sending items abroad.
Proposed operational changes and pricing are subject to regulatory review before they become official. The process includes opportunities for public comment, as well as an assessment of the expected impact on consumers and small businesses. The finalized adjustments are reflected in the published rate tables, and updated information is typically shared across USPS channels and industry bulletins.
USTR Opens New Investigation into U.S.-China Trade Compliance
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into whether China is upholding its trade commitments under the 2020 "Phase One" bilateral agreement. Section 301 of the Trade Act empowers USTR to investigate and respond to unfair trade practices, and has formed the basis for tariff actions and negotiations in recent years.
The investigation follows a well-defined process involving a fact-finding phase, public hearings, and a final determination on compliance. Depending on the findings, the U.S. could adjust existing tariffs, negotiate new terms, or pursue other remedies intended to address any breaches of the agreement. These steps and their possible outcomes are tied to statutory timelines and procedures spelled out in U.S. trade law.
SBA Issues Disaster Declaration for Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe
A new disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration (SBA) makes federal loan assistance and recovery programs available to the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe community, following severe storms and other natural events. The declaration is activated after coordination with state, local, and tribal officials and hinges on an assessment of damage that exceeds local resources.
Residents, business owners, and nonprofits in the affected area can now apply for low-interest loans for property repair, rebuilding, and related recovery expenses. Details about eligibility, loan types, and how to apply are made available through both the SBA’s disaster loan portal and community outreach. The assistance continues until the community’s needs have been largely addressed, as monitored by federal and tribal agencies.
EPA Expands Reporting Requirements for Power Plant Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency is renewing its data collection mandate for stationary combustion turbines under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). These turbines are frequently used for power generation and are subject to reporting requirements when it comes to certain pollutants, like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Under NSPS rules, regulated facilities must monitor and submit emissions data on a regular basis, which federal and state authorities then use to enforce air-quality regulations and assess compliance with environmental goals. Periodic renewals of such data collection ensure that the information remains up to date and relevant for current policy decisions. The latest action also opens a window for public comment on the specifics of the rule and the scope of required reporting.
