FMCS Unveils Its SES Review Board Lineup

2026-17652, Requests for Arbitration Panels

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is issuing an interim final rule with requests for comments to amend its arbitration services regulations. The interim final rule clarifies the circumstances in which the Office of Arbitration (OA) may decline to issue an arbitration panel, make a direct appointment, or provide related arbitration services. The rule would remove language that could be read to require FMCS to honor every unilateral request for an arbitration panel, regardless of legal constraints or FMCS's authority. Due to a technical error, FMCS is reposting this IFR and extending the deadline for comments to 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. FMCS seeks public comment on this interim final rule.

2026-15798, Requests for Arbitration Panels

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is issuing an interim final rule with requests for comments to amend its arbitration services regulations. The interim final rule clarifies the circumstances in which the Office of Arbitration (OA) may decline to issue an arbitration panel, make a direct appointment, or provide related arbitration services. The rule would remove language that could be read to require FMCS to honor every unilateral request for an arbitration panel, regardless of legal constraints or FMCS's authority. FMCS seeks public comment on this interim final rule.

2025-03701, Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is asking for public feedback on a form called the Arbitrator's Report and Fee Statement (FMCS Form R-19). This form helps FMCS track arbitration work and fees, making sure everything runs smoothly and fairly. Comments on this info collection are due by May 6, 2025, and could impact how arbitrators report their work and fees.

2025-03699, Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is updating its Arbitrator's Personal Data Questionnaire, which helps keep a list of qualified arbitrators who are private citizens, not government employees. This update asks for public feedback by May 6, 2025, to make sure the form is clear, useful, and not a hassle to fill out. No new costs are mentioned, but the changes help FMCS keep only the best arbitrators on their roster.

2026-20560, Statement of Organization and Functions

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) updated its organization and how it works, effective October 1, 2026. This change affects all FMCS staff and partners by clarifying roles and improving how the agency supports labor dispute mediation. No new costs or delays are expected, just a fresh, clear way to keep commerce flowing smoothly.

2026-14797, Service Request Form

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is asking for your thoughts on a new Service Request Form that helps businesses, nonprofits, and local governments ask for their services more easily. They want to make sure the form is clear, useful, and not a hassle to fill out. You’ve got until August 21, 2026, to share your feedback—no cost involved, just your voice!

Previous: 2026-18128, Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Request for Comments To Be Used in a Review of 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act

As provided for by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing its intention to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers favor continuation of five specific amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order). This notice invites all interested parties to submit written comments to the Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department). USDA will consider these comments in determining whether a referendum is warranted on the five specific amendments.

Next: 2026-18133, Advancing Development of Botanical Drug Products; Request for Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is opening a public docket to solicit comments on FDA's efforts to advance development of botanical drug products (BDPs). FDA is publishing this request for information to better understand stakeholders' perspectives on the state of BDP development in the United States, challenges encountered, and potential solutions to gathering the information required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).