How to Submit a Formal Public Comment to the U.S. Government
When a federal agency proposes a rule (anything from immigration changes to environmental policy to aviation rules), they are legally required to:
- open a public comment period
- read and consider all substantive comments
- respond to major issues raised
One well-written comment carries the weight of many thousands of tweets. Think “swords vs foam bats.”
Where to submit the comment
The official website is:👉 https://www.regulations.gov
This is the only site you need. Everything else links back to it.
That’s the federal portal where agencies:
- post proposed rules
- post supporting documents
- open the comment window
- accept public feedback
- publish all comments received
How to Do It Step by Step
The homepage has a search bar.
- Enter keywords from the rule you care about
For example:
- “oil tanker sanctions”
- “immigration social media disclosure”
- “FAA commercial operations”
- “customs security rule”
You can also search by:
- agency (DHS, DOT, FAA, State Dept.)
- docket number (if you have one)
- Click the docket that matches your issue
Every proposed rule has its own page.
This page will show:
- summary
- full text
- comment deadline
- supporting documents
- already submitted comments
- the giant blueCOMMENT button
- Click COMMENT
This opens the submission form.
You can submit:
- as an individual
- anonymously
- as an organization
- Write your comment
Key tip: A substantive comment gets read and counted. A rant gets politely ignored.
A substantive comment:
- refers to specific sections of the proposal
- explains concerns or support
- offers alternatives or clarifications
- cites economic, privacy, or logistical impact
Think like a citizen… not a meme poster.
- Attach supporting documents (optional)
PDFs, research, etc.
- Submit
You’ll receive a tracking number. Your comment will appear publicly (unless you request otherwise).
Extra Notes Agencies are legally required to read substantive comments.
They can’t blow them off.
Comments can influence the final rule.
Many rules have been changed or halted because a single detailed comment raised a legally relevant issue.
You can track the outcome
The docket page will eventually show:
- how many comments were received
- the final rule
- the agency’s responses to major issues
