Your Chance to Influence How the US Tracks Foreign Investment

You might care about this because the Department of Commerce, specifically the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), is asking for your thoughts on a key survey. This survey is called the "Survey of New Foreign Direct Investment in the United States" (BE-13). It gathers details about foreign companies investing money in the US economy. This notice extends an earlier chance to comment on the survey. The BEA first invited comments for 60 days starting January 16, 2026. Now, they are giving everyone another 30 days to share their feedback. The main goal of this survey is to measure new foreign investment in the US. It helps the government understand how these investments affect our economy. It also ensures all their foreign investment statistics are complete and accurate. Businesses that meet specific requirements must complete this survey. This is true even if the BEA does not contact them directly. The survey includes different forms like BE-13A, BE-13B, BE-13D, BE-13E, and a Claim for Exemption form. Some forms are filed once for a new investment. Form BE-13E is filed every year for up to three years after a business is started or expanded. The survey is required by the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act. You can see the survey request and submit your comments online at www.reginfo.gov. What makes this document particularly interesting is the open invitation for public input on government data collection. The Paperwork Reduction Act is a federal law. It aims to reduce how much time and effort the public spends collecting information for the government. By asking for comments, the BEA is following this important law. This gives businesses and individuals who complete the BE-13 survey a voice. They can tell the government if the survey is too complex, takes too long, or has confusing questions. They can also suggest ways to make it simpler or more effective. The decision to extend the comment period shows the BEA wants real feedback. This process helps ensure that government data collection is both justified and as easy as possible for those involved. It highlights how the public can play a part in how federal agencies operate and create rules. Several groups would find this legal document very relevant. First, any foreign-owned business or potential foreign investor in the United States should review this information carefully. This includes companies planning to buy U.S. businesses, start new ventures, or grow their current operations here. Legal professionals and consultants who work with international business law, mergers and acquisitions, or economic development will also find this useful. Researchers and economists focusing on foreign direct investment, global trade, or US economic policies would be interested in both the collected data and the process behind it. Groups advocating for government openness and less administrative burden on businesses might also want to contribute their thoughts. Lastly, anyone involved in gathering or supplying economic data for federal agencies can learn from this example of the public comment process.