BRIEF-Standard & poor's responds to discussion draft of the 'accountability and transparency in rating agencies act'

Sept 25 (Reuters) - McGraw-Hill Companies Inc:

* Standard & poor's responds to discussion draft of the 'accountability and

transparency in rating agencies act'

* Standard & poor's says reviewing initiatives proposed in discussion draft of

bill released by rep. paul kanjorski

* Standard & poor's says it will carefully study proposed provisions and

continue to engage with policy makers in Washington

* Standard & poor's says industry wide regulation is required to restore

overall investor confidence in ratings

* Standard & poor's says regulatory reform should be designed to improve

transparency and ratings performance

* Standard & poor's says reforms should also increase competition and not

create new barriers to entry

((New York Equities Desk; tel: [phone]))

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