Just like students, members of the United States Congress look forward to their break every year in the month of August. It’s a welcome respite from the oppressive D.C. heat and the pressures of daily life on Capitol Hill.
During recess, lawmakers go back to the states and districts they represent to connect with their constituents, spend time with their families and enjoy the comforts of home. Some, like Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., even roll up their sleeves and go on a store tour to see firsthand what goes into running a retail business. Today, the bell is ringing in Washington. Recess is over and Congress has a lot of work to do.
The end of August recess presents an exciting opportunity for retailers to break through the noise. That’s why we’re relaunching the NRF Action Center. This platform provides the industry with the tools to connect with Congress and take a stand on the issues that matter most, including:
- Global trade – The trade war with China threatens U.S. jobs and raises prices on American families.
- Data privacy – Personalized retail customer experiences are at risk from new state data privacy laws. A federal privacy law could preserve retail innovation.
- Labor – Retailers and their workforces are in jeopardy because of sweeping legislation that rewrites labor laws in favor of organized labor.
- Tax – The cost of remodeling stores is now 40 times more expensive because of a typo in the tax law.
- Health care – Protect patients and lower premiums by putting an end to surprise medical billing.
- Supply chain – Retailers depend on our North American trading partners. Now is the time to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
- Transportation – A massive truck driver shortage threatens retailers’ ability to meet customer needs.
The administration and members of Congress need to hear from business owners to understand the impact of the issues they face daily. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Sharing a personal story about how these issues impact your business is a small, powerful action that can make a real difference for the retail industry.
Review the advocacy campaigns in the NRF Action Center and connect with your elected members of Congress.