By: Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer & Senior Vice President, Government Relations
If you are wondering if the Capitol is still standing post-election, do not worry. It is, and it has been buzzing with activity. FMI understands the importance of staying on top of the ever-changing conversation on Capitol Hill and how crucial it is for our members to be involved directly in those conversations.
Last week, the FMI Government Relations Committee gathered to meet new members of Congress and to discuss lame duck priorities with legislative leaders. We were joined Wednesday evening by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), likely to be the next Chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which oversees overtime pay regulations, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), pensions and WIC, to name a few. We also spent some time with two newly-elected members, Reps-elect Brian Mast (FL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) to introduce them to our members and our key issues.
On Thursday, the committee met and heard from many speakers about possible legislative outcomes in the lame-duck session and during the first quarter of the 115th Congress. The committee was grateful to Senator Angus King (I-ME) and former Senator Don Nickles for taking time to join the meeting. Both senators have been instrumental in providing support, guidance and legislative assistance on issues such as debit card swipe fees, nutrition disclosure and health care—all issues that are top of mind for food retailers. Committee members also heard updates on the National Organic Standards Board and labor policy issues from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
At the conclusion of the meeting, FMI hosted an educational reception with the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) in the House Agriculture Committee hearing room on Capitol Hill to celebrate and showcase the industry’s five-year commitment together on the voluntary nutrition information program, Facts Up Front , in addition to a new information technology initiative called SmartLabel,that enables consumers to get additional details about a wide range of food, beverage, pet care, household and personal care products. During the event that hosted Members of Congress and their staff, FMI also emphasized food retailers’ commitment to encouraging wellness resources, such as more dietitians in stores and promoting opportunities for consumers to enjoy one more family meal at home each week using items from the grocery store.
We understand there is plenty of work to be done to educate both new and experienced elected officials on our industry and priorities, and we look forward to working with our members, especially in this next Congress, to make the grocery industry even stronger.
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