Scorecard, 117th Congress (2021-2022)

The resolution will implement the Tentative Agreement that was negotiated between the administration, the rail labor unions and the railroads. Eight of the twelve unions have ratified the contract. It is critical to pass this resolution to prevent a potential catastrophic freight rail shutdown that could cost the economy $2 billion a day that would impact millions of businesses, workers and communities across the country. Click here to read NRF's Key Vote letter. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.

H.R. 3684 would address the decades of underinvestment in the nation’s freight infrastructure — particularly segments such as highways that rely on public funding. The inclusion of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act and the Surface Transportation Investment Act, as well as funding for new service and repairs for freight rail, is critical for the transport of goods and delivery to consumers. In addition, funding for the deployment and improved access of broadband is vital as digital goods and services are intrinsically woven into the future of retail. Other provisions include the truck driver apprentice pilot program, port modernization to address massive congestion issues, and a focus on sustainability efforts. Read the Key Vote Letter here. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT

Retailers believe that employees should be compensated equitably and without discrimination. However, this legislation will significantly limit legitimate, non-discriminatory pay differences and provide for unlimited compensatory and punitive damages in certain instances. H.R. 7 limits employers’ flexibility to compensate its employees based on a wide variety of factors, including differences based on geography, expertise, and management responsibilities. Unfortunately, this legislation creates additional uncertainty and opportunities for frivolous litigation. Read the Key Vote letter here. NRF POSITION: OPPOSE

Strips away workers’ free choice in union elections and their privacy rights, interferes with employers’ ability to secure legal advice on complex labor matters, expands joint employer liability, prohibits the use of arbitration for employment matters, and strips away “secondary boycott” protections among other provisions. NRF Position: OPPOSE

The bill includes several longstanding efforts intended to address the Postal Service’s financial situation, such as repealing the requirement to prefund retiree health benefits and integrating postal retirees into Medicare. Also included is a provision that maintains and codifies the 6-day integrated network for delivery of market-dominant and competitive products. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT. 

The average age of a commercial truck driver is 55, leading to driver shortages that is harming commerce and economic growth for the retail and restaurant community. This legislation will allow more people to pursue a career in the transportation industry by implementing an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial drivers under the age of 21. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act would put in place common sense reforms to address long-standing issues in the maritime shipping industry, which have been further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Shipping Act has not been updated in more than twenty years; however, the industry has changed significantly in that time. The law needs to be updated to reflect 21st century global maritime trade. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT. 

Senators Portman and Carper led a bipartisan effort to urge the U.S. Trade Representative to establish a comprehensive, fair, and transparent
exclusion process under Section 301 of the Trade Act. This process will allow U.S. retailers, producers, manufacturers, and importers to request relief, on a case-by-
case basis, from all Section 301 tariffs on imports from China. Click here to read the letter. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.