Scorecard, 117th Congress (2021-2022)
= supports NRF's position; 
= opposes NRF's position; 
= absent; blank = no data;H.J.Res. 100 -- To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor C (11/30/2022)
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 view NRF's Key Vote letter. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.
back to top...H.R. 4996, Ocean Shipping Reform Act -- Suspend the Rules and Pass (12/8/2021)
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 4996), 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. Click here to view NRF's Key Vote letter. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.
back to top...H.R. 3684, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act -- Final Passage (11/5/2021)
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
back to top...H.Res. 601 Rule Vote to Pass Budget Resolution Raising Corporate Taxes -- Senate amendment to H.R. 3684 (8/24/2021)
NRF is strongly opposed to raising the corporate tax rate to offset the costs of the recently released $3.5 trillion budget resolution. Raising the corporate rate to 28 percent would once again make the U.S. corporate tax rate among the highest in the industrialized world, which is a disincentive to investment in the United States and would impose further harm to a U.S. economy that continues to struggle recovering from the pandemic. Retailers are high effective taxpayers and utilize few of the tax incentives or credits in the Internal Revenue Code. If retailers have to pay a higher rate, it would result in a loss of jobs, closing of stores, and inability to invest in expanded e-commerce capability needed to compete in the post-pandemic marketplace. A recent EY study confirms the negative impacts to the economy, finding that a 28 percent corporate rate would
lead to the loss of 750,000 to 850,000 jobs and declines in GDP and wages. Read the Key Vote letter here. NRF POSITION: OPPOSE
H.R. 7, Paycheck Fairness Act -- On Passage (4/15/2021)
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
back to top...H.R. 6, American Dream and Promise Act -- On Passage (3/18/2021)
The Dream and Promise Act would provide a path to citizenship for immigrants who were brought to the country as minors and meet certain educational or military requirements, successfully pass a background check and remain in good legal standing. It further extends a path to citizenship to “legal dreamers,” foreign-born children of temporary workers. Read the Key Vote letter here. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT
back to top...H.R. 842, Protecting the Right to Organize Act -- On Passage (3/9/2021)
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. Click here to read NRF's Key Vote letter. NRF POSITION: OPPOSE
back to top...H.R. 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act -- Co-Sponsorship
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. Click here to read NRF's Key Vote letter. NRF POSITION: OPPOSE
back to top...H.R. 3076, Postal Service Reform Act -- Co-Sponsorship
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.
back to top...H.R. 1745, DRIVE Safe Act -- Co-Sponsorship
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
back to top...H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act -- Co-Sponsorship
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.
back to top...H.R. 5502, the INFORM Consumers Act -- Co-Sponsorship
The INFORM Consumers Act will require online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers and make identification and contact information of those sellers accessible to consumers. This verified information not only gives consumers more details about who they are purchasing their products from, but also assists retailers and law enforcement to address the rising incidences of organized retail crime. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.
back to top...House Sec. 301 Tariff Exclusion Process Letter -- Co-Signers
Reps. Kind, DelBene, Walorski and LaHood 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 from 141 members of Congress. NRF POSITION: SUPPORT.