Content about Congress

March 8, 2012
NRA joins debit card fee lawsuit against the Federal Reserve
Suit: Debit-card fees higher than Congress intended in law
January 25, 2012
Industry groups respond to State of the Union address
NRA officials urged U.S. lawmakers to accelerate foodservice growth
July 20, 2011
NCCR, NRF critical of proposed changes to union elections
The NCCR and NLRB square off over unionization
July 12, 2011
Craig Miller enters Florida Senate race
Restaurant veteran Craig S. Miller returns to the political ring
June 27, 2011
Corn trends, weather patterns drive price hikes
Corn, the primary feed and cost input for cattle, hogs, poultry and dairy cows, is increasing in cost, driving prices for proteins up with it.
May 2, 2011
Crackdown costs
Lack of immigration reform, climate of fear has a high price tag for employers
May 2, 2011
Pleading their case
Operators hit D.C. to voice concerns over economy, health-care costs
April 14, 2011
Operators: Business is tough, 'touch and go'
Restaurateurs storm Capitol Hill during NRA Public Affairs Conference to discuss health care reform, job creation
April 5, 2011
1099 tax requirement repealed
Restaurant industry associations praise decision, citing undue burdens on small biz
March 7, 2011
Having Words with Charles J. Melancon
The International Franchise Association in February appointed former Rep. Charles J. Melancon as its senior vice president of government relations and public policy. He talked with NRN during the IFA’s 51st convention last month in Las Vegas.

February 15, 2011
Paid sick leave challenges Calif. operators
Calif. lawmaker introduces statewide paid sick leave bill
February 10, 2011
Operator protests 1099 rule on Capitol Hill
Testified that the requirements would overwhelm small businesses
February 3, 2011
IFA names new public policy director
Charles J. Melancon, former congressman, Baskin Robbins franchisee joins association
January 10, 2011
A taste of what’s to come in policy

This story is part of NRN's "2011 Forecast & Trends" special report.

While many in the foodservice industry applauded the changing of the guard in Congress and state houses across the nation in the midterm elections, Washington insiders are cautioning restaurateurs not to assume that 2011 will necessarily shape up to be a much more business-friendly year.


January 4, 2011
President Obama signs food safety bill
New law has backing of restaurant trade groups
December 20, 2010
Franchising fuels economic growth, even amid challenges

The first 10 years of the 21st century have been a decade of incredible growth in the franchise industry and, as a result, game-changing growth for the International Franchise Association.
December 20, 2010
The biggest trends in 2010
Several events and restaurant trends from 2010 stand out
December 17, 2010
Industry praises tax-cut extensions
Restaurant groups say measure will help industry recover
November 30, 2010
Senate passes food safety reform bill
Bill would empower FDA to order recalls, increase inspections of food facilities, among other directives
November 22, 2010
Operators hopeful election results will yield more business-friendly environment
As Republican and Democratic leaders retrench in the wake of the game-changing 2010 mid-term elections, members of the restaurant industry are concerned about the long-term impact the contentious race will have on their already stressed businesses.
November 8, 2010
Border crisis: Industry needs immigration reform
Congress has just adjourned without any piece of workable legislation to address our nation’s immigration laws.
November 7, 2010
Looming federal regulations on menu labeling present challenges for chains
Chain restaurants nationwide are re-evaluating the way they develop their dishes as they brace for regulations requiring them to list calorie information on menus.

November 2, 2010
Live coverage of election results

What the voting signals for restaurants

September 19, 2010
Researchers seek better E. coli testing methods


Even as legislative efforts to improve the safety of the nation’s food supply remain stalled in 
Congress, scientists are seeking better detection methods for 
deadly pathogens that could help restaurant operators better 
ensure the safety of their menu items.


Researchers from Purdue 
University in West Lafayette, Ind., in August said infrared spectroscopy can detect E. coli faster than current testing methods and can reduce the length of investigations into outbreaks by days.


August 9, 2010
Pro-sugar studies manipulate masses in corn syrup debate
Every day, thousands of companies like your own engage in an all-out battle for a valuable prize: other people’s business. Car companies introduce more powerful engines, restaurants dream up tastier meals, promised toothpaste results are whiter and brighter.

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