Restaurant and Franchise Groups Lobby New Democratic Congress
The National Restaurant Association and International Franchise Association are urging the new Democratic-led Congress to pass labor and cost-relief legislation.
The 2026 midterm elections have granted Democrats control of both the House and Senate, establishing a divided government for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. In response to this shift, the National Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association are lobbying the new Congress to address critical industry costs and labor challenges.
The National Restaurant Association is advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, predictable trade policies with tariff exemptions under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act to lower processing fees. These requests follow reports that 42% of operators were not profitable in 2025.
Simultaneously, the International Franchise Association is urging the immediate passage of the bipartisan American Franchise Act. The legislation aims to clarify joint employer legal responsibilities for franchisors. Industry leaders emphasize that these measures are necessary as businesses manage increasing costs and decreasing margins while customers scrutinize their spending.
