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August 12, 2026

Senate Confirms NLRB Nominees

Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed James Macy (R) and David Prouty (D), to serve as members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a 51-47 vote, allowing the Board to secure a quorum through the end of the Trump Administration.

Why It Matters: After months of vacant positions, their confirmation gives the Board a three-member Republican majority allowing for potential policy shifts from Biden-era decisions. IFA sent a letter in support of the nominees on July 27 and previously announced support for Macy’s nomination.

What’s Next: Once they are sworn in, the NLRB will have a 3-1 Republican majority, with one open position that the President may seek to fill.

Iowa Franchisee Hosts Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA)

On August 6, Iowa franchisee Sam Reges and her family hosted Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), at their Dirty Dough location in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Go Deeper: Rep. Hinson met members of the local Dirty Dough’s staff to discuss the importance of franchising and jobs in the local economy, experiencing firsthand how a local franchise operates and invests in its people.

Why It Matters: As Congress considers the American Franchise Act, the franchise community will need leaders like Congresswoman Hinson, a cosponsor of the bill, to push Members of Congress to support the bill. We encourage you to have your Member of Congress visit your business. Contact advocacy@franchise.org to line it up.

IFA Files Comments Opposing NYC's Sweeping "Junk Fee" Pricing Mandate

On August 7, IFA filed comments opposing the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's proposed "junk fee" rule (6 RCNY § 5-16), which would mandate all-in pricing in every advertisement by every business in every industry. IFA urged DCWP not to adopt the rule as it prohibits no fee, rests on a record drawn from only four industries, and includes no compliance cost analysis.

Why It Matters: The rule declares ordinary, lawful pricing practices per se deceptive across every franchised sector, with strict liability, no cure period, and penalties up to $3,500 per violation. Compliance costs are steep and land on the same businesses already re-engineering for the City's October click-to-cancel deadline. The likely result: fewer discounts, more consumer confusion, and higher prices.

What's Next: NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will review the comment record and decide whether to adopt, modify, or re-propose the rule. IFA urged the Department to defer to the NY legislature, where similar proposed junk fee legislation has failed twice, and will monitor parallel activity at the FTC and in the states.

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Senate Passes Common Cents Act

Last week, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the Common Cents Act (S. 1525), legislation that would address the penny shortage and establish clear rules for rounding to the nearest five cents, by unanimous consent. This came less than a month after the House passed its nearly-identical version of the bill, H.R. 3074, by voice vote.

IFA’s Take: IFA has previously supported Congressional action on the Common Cents Act, stating in a July letter that franchise brands and their customers need consistency and certainty for everyday retail cash transactions. 

What’s Next: The Senate version contained a substitute amendment that added a new oversight provision requiring the Treasury to notify and brief Congress before any future coin discontinuations. The House and Senate now need to resolve their respective differences on the bill. With Congress in recess for the rest of the summer, the soonest the House can act on the Senate-passed version is the first week of September. IFA will notify members of any imminent action that will get the bill to the President’s desk for signature.

The IFA26 Advocacy Summit is Nearly a Month Away 

The IFA26 Advocacy Summit is nearly one month away! This event in Washington, D.C., brings the entire franchise community together - with one goal this year: telling Congress to pass the American Franchise Act (AFA). Now is the time to register and make plans to bring teams, colleagues, and franchisees for the most critical Advocacy Summit to date.

Why It Matters: The American Franchise Act is now up to 151 cosponsors in the U.S. House and has cleared a major committee hurdle, paving the way for consideration on the floor of the U.S. House. Every franchisor, franchisee, and supplier has a role to play in advocating for passage of the AFA, and this is your opportunity to meet directly with your lawmakers to share your story and stand up for franchising. 

What Else: You’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to hear from former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, veteran congressional strategist John Leganski, the hosts of the Ruthless podcast, bipartisan Members of Congress, and Economist author Alice Fulwood.

Take Action: Register today to be part of IFA's most important advocacy event of the year and use the Advocacy Playbook to start your advocacy efforts now.