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August 5, 2026

Sonderling Nomination Moves to Full Senate

Last week, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling's nomination to serve as Secretary of Labor, sending his nomination to the full Senate for consideration.

Why It Matters: If confirmed, Sonderling is expected to continue advancing a pro-franchise labor agenda, including efforts to clarify joint employer, overtime, independent contractor, and apprenticeship policies that directly affect employers and the franchise business community. 

What's Next: The full Senate will vote on Sonderling's nomination in the coming weeks, where Republicans are expected to have the votes needed for confirmation. IFA has announced its support for Sonderling and will continue to push for his confirmation.

IFA Endorses Congressional Candidates

IFA endorsed bipartisan congressional candidates in 14 states in conjunction with their July and August primary elections through its "Friend of Franchising" program, announcing support for candidates who champion the franchise business model.

Why It Matters: The endorsements help strengthen IFA's bipartisan advocacy network as Congress considers franchise priorities, including the American Franchise Act.

What's Next: IFA will continue engaging endorsed candidates throughout the midterm election cycle while advancing its federal legislative agenda during the 119th Congress.

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IFA Urges TRIA Extension

Last week, IFA called on congressional leaders to pass a 7-year reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) before the end of 2026.

Why It Matters: TRIA provides a vital federal backstop for terrorism risk insurance, ensuring that private insurance remains accessible and affordable for commercial properties, hospitality brands, retail locations, and franchise systems. Insurance policies negotiated today already extend into 2028. Delaying reauthorization until closer to TRIA’s current expiration (December 31, 2027) risks triggering conditional exclusion clauses by insurers, leaving franchise operators exposed or unable to secure necessary property and general liability coverage.

What’s Next: In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7128, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act of 2026, by a vote of 373-15 which extends the program till 2034. IFA will continue working alongside congressional leadership to ensure TRIA reauthorization is attached to year-end legislative packages, providing long-term certainty for franchise systems nationwide.

Why You Need to Be in Washington This September 

With the recent momentum for the American Franchise Act (AFA), IFA's top legislative priority to protect the franchise business model, we need everyone in franchising to prioritize joining us at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., September 14–16.

Why It Matters: 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. You’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to hear from former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, veteran congressional strategist John Leganski, and the hosts of the Ruthless podcast - along with other speakers to be announced.

Take Action: Register today to be part of IFA's most important advocacy event of the year.