PRESENTED BY:

May 21, 2025

Congressional Hearing on Franchising

On Thursday, May 16, IFA franchisors and franchisees testified before the U.S. House Small Business Committee, highlighting the local impact of franchising and calling for pro-growth policies like a clear joint employer standard and permanent small business tax relief.

Why it matters: All three witnesses emphasized how over 830,000 franchise locations support Main Street jobs and entrepreneurship nationwide. View a glimpse of the day here.

What's next: IFA continues to urge bipartisan action on the 2025 Roadmap for Small Business Growth to ensure the franchise model remains a key driver of economic opportunity.

Time to Contact Congress on Taxes

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives hopes to vote on the massive congressional tax bill that would benefit franchise businesses by increasing the Section 199A deduction from 20% to 23% and making it permanent, extending bonus depreciation, and providing tax relief on tips and overtime wages.

The big picture: IFA is pushing, including through the Main Street Employers Coalition, for swift passage of this legislation to support small business growth, job creation, and the long-term health of the franchise model.

Dive deeper: Make your voice heard today! In just a few clicks, you can send a timely letter to your member of Congress to vote YES for franchising through IFA’s Franchise Action Network, and if you missed it, watch our recent webinar breaking down what this legislation means for your business.

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Bill to Lower Transaction Costs Advancing

The U.S. Senate this week is considering the GENIUS Act, a bipartisan and IFA-supported bill to provide first-of-its-kind federal regulation for digital payments known as stablecoins. 

Dig deeper: During that debate, U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) plan to introduce the IFA-supported Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) as a bipartisan amendment.

Why it matters: Credit card swipe fees are one of many franchisees’ highest costs. Click HERE on our partner coalition Merchants Payments Coalition site to write your senators to support the Credit Card Competition Act as an amendment to the GENIUS Act.

SCOTUS Weighs Nationwide Injunctions

On Thursday, May 16, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether federal district courts can issue nationwide injunctions, a key issue raised in litigation over the White House’s birthright citizenship executive order.

Why it matters: IFA has successfully challenged many federal rules in recent years, including the 2023 NLRB joint employer rule and the 2024 Department Of Labor overtime rule. A ruling against nationwide injunctions could limit IFA’s ability to defeat harmful regulations in future years.

What's next: The justices appeared divided, with a decision expected in late June or early July.