CDA Day on the Hill Draws Record Participation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) took to Capitol Hill to talk issues close to the industry's heart. 

Drawing a record number of members, CDA's Day on the Hill event included 60 meetings in congressional offices during which distributors expressed support for H.R. 1460, the Regulatory Fingerprints Act of 2017, intended to encourage federal agencies and bureaucrats to communicate with those who would be affected by proposed rules and regulations.

Specifically, the Regulatory Fingerprints Act of 2017 requires a federal agency to include in each publication in the Federal Register pertaining to a rule the specific legal authority for the rule, and the name and title of each agency officer or employee who participated in the rulemaking and each person performing any work pertaining to the rule under an agency contract.

In addition, CDA urged lawmakers to support H.R. 1136, which would clarify the Food and Drug Administration's deeming authority by changing the predicate date for newly deemed tobacco and tobacco-derived products, like premium cigars and e-cigarettes.

According to CDA Chairwoman Susie Douglas Munson, one of her priorities has been to increase Day on the Hill attendance by CDA distributors and said she was pleased that this year's turnout was the largest in the history of the event.

"We all say how vital government affairs is to our industry and how essential it is that we all get involved in bringing our concerns to these legislators and regulators ... and this is an excellent opportunity to put words into action," Munson said. 

Former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), now director of federal government affairs for Deloitte LLP, stressed the importance of involvement in the political process.

"The meetings you are going to have today are very important," Davis said. "The contact that you have with your legislators in Washington, reinforced with what you do at home, really has an effect on what happens in D.C."