ND0408111

Title: Washington Report

Description: Get the latest information on swipe fee reform, motor fuels, healthcare, and more!

Page Content:

Week Ahead

• We?re anxiously waiting to hear when Senator Tester will get a vote on his bill to delay debit card swipe fee reform. Our position is this: Why would the Senate vote on the bill before the Federal Reserve issues its final rules? Continue to reach out to your senators by sending faxes and e-mails at nacsonline.com/swipefeesletter.
• Depending on the outcome of high-level talks between President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), the federal government could shut down on Friday at midnight.
• The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is holding a hearing next week on the domestic renewable fuels market.

Week in Review

Swipe Fees
Here?s a look at what we reported on earlier this week:

• Rep. Frank Throws Support to Swipe Fee Delay
  The representative wants to revisit that part of the financial reform law he sponsored.
• USA Today Editorial Supports Retailer View in Swipe Fees
  The editorial says that merchants have made a ?better case? for interchange fee reform.
• Judge Hears Arguments on Debit-Card Fee Lawsuit
  TCF Financial Corp. sued the Federal Reserve, claiming that the new rule would mean they would lose money on debit card services.

Motor Fuels
The Senate voted on an amendment offered by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) that would have repealed the Environmental Protection Agency?s (EPA) regulations on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The vote tally was 50-50, and while it failed to reach the necessary 60 votes to pass, the industry sees it as a good sign that so many senators went on the record recognizing that the EPA is overreaching with its climate-change regulations. The House passed a bill this week by a vote of 255 to 172 to repeal the EPA?s regulations on GHGs. Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) is the author of the bill.

• NACS Testifies at Senate Hearing to Review Biofuels Programs

Eichberger tells Congress that there are many challenges the retail industry faces when considering whether to sell a new fuel. Click here to see video of the hearing.

• NACS Backs the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011
  The association signed a letter sent in support of Rep. Upton?s legislation removing GHGs from the EPA?s jurisdiction.

Health Care
President Obama will sign 1099 repeal into law.

• Senate Repeals 1099 Form Provision - A Significant Win for Retailers and Suppliers
  The bill now lands on the president?s desk.

Food Service
NACS is working on comments to submit in response to the FDA?s proposed rule on menu labeling.

• FDA Releases Proposed Rule on Menu Labeling
  The provisions could have substantial impact on convenience stores.

Content Subject: Government Relations

Formatted Article Date: April 8, 2011

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