Senate, state governments, and the Presidency will influence the industry and how
CRN’s political priorities fit into the national agenda.
“We’re seeing a lot of red on the politi-
cal map,” noted Mike Greene, vice presi-
dent, government relations, CRN. “As the
Republican Party now holds the majority
of elected positions across the country,
our industry can anticipate seeing a more
pro-business environment. However, our
industry shouldn’t lose focus on self-reg-
ulatory efforts, nor should Democrats be
ignored. When the pendulum swings in
one direction, it invariably swings back—
we are a bipartisan industry.”
CRN’s work on Capitol Hill has es-
tablished credibility as a reliable source
of information and has built respect for
the responsible industry. In the 115th
Congress, CRN said it will strengthen its
connections in the House and Senate to
continue this momentum and move for-
ward key legislative initiatives such as
laying groundwork for the inclusion of
multivitamins in SNAP (Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC
programs, as well as legislation that would
permit consumers to use pre-tax savings
from Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA)
and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for
their dietary supplement purchases.
“CRN plans to meet with each of the
60+ freshman members of Congress,” Mr.
Greene said.“As new members are elected,
the number of members who were serving
at the time DSHEA passed gets smaller
and smaller. Our job is to tell the industry’s
story to members of Congress—a narrative that emphasizes how our members’
products contribute to healthier living
and support jobs and economic growth.
At the same time, we have to address the
negative, especially when faced with in-
accurate claims that dietary supplements
aren’t regulated. It’s important for these
new members to understand the compre-
hensive regulatory scheme that surrounds
these products as well as the critical role
supplements play in bettering the lives of
their constituents.”
CRN is also looking beyond Capitol Hill
as it prepares for the year to come. Dur-
ing the webinar, staff outlined the political
implications of the election for CRN and
the industry, both on the federal and state
levels; detailed results of the state attor-
neys general elections; and updated par-
ticipants on the elections in Puerto Rico.
The new political climate offers a number of opportunities to advance the interests of the industry and to promote a better understanding of the value that dietary
supplements bring to the lives of the more
than 170 million Americans who take
them, CRN said.
