After Elections, NPA Eyes New Faces in Washington

Following yesterday’s nationwide elections, the Natural Products Association (NPA; Washington, DC) has its work cut out for it. “This was the most remarkable election in my 25 years in Washington,” said NPA executive director and CEO John Gay, “and the effects will be felt almost immediately.”

Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Harkin (D-IA), both advocates of the dietary supplement industry, were victorious in retaining their Congressional seats for another term. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who made industry news in February in announcing his Dietary Supplement Safety Act (later withdrawn), also won his race.

“Will he introduce another version of his Dietary Supplement Safety Act, or will he continue to work with Senator Hatch? That is a key question,” said Gay.

Besides returning members of Congress, dozens of new faces, red and blue, will enter the Capitol. The best way to deal with this is for industry members to visit Washington, says the NPA.
 
“NPA will be reaching out to the newly-elected members of Congress and their staffs to begin educating them, but we need the industry’s help,” said Gay. “The more these new Representatives and Senators hear from their constituents about the value of the industry, the better.”
 
An opportunity for face time with Congress will be on the 2011 Natural Products Day, pending a set date for March. NPA is urging retailers and suppliers to participate in this event.

For more information on how to interact with your public officials, visit the Natural Products Association.