As Congress balances a shortened legislative calendar with budget deadlines and the approaching 2026 midterm elections, several federal policy issues remain front and center for the retail industry. The National Retail Federation is monitoring these developments as lawmakers continue debating legislation that could affect retailers nationwide.
One of the most closely watched measures is the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The legislation seeks to strengthen coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime, including coordinated theft, cargo theft, return fraud and gift card fraud. Supporters say the bill would provide additional tools to investigate and prosecute criminal organizations while improving safety for retail employees and customers.
Congress is also considering the Credit Card Competition Act, which would require the nation’s largest credit card issuers to enable multiple payment networks on credit cards. Proponents argue the proposal would increase competition, provide merchants with greater routing options and help reduce payment processing costs.
Other issues receiving attention include proposals to establish a national consumer data privacy standard that would replace the current patchwork of state laws with a single federal framework. Retail organizations have also called for federal guidance as businesses prepare for the phaseout of the penny, including consistent cash rounding practices and clarification for SNAP and EBT transactions.
On labor policy, the House approved the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would establish timelines for negotiating first union contracts and require mediation followed by binding arbitration if agreements are not reached. Business organizations have raised concerns about the expanded role of government appointed arbitrators in the bargaining process.
Additional federal discussions include immigration, tariffs and protecting retail technologies that rely on radio spectrum used by inventory management, point of sale systems and other critical store operations.
