Government Relations Action Team

Divided Congress_Achieving bipartisan agreement in infrastructure talks_HFA-GRAT
Chris Andresen
Achieving bipartisan agreement in infrastructure talks

Crumbling infrastructure is a common problem across the United States, impacting our global competitiveness and directly impacting furniture retailers trying to receive, process, and deliver in-demand goods to consumers. For the last several years, the running joke in Washington, DC, has been the never-ending ‘Infrastructure Week.’ Previous administrations and congresses

Sofa with a no chemical symbol overlay_HFA chemical regulations
Chris Andresen
More chemical regulations for furniture manufacturing

The furniture industry is no stranger to regulation – we have adapted to comply with hundreds of state and federal regulations. But despite political gridlock at the federal level often slowing down legislative and regulatory efforts, more chemical regulations for furniture manufacturing are on the way. Aggressive regulatory efforts have

White House emblem_Update on President Biden’s First 100 Days_HFA GRAT
Chris Andresen
Update on President Biden’s First 100 Days

The first 100 days is an important milestone for any President, and Joe Biden recently completed his 100th day in office. This period within a four-year term can set the tone for the remainder of the presidency, and President Biden can point to key successes and see some areas for

Graphic of US Capitol with stars and stripes
Chris Andresen
GRAT Update: Q1 2021 COVID-19 Recovery

The first quarter of 2021 has been extremely active on many policy, economic, and industry fronts. In many ways, the HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) had a front-row ‘virtual’ seat to the discussions on Capitol Hill and across the country as policymakers and local leaders continued efforts in the

Man standing in front of a wall of cargo containers
Chris Andresen
Government-wide supply chain review ordered

On February 24th, President Biden signed an Executive Order (EO), creating a broad, government-wide supply chain review. One of the order’s main drivers is the semiconductor chip shortage, impacting the technology and automobile sectors. While that was an area of focus, the EO directs many federal agencies to review various

bullhorn with political symbols coming from it
Mark Schumacher
A steady drumbeat for the home furnishings industry

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s almost impossible to talk about any significant subject these days without the discussion ending up in a partisan conversation. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it quite like this where there is such a high level of divisiveness that springs up

girl pulling on dresser
Chris Andresen
Annual furniture tip-over report

At the end of January 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its annual ‘Product Instability or Tip-Over Injuries and Fatalities Associated with Televisions, Furniture, and Appliances: 2020 Report.’ The furniture tip-over report takes an in-depth look at the injuries and fatalities related to tip-overs, which can involve appliances,

Man working on tire
Home Furnishings User
More workers would be eligible for overtime pay under new proposal

More than one million additional American workers would become eligible for overtime pay if the U.S. Department of Labor adopts a proposed new rule. Employees earning up to $679 per week would qualify for overtime pay for working more than 40 hours in a week, according to the proposal announced

Gavel on a book
Home Furnishings User
Senate committee seeks comments about consumer data privacy

Most businesses, including furniture retailers, collect information about shoppers. Now, Congress is considering legislation to regulate the use and protection of consumer data.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is asking for comment to help it craft a possible bill.  “I am particularly interested in what

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