Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Statement From Jane Larimer, CEO of Nacha, on White House Executive Order to Phase Out Checks for Federal Payments
RESTON, Virginia, March 27 -- Nacha - The Electronic Payments Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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Statement from Jane Larimer, CEO of Nacha, on White House Executive Order to Phase Out Checks for Federal Payments
Nacha applauds the White House's executive order to eliminate the use of paper checks for federal disbursements by Sept. 30, 2025, and for receipts as soon as practicable. Paper checks are slow, costly, and prone to theft and fraud, especially in comparison to Direct Deposit.
Currently, the federal government uses Direct Deposit to pay 100% of its
... Show Full Article
RESTON, Virginia, March 27 -- Nacha - The Electronic Payments Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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Statement from Jane Larimer, CEO of Nacha, on White House Executive Order to Phase Out Checks for Federal Payments
Nacha applauds the White House's executive order to eliminate the use of paper checks for federal disbursements by Sept. 30, 2025, and for receipts as soon as practicable. Paper checks are slow, costly, and prone to theft and fraud, especially in comparison to Direct Deposit.
Currently, the federal government uses Direct Deposit to pay 100% of itsemployees, 99% of Social Security benefits, 97% of veterans' benefits, and 97% of tax refunds. In total, the U.S. Treasury originated 1.86 billion ACH payments in 2024 for both disbursements and receipts, moving $8.5 trillion through the ACH Network.
Receiving a government-initiated Direct Deposit is a compelling reason for more Americans to open a bank account, especially when coupled with adoption of the BankOn certification for low- and no-cost accounts.
Nacha has long supported the migration from paper checks to electronic payments. In 2023, Nacha Filed Comments supporting Treasury's efforts to increase electronic disbursements. We look forward to working with the Treasury and agencies as they implement this order. In 2025, no one should be waiting on a paper check.
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Original text here: https://www.nacha.org/news/statement-jane-larimer-ceo-nacha-white-house-executive-order-phase-out-checks-federal-payments
[Category: Business]
New Survey: U.S. Biotechs Warn Tariffs Could Impede Access to Cures, Stifle Innovation
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following news release:
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New survey: U.S. biotechs warn tariffs could impede access to cures, stifle innovation
WASHINGTON (March 26, 2025) -- Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released results from a membership survey that underscores the significant, global integration of the biomedical supply chain. According to the findings, nearly 90% of U.S. biotech companies rely on imported components for at least half of their FDA-approved products -- making the supply of medicines for US patients
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WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following news release:
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New survey: U.S. biotechs warn tariffs could impede access to cures, stifle innovation
WASHINGTON (March 26, 2025) -- Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released results from a membership survey that underscores the significant, global integration of the biomedical supply chain. According to the findings, nearly 90% of U.S. biotech companies rely on imported components for at least half of their FDA-approved products -- making the supply of medicines for US patientsand families especially vulnerable to proposed tariffs on the European Union, China, and Canada.
According to the survey, tariffs will:
* Reduce Access to Affordable Medicines: A staggering 94% of biotech firms anticipate surging manufacturing costs if tariffs are placed on imports from the European Union.
* Stall Medical Innovation: Proposed tariffs on the EU would force 50% of companies to scramble for new research and manufacturing partners. Half of those surveyed say they would have to rework or potentially delay regulatory filings, jeopardizing the pace of innovation.
* Create Red Tape: In the face of sudden tariffs, 80% of biotech firms report needing at least 12 months to find alternative suppliers, and a remarkable 44% would require more than two years -- delays that could disrupt the pipeline of breakthrough treatments.
"This survey demonstrates the far reaching and potentially damaging impacts of the proposed tariffs on our biotechnology industry, on biomedical research and on patients," said BIO President and CEO John F. Crowley. "We fully support strong policies and programs that incentivize the manufacture of medicines here in America. Re-onshoring key parts of the biotechnology supply chain to the U.S. and our allies and strengthening the American manufacturing base should be a high priority for both national and economic security. It will take years, though, for this shift and we need to be mindful of the negative consequences of these proposed tariffs. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to develop incentives and policies that drive private sector dollars to spur a renaissance of U.S. biotech manufacturing." Conducted in February 2025, the survey captures perspectives ranging from small, start-up companies to large-cap corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue.
About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
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Original text here: https://www.bio.org/press-release/new-survey-us-biotechs-warn-tariffs-could-impede-access-cures-stifle-innovation
[Category: Biology]
Congress Reintroduces Game-Changing Bill to Lower Healthcare Costs Through Fitness
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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Congress Reintroduces Game-Changing Bill to Lower Healthcare Costs Through Fitness
The PHIT Act tackles affordability, allowing Americans to use pre-tax dollars from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover fitness expenses.
Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a commonsense, cost-saving solution
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 27 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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Congress Reintroduces Game-Changing Bill to Lower Healthcare Costs Through Fitness
The PHIT Act tackles affordability, allowing Americans to use pre-tax dollars from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover fitness expenses.
Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a commonsense, cost-saving solutionto empower more Americans to invest in their health through physical activity. As Congress works through the ongoing budget reconciliation process, PHIT offers a timely and fiscally responsible opportunity to address rising healthcare costs and improve nationwide access to preventive health solutions.
The bill is led by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), reflecting strong bipartisan support for expanding access to fitness through the tax code.
By allowing Americans to use pre-tax dollars from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover fitness expenses--including gym memberships, fitness classes, youth sports fees, and equipment--the PHIT Act directly tackles one of the leading barriers to exercise: affordability.
"Nearly 60% of Americans say cost is a major reason they don't use fitness facilities," said Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. "The PHIT Act is a smart investment in prevention. It helps families take charge of their health, supports local fitness businesses, and ultimately saves the healthcare system billions."
HFA research shows that:
* The PHIT Act could prevent up to 500,000 cases of chronic disease annually, saving an estimated $12.2 billion in healthcare costs.
* Even a modest 10% cost reduction could inspire up to 17 million more Americans to become physically active.
The policy could generate up to $12.3 billion in additional consumer spending and create 230,000 new jobs.
"PHIT is the kind of bipartisan, common-sense legislation that belongs in the reconciliation package," said Mike Goscinski, vice president of government affairs at the Health & Fitness Association. "The data is clear--removing financial barriers to fitness leads to healthier people and a stronger economy. Now is the time to get this done."
The PHIT Act also aligns with broader national priorities, including the Trump Administration's MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) agenda, which emphasizes the importance of preventive care and expanding access to fitness as a pathway to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare spending.
Senator Thune highlighted the PHIT Act's role in empowering Americans to stay active throughout their lives.
"The PHIT Act would reduce some of the cost barriers that Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles and make it easier and more affordable for folks to stay active," said Thune. "By giving Americans greater flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can empower people to make healthy choices, get active, and hopefully prevent the onset of costly chronic conditions as we work to make America healthy again."
Read the full statement (https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1C976489-B8DB-4F1B-BDB5-097C088FA9B4) from Senator Thune and the bipartisan sponsors.
PHIT enjoys overwhelming support from the public, with 85% of Americans--including majorities of Democrats (88%), Independents (86%), and Republicans (84%)--supporting the expansion of pre-tax fitness eligibility. With 61% of working Americans already accessing HSAs or FSAs, PHIT is a ready-to-implement solution with nationwide impact.
The Health & Fitness Association thanks Senators Thune and Murphy, and Representatives Kelly and Panetta, for their leadership in reintroducing this critical legislation and advancing policies that promote healthier, more active communities.
About The Health & Fitness Association
The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading trade group dedicated to enhancing mental and physical health in the United States by increasing access to physical activity.
Our organization represents over 55,000 hometown businesses, which contribute over $22 billion to the economy each year and employ more than 434,000 workers. From group exercise and yoga studios to gyms, health clubs, and industry suppliers, our members are essential to help patrons live healthier lives, strengthen immune systems, increase productivity, and enhance overall happiness, all of which lead to positive public policy outcomes such as the reduction of overall healthcare costs.
Connect with HFA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/about/media-center/press-releases/congress-reintroduces-game-changing-bill-to-lower-healthcare-costs-through-fitness/
[Category: Health Care]
Childhood Vaccination Rates Remained Behind Pre-pandemic Levels by Late 2023
ITASCA, Illinois, March 27 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Childhood Vaccination Rates Remained Behind Pre-pandemic Levels by Late 2023
Rates of childhood immunizations for illnesses including diphtheria and pertussis remained 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels in October 2023, according to a study published in the April 2025 Pediatrics. The study, "COVID-19 and Completion of Select Routine Childhood Vaccinations," published online March 26, analyzed the vaccination records of 395,143 infants across eight U.S. health systems in six states. It found
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, March 27 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Childhood Vaccination Rates Remained Behind Pre-pandemic Levels by Late 2023
Rates of childhood immunizations for illnesses including diphtheria and pertussis remained 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels in October 2023, according to a study published in the April 2025 Pediatrics. The study, "COVID-19 and Completion of Select Routine Childhood Vaccinations," published online March 26, analyzed the vaccination records of 395,143 infants across eight U.S. health systems in six states. It foundthat roughly 88% of infants aged 5 months were up-to-date on their vaccines in February 2020, compared to roughly 81% in October 2023. Similar patterns were seen for children at age 1 year. Study authors state certain groups were more severely impacted, including Black infants, those with caregivers whose primary language was neither English nor Spanish, those who attended fewer clinic visits, and those insured by Medicaid. Authors expressed concern that a future pandemic could further derail children's vaccine schedules and make them susceptible to deadly childhood illnesses or contribute to the resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases, which is already being observed with increasing rates of pertussis and other infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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Original text here: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/pediatrics2/2025/childhood-vaccination-rates-remained-behind-pre-pandemic-levels-by-late-2023/
[Category: Medical]
Auto Tariffs Will Cause Irreparable Harm to America's Auto Industry
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The National Foreign Trade Council issued the following statement:
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Auto Tariffs Will Cause Irreparable Harm to America's Auto Industry
WASHINGTON DC - National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issued a statement following the announcement by the President of new tariffs on automobile imports:
"The manufacture of automobiles is one of the most dynamic industries in the United States. Auto companies, both foreign and domestic, employ American workers and manufacture goods in the U.S. for sale both at home and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The National Foreign Trade Council issued the following statement:
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Auto Tariffs Will Cause Irreparable Harm to America's Auto Industry
WASHINGTON DC - National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issued a statement following the announcement by the President of new tariffs on automobile imports:
"The manufacture of automobiles is one of the most dynamic industries in the United States. Auto companies, both foreign and domestic, employ American workers and manufacture goods in the U.S. for sale both at home andabroad.
"Placing tariffs on imports of autos risks damaging the competitiveness and export readiness of an industry that relies on integrated international supply chains and markets for its success.
"We urge the administration to focus on the competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry and prioritize market opening opportunities for auto companies who manufacture vehicles for export in the United States."
About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.nftc.org/auto-tariffs-will-cause-irreparable-harm-to-americas-auto-industry/
[Category: Business]
AJPH Supplement Shows Black Women With HIV Continue to Have Reduced Access to Life-saving Care
SAN DIEGO, California, March 27 -- The American Journal of Public Health issued the following news release:
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AJPH Supplement shows Black women with HIV continue to have reduced access to life-saving care
Despite the availability and affordability of life-saving treatment here in the U.S., Black women are the most impacted by the HIV epidemic, making up 13% of the U.S. population but accounting for approximately 50% of HIV diagnoses in 2022. These challenges -- caused in part by structural racism and sexism that often lead to poverty, trauma, stigma and discrimination -- create barriers
... Show Full Article
SAN DIEGO, California, March 27 -- The American Journal of Public Health issued the following news release:
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AJPH Supplement shows Black women with HIV continue to have reduced access to life-saving care
Despite the availability and affordability of life-saving treatment here in the U.S., Black women are the most impacted by the HIV epidemic, making up 13% of the U.S. population but accounting for approximately 50% of HIV diagnoses in 2022. These challenges -- caused in part by structural racism and sexism that often lead to poverty, trauma, stigma and discrimination -- create barriersto health care access. Without adequate access to quality treatment and services, Black women suffer more than other populations living with HIV.
A team led by The University of Massachusetts Lowell explains how our nation, working with community leaders, HIV medical providers, women with lived experience, and public health professionals can change their approach in a new supplement, 'Improving Care and Quality of Life of Black Women with HIV,' published in the American Journal of Public Health.
In the first-ever initiative designed to implement interventions tailored to Black women with HIV, the study provides important lessons for health care and social service providers and policymakers on how to effectively treat the vulnerable population and maintain viral suppression in accordance with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for 2022-2025.
"We found that implementing bundled services that provide peer support and access to social needs such as food, housing and employment in addition to medical care, increased viral suppression from 72% to 84% and improved their quality of life. As Black women with HIV live longer, we need a holistic system of care that moves beyond a singular focus on HIV. This supplement provides examples for policymakers, health professionals and communities on how to address the root causes of health disparities and improve the health and wellbeing for Black women with HIV," says Serena Rajabiun, PhD University of Massachusetts Lowell Assistant Professor.
What is especially critical to providing adequate care is creating supportive spaces where Black women's voices are heard and their life experiences are taken into consideration as public health advocates and policymakers look to address and remove barriers that keep them from receiving life-saving treatment. Behavioral health clinician Joy Walker-Jones, LCSW adds, "Listening to Black women when they tell us what they need helps us adapt our interventions to be more effective. We found that women who participated in our HERS+ intensive outpatient program for substance use had lower levels of substance use and higher levels of social support over time. These results are very promising for reducing social isolation, building community, and reducing substance use, all of which can improve health outcomes and quality of life."
These recommendations are essential to end the HIV epidemic for Black women living with HIV. It will take the collaboration of health care providers, community-based organizations, health systems and policymakers to achieve just that.
You can read the supplement and its findings here (https://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/115/S1).
This study was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS; grant U90HA39727). The opinions and views are those of the author(s) and do not represent the official policies of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public's health. Learn more at www.apha.org.
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Original text here: https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/news-releases/ajph-news-releases/2025/ajph-supplement-hiv-care-access-for-black-women
[Category: Health Care]
AAFA Reacts to U.S. Department of Labor's Action to Cancel All ILAB Contracts
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 27 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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AAFA Reacts to U.S. Department of Labor's Action to Cancel All ILAB Contracts
Today, the American Apparel & Footwear Association expressed alarm at actions taken by the U.S. Department of Labor to cancel all contracts for the Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).
"Our members, and their 3.5 million American workers, rely heavily on ILAB's work to promote a fair global playing field for American workers and businesses," said Steve Lamar,
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 27 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2025:
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AAFA Reacts to U.S. Department of Labor's Action to Cancel All ILAB Contracts
Today, the American Apparel & Footwear Association expressed alarm at actions taken by the U.S. Department of Labor to cancel all contracts for the Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).
"Our members, and their 3.5 million American workers, rely heavily on ILAB's work to promote a fair global playing field for American workers and businesses," said Steve Lamar,AAFA president and CEO. "ILAB, through its grants, technical assistance, and direct support, works to build institutions in countries around the world so that they can effectively raise labor standards and eliminate opportunities for less scrupulous foreign businesses to profit from labor abuses while American businesses and workers play by the rules. With today's elimination of ILAB's grants, we will be moving from an even playing field to an uphill battle."
ILAB, directly and through its grants, provides training to workers to help educate them on their rights and root out forced labor. ILAB deploys labor attaches to U.S. embassies and builds networks in key countries to provide real-time intelligence, contacts, and solutions to promote and protect workers, identify unfair competition, and enforce free trade agreements. ILAB plays a critical role together with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in enforcing the labor provisions of trade agreements to ensure a level playing field for American workers. For example, ILAB carries out key provisions of the historic U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiated by President Trump to monitor compliance. If resourced appropriately, this critical work can ensure that Mexico lives up to its labor commitments in the agreement and that American workers are not unfairly undercut. Finally, ILAB is a critical funder and manager of the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Better Work program, which establishes strong labor enforcement and transparency in key countries around the world, which again contributes to leveling the playing field.
"ILAB's work reflects the values of the American people and the Trump administration by putting American workers and businesses first," said AAFA senior vice president of policy Nate Herman. "Eliminating all ILAB grants instead puts American workers and American businesses last, leading to unfair competition with countries and foreign businesses that are not held to the same laws and standards for labor abuses, forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor."
Just a few of the contracts that have been eliminated include:
- "Global Better Work Program (I)" and "Better Work Global (II)" (Haiti (required by Haiti HOPE/HELP law), Jordan (required by U.S./Jordan Free Trade Agreement), Cambodia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam), which establishes strong labor enforcement and transparency in key countries around the world, which again contributes to leveling the playing field.
- "Supporting Safe and Inclusive Work Environments in Lesotho" to stop violence against women.
- "Research, Innovation and Strategic Engagement Project (RISE-global)" (Brazil, Colombia, Cote D'Ivoire, Indonesia, and Guatemala) to educate workers on their rights and how to protect them.
- "Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Uzbekistan's Cotton Industry" to stop forced labor and other labor abuses in Uzbekistan's cotton industry.
- "Promoting Safe and Healthy Workplaces in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador" to improve worker safety and improve the overall work environment and discourage migration to the United States.
Earlier this week, AAFA signed onto a group letter to the United States Secretary of Labor, The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer, specific to Uzbek cotton - urging re-instatement of an ILAB Uzbek cotton contract. This follows a March 11 broader call to protect ILAB.
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Original text here: https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/AAFA_News/2025_Press_Releases/AAFA_Reacts_DOL_Action_Cancel_All_ILAB_Contracts.aspx
[Category: Business]
