NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS for NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
What was lobbied
11 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Trade (domestic/foreign) TRD
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a tariff relief program, expired on December 31, 2020. The GSP, established by the Trade Act of 1974, provides duty relief on products from participating developing countries to promote economic development. NACD supports either a short-term renewal with a clean extension of the program while negotiations continue or a long-term retroactive renewal of GSP. NACD supports S. 1260, the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, that passed the Senate on June 8, 2021, and includes an amendment, the Trade Act of 2021, which would, among other things, allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program through January 1, 2027. NACD supports H.R. 4037, introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), which includes GSP reauthorization and is closely based on the framework of the Senate's Crapo-Wyden bill-turned-amendment, S. 1260. NACD opposes H.R. 3975, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), that would extend GSP from its current expiration on Dec. 31, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2024, but it includes sections NACD opposes such as the bill updates the parameters that countries must meet in order to participate in GSP, including labor criteria and environmental standards, among other provisions. Countries participating in GSP would need to prove that they: abide by internationally recognized human rights; enforce environmental laws; combat corruption; and enact economic policies that help lift individuals out of poverty. Additionally, H.R. 3975 would require the president to conduct an annual compliance assessment of GSP beneficiary countries. In addition, the U.S. Trade Representative and deputy undersecretary of Labor for international affairs would be required to conduct an annual assessment of worker benefits in beneficiary countries, including gender-based protections. Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) - The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, also a tariff relief program, expired on December 31, 2020. The MTB is a trade program facilitated by the U.S. International Trade Commission that provides duty relief on imports that cannot be domestically produced. NACD supported the retroactive renewal of the MTB. NACD supported S. 1260, the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, that passed the Senate on June 8, 2021, and includes an amendment, the Trade Act of 2021, which would, among other things, allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) with duty suspensions valid through December 31, 2023. NACD supports H.R. 4037, introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), which includes MTB renewal and is closely based on the framework of the Senate's Crapo-Wyden bill-turned-amendment, S. 1260. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%. NACD supports legislation to remove these import tariffs. NACD has supported S.1260 - United States Innovation and Competition Act that passed the Senate in June and included an amendment that would allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the GSP program through January 1, 2027, and an MTB with duty suspensions valid through December 31, 2023. NACD is advocating for the House of Representatives to take up the Senate legislation.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Roads/Highway ROD
General support for H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, support of additional funding for ports and the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act or a similar pilot program in the bill package. In opposition to this legislation surrounding the reinstatement of the Superfund excise tax. Specifically, reinstating the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, NACD advocated against the inclusion of broad environmental programs that would be duplicative to current federal agencies' efforts. NACD has advocated in support of H.R.4996 - the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 introduced by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation addresses the ongoing supply chain crisis and safeguards US imports and exporters from unfair trade practices. The bill would ensure a more competitive global ocean shipping industry, protect American businesses and consumers from price gouging, and establish reciprocal trade opportunities to reduce the United States longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries like China. Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - NACD advocated for a full Surface Transportation Board to review and resolve issues related to rail. NACD advocated for rail reform as it relates to competitive switching and demurrage fees. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On March 20, 2021, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1745) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of eight original cosponsors (4 republicans and 4 democrats). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of seven original cosponsors (3 republicans, 3 democrats, and 1 independent) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 659). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Transportation TRA
General support for H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, support of additional funding for ports and the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act or a similar pilot program in the bill package. In opposition to this legislation surrounding the reinstatement of the Superfund excise tax. Specifically, reinstating the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, NACD advocated against the inclusion of broad environmental programs that would be duplicative to current federal agencies' efforts. NACD has advocated in support of H.R.4996 - the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 introduced by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation addresses the ongoing supply chain crisis and safeguards US imports and exporters from unfair trade practices. The bill would ensure a more competitive global ocean shipping industry, protect American businesses and consumers from price gouging, and establish reciprocal trade opportunities to reduce the United States longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries like China. Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - NACD advocated for a full Surface Transportation Board to review and resolve issues related to rail. NACD advocated for rail reform as it relates to competitive switching and demurrage fees. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On March 20, 2021, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1745) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of eight original cosponsors (4 republicans and 4 democrats). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of seven original cosponsors (3 republicans, 3 democrats, and 1 independent) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 659). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
NACD advocated against the reinstatement of the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a pay-for. The Superfund Tax on chemicals is being sold as a fee on chemicals, but it is really a new tax on consumers. The 42 chemicals identified for taxation are the building blocks for a limitless number of goods, including steel, plastics, wood products, copper, cement, glass, pesticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, rubber, paint and coatings, batteries, solar panels, soap and detergents, ceramics, textiles, semiconductors, water treatment, light bulbs, refrigerants, dental fillings, fireworks and consumer electronics. The Superfund Tax on chemicals will also impede the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework by making the components of infrastructure more expensive-including clean energy building blocks such as renewable energy, advanced coatings, energy efficiency solutions and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The Superfund Tax on chemicals will also make U.S. manufacturers less competitive.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Trucking/Shipping TRU
General support for H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, support of additional funding for ports and the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act or a similar pilot program in the bill package. In opposition to this legislation surrounding the reinstatement of the Superfund excise tax. Specifically, reinstating the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, NACD advocated against the inclusion of broad environmental programs that would be duplicative to current federal agencies' efforts. NACD has advocated in support of H.R.4996 - the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 introduced by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation addresses the ongoing supply chain crisis and safeguards US imports and exporters from unfair trade practices. The bill would ensure a more competitive global ocean shipping industry, protect American businesses and consumers from price gouging, and establish reciprocal trade opportunities to reduce the United States longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries like China. Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - NACD advocated for a full Surface Transportation Board to review and resolve issues related to rail. NACD advocated for rail reform as it relates to competitive switching and demurrage fees. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On March 20, 2021, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1745) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of eight original cosponsors (4 republicans and 4 democrats). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and a bipartisan mix of seven original cosponsors (3 republicans, 3 democrats, and 1 independent) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 659). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Environment/Superfund ENV
NACD advocated against the reinstatement of the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a pay-for. The Superfund Tax on chemicals is being sold as a fee on chemicals, but it is really a new tax on consumers. The 42 chemicals identified for taxation are the building blocks for a limitless number of goods, including steel, plastics, wood products, copper, cement, glass, pesticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, rubber, paint and coatings, batteries, solar panels, soap and detergents, ceramics, textiles, semiconductors, water treatment, light bulbs, refrigerants, dental fillings, fireworks and consumer electronics. The Superfund Tax on chemicals will also impede the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework by making the components of infrastructure more expensive-including clean energy building blocks such as renewable energy, advanced coatings, energy efficiency solutions and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The Superfund Tax on chemicals will also make U.S. manufacturers less competitive. Additionally, NACD advocated against the inclusion of broad environmental programs that would be duplicative to current federal agencies' efforts. Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills introduced in the 117th Congress and opposed to include: S. 1121 - PFAS Registry Act introduced by Senator Shaheen (D-NH), H.R. 3291 - introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), S. 916/H.R. 1352 - Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2021 introduced by Sen. Sanders (I-VT) in the US Senate and Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) in the US House of Representatives, H.R. 1512 - Clean Future Act introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and H.R. 2467 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to H.R. 314 - Communities and Environment First Act of 2021 introduced by Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) as it relates to an increased excise tax on ethylene, S. 984 - Break Free From Plastics Pollution Act of 2021 introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) as it relates to ethylene product classification, and H.R. 1512 - CLEAN Future Act introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) as it relates to ethylene product classification.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Chemicals/Chemical Industry CHM
In opposition to the legislation surrounding the reinstatement of the Superfund excise tax. Specifically, reinstating the Superfund tax in H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, NACD advocated against the inclusion of broad environmental programs that would be duplicative to current federal agencies' efforts. Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills introduced in the 117th Congress and opposed to include: S. 1121 - PFAS Registry Act introduced by Senator Shaheen (D-NH), H.R. 3291 - introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), S. 916/H.R. 1352 - Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2021 introduced by Sen. Sanders (I-VT) in the US Senate and Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) in the US House of Representatives, H.R. 1512 - Clean Future Act introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and H.R. 2467 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to H.R. 314 - Communities and Environment First Act of 2021 introduced by Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) as it relates to an increased excise tax on ethylene, S. 984 - Break Free From Plastics Pollution Act of 2021 introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) as it relates to ethylene product classification, and H.R. 1512 - CLEAN Future Act introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) as it relates to ethylene product classification.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
NACD advocates in opposition to the companion legislation S.420/H.R.842 - Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021. The PRO Act passed the House in March of this year but has not moved forward in the Senate. Currently, in the Senate with only Democrat co-sponsors. Provisions in the PRO Act would force employers to provide their employees' personal information to labor groups without employee consent, infringe upon a worker's right to a secret ballot in union elections, and take away a worker's ability to work independently, especially in those working in the gig economy. Legislation that serves, as a solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis, creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution of the crisis as well as moving the debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multi-employer pensions. Legislation that would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Legislation that would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Tariff (miscellaneous tariff bills) TAR
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a tariff relief program, expired on December 31, 2020. The GSP, established by the Trade Act of 1974, provides duty relief on products from participating developing countries to promote economic development. NACD supports either a short-term renewal with a clean extension of the program while negotiations continue or a long-term retroactive renewal of GSP. NACD supports S. 1260, the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, that passed the Senate on June 8, 2021, and includes an amendment, the Trade Act of 2021, which would, among other things, allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program through January 1, 2027. NACD supports H.R. 4037, introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), which includes GSP reauthorization and is closely based on the framework of the Senate's Crapo-Wyden bill-turned-amendment, S. 1260. NACD opposes H.R. 3975, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), that would extend GSP from its current expiration on Dec. 31, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2024, but it includes sections NACD opposes such as the bill updates the parameters that countries must meet in order to participate in GSP, including labor criteria and environmental standards, among other provisions. Countries participating in GSP would need to prove that they: abide by internationally recognized human rights; enforce environmental laws; combat corruption; and enact economic policies that help lift individuals out of poverty. Additionally, H.R. 3975 would require the president to conduct an annual compliance assessment of GSP beneficiary countries. In addition, the U.S. Trade Representative and deputy undersecretary of Labor for international affairs would be required to conduct an annual assessment of worker benefits in beneficiary countries, including gender-based protections. Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) - The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, also a tariff relief program, expired on December 31, 2020. The MTB is a trade program facilitated by the U.S. International Trade Commission that provides duty relief on imports that cannot be domestically produced. NACD supported the retroactive renewal of the MTB. NACD supported S. 1260, the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, that passed the Senate on June 8, 2021, and includes an amendment, the Trade Act of 2021, which would, among other things, allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) with duty suspensions valid through December 31, 2023. NACD supports H.R. 4037, introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), which includes MTB renewal and is closely based on the framework of the Senate's Crapo-Wyden bill-turned-amendment, S. 1260. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%. NACD supports legislation to remove these import tariffs. NACD has supported S.1260 - United States Innovation and Competition Act that passed the Senate in June and included an amendment that would allow tariff relief via a multi-year renewal of the GSP program through January 1, 2027, and an MTB with duty suspensions valid through December 31, 2023. NACD is advocating for the House of Representatives to take up the Senate legislation.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| BRIAN CALLAHAN New | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Homeland Security HOM
NACD advocated for the strengthing of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure through a public-private partnership that has liability protections for the private sector. NACD advocated for the inclusion of chemical distribution facilities in the definition of covered critical infrastructure as it relates to drone policy.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Unemployment UNM
Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - NACD advocated for the legislation requiring the Internal Revenue Service to reverse the step they had taken of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ERIC R BYER | — |
| DOUGLAS ALLAN LEIGH | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.