No images? Click here Hotel rooms are filling fast - book yours today! Make your plans to attend GCCA’s Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. July 26-28, the premiere policy event for businesses engaged in the temperature-controlled logistics industry. Policy Forum provides a focus on key regulatory issues impacting the industry, connecting participants with agency representatives to hear the latest policy developments. New for 2021 will be an expanded focus on legislative issues with participants having the opportunity to directly engage with Congressional offices to communicate the industry’s priorities. Visit our website to register now for your opportunity to join us. We hope to see you here on July 26-28! Hotel reservations are available at the Fairmont Georgetown, right in the heart of Washington, D.C. Discounted rates of $249 for a single/double occupancy exclusive of applicable state and local taxes. Deadline to make reservations is Monday, July 5, 2021, don’t miss out! Welcome back to this week's edition of the Washington Weekly newsletter - bringing you the latest and greatest policy updates from Washington, D.C.GCCA Submits Supply Chain Comments to USDAOn Monday, June 21, 2021, GCCA submitted comments to USDA highlighting key issues impacting the cold chain industry and offering recommendations to strengthen the food supply chain for the future. In response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Supply Chains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is in the process of conducting a review of the nation’s food supply chain. USDA will use public comments received through this notice to inform their thinking regarding how available authorities and funding can help to increase durability and resilience within the U.S. food supply. Read the comments HERE. President Biden and Senators Reach Infrastructure DealOn Thursday, June 24, 2021, President Biden reached a tentative deal with a group of Democratic and Republican senators on a $579 billion infrastructure plan. The bipartisan legislation is expected to move through Congress alongside a separate Democrat-only bill that would mirror the President’s proposed American Families Plan. The White House said the legislation would finance a range of programs, including the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history, repairs to roads and bridges, and the expansion of broadband internet service. The cost of the expenditures would be offset by a variety of revenue-raising provisions, including stronger enforcement of tax collections from the wealthy, sales from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, unspecified “public-private partnerships,” and assumptions that the infrastructure investments would lead to greater economic growth. USDA Invests $55.2 million in Grants to Increase Capacity and Expand Access in Meat and Poultry Inspection OperationsOn Monday, June 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $55.2 million in competitive grant funding available through the new Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. The new program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. USDA encourages grant applications that focus on improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency; developing new and expanding existing markets; increasing capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand; maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards; obtaining a larger commercial presence; and increasing access to slaughter or processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, and veteran producers. Eligible meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities include commercial businesses, cooperatives, and tribal enterprises. Read more HERE. GCCA Joins Coalition Letter Opposing Legislation That Would Weaken Section 199A Pass-through DeductionOn Tuesday, June 22, 2021, GCCA joined over 100 trade associations in sending a letter to Congressional leadership voicing strong opposition to any reductions or repeal of the 20-percent deduction for qualified business income under Section 199A, including phasing out the deduction above certain income thresholds. Section 199A is an essential part of the Tax Code. Without it, individually- and family-owned businesses would pay significantly higher taxes, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. Proposals to limit or repeal the deduction would hurt businesses and result in fewer jobs, lower wages, and less economic growth in thousands of communities across the country. Read more HERE. Penn State University and NTT Data Conducting Supply Chain SurveyPenn State University and NTT Data are currently conducting anonymous research for the 26th Annual Third-Party Logistics Study, sponsored by Penske Logistics. The study focuses on identifying and tracking key trends within the 3PL industry, and the team solicits various perspectives to reflect key issues and trends facing both users and providers of logistics services. Shippers and logistics providers are invited to take part in the full survey HERE, which includes overall questions as well as special sections on cold chain, ESG, and COVID-19 at Those interested in a shortened version can participate in the cold chain section HERE. The survey is open until July 16. To view past copies of the study for free, visit www.3plstudy.com. Call to Action: Nominate a Cold Chain Champion Do you have a colleague who you believe performs exceptional work and deserves special recognition? We are highlighting our members and their achievements on social media. Nominate yourself, your company, or your colleague for a chance to be spotlighted as a #ColdChainChampion! Submit nominations, a short explanation, and a photo to Rachael Oury at roury@gcca.org. |