The Natural Products Association (NPA) has met with more than half of freshman representatives and senators of the 114th Congress to educate them on industry issues and highlight the vast benefits of natural products, and will meet with more over the next month.

“It’s important to start building the foundation now for strong relationships with the new members of the 114th Congress so we can further our industry’s goals and foster new champions,” said NPA CEO Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D. “We’ve been lucky to have so many staunch supporters of our industry, most notably Sen. Orrin Hatch and former Sen. Tom Harkin, and we must continue to cultivate those champions. I look forward to members of the industry meeting with the freshman legislators during Natural Products Day, since making these connections and communicating the natural products industry’s role in helping Americans lead healthier lives is the first step in gaining that vital support on Capitol Hill.”

The meetings, which were held in conjunction with other like-minded associations, were also meant to encourage freshman members to join the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus (DSC). The DSC serves as a bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators who facilitate discussions among lawmakers about the benefits of dietary supplements and promote research into the health care savings provided by these products. The caucus provides wider congressional attention to the role dietary supplements play in preventive health and overall well-being.  

“We need to encourage as many supporters as possible to join the DSC, as it is crucial for ensuring a conversation on our issues continues to take place in the halls of Congress,” said Dr. Fabricant. “As the new political and regulatory landscape unfolds, we must do everything we can to make sure we have a seat at the table.”

Following these meetings, NPA is asking natural products industry members and consumers to ask their representatives and senators to join the Dietary Supplement Caucus. To send a letter to your congressional delegation on this topic and others, visit NPA’s grassroots site. NPA also encourages industry stakeholders to take part in Natural Products Day on March 24, which provides attendees with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their legislators and staff. Natural Products Day is the cornerstone advocacy event for the natural products industry, allowing all stakeholders to have a direct influence on the legislation and the lawmakers responsible.

Encourage your legislator to join the DSC, or visit NPAinfo.org for more information. To see if your senator or representative is already a member of the caucus, click here.