Advocacy in Action | November 13, 2026
2026 Mid-term Elections
The results of the 2026 mid-term election represent a historic political shift, as Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress and make significant gains in statehouses and city halls. The result is a fundamental reshaping of the political landscape across the country.
The CRHA, alongside our partners at the National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association, are committed to continually building relationships on both sides of the aisle and across the country, and we will continue our important work regardless of who holds office.
Read more about NRA & AHLA priorities in your recent Member Update here, plus a message from CRHA President & CEO on how the outcome affects us here in CT, and how you can get involved, here.
Sean Kennedy, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Restaurant Association shares key takeaways you should know:
-
What another "change election" means for Washington
-
Why affordability will remain a defining issue for policymakers
-
Why the restaurant industry's advocacy strategy is built to succeed regardless of which party is in power
Court Rules Fed's Debit Swipe Fee Cap is Too High
A federal appeals court struck down the Federal Reserve's current debit interchange fee cap, ruling that the agency improperly included fixed and other non-transaction-specific costs when setting the rate. The decision stems from Corner Post v. Federal Reserve, where the court found the rule conflicts with the Durbin Amendment's requirement that debit fees be tied to actual transaction-processing costs.
The ruling could pave the way for lower debit swipe fees for restaurants and other merchants. The court's decision reinforces that interchange fees on debit cards should reflect the actual cost of processing transactions, not broader banking expenses. The decision does not immediately lower swipe fees, and further review or appeal remains possible.
Cybersecurity Information-Sharing Act of 2015
AHLA joined with 35 organizations to urge Congress to pass a long-term extension of the Cybersecurity Information-Sharing Act of 2015 as part of the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act.
This law, which is set to expire on December 11, provides private companies with critical liability protections and legal certainty when they voluntarily share cyber threat indicators and defensive measures with the federal government.
Other Local & Federal Advocacy Updates
-
Rep. Matt ritter says he’ll remain as House speaker. Via Hartford Courant.
-
Kennedy rolls out US-caught seafood labeling, Seafood.gov. Via The Hill.
-
Chris Murphy to miss several weeks of votes for stroke recovery. Via The Hill.
-
Read the November edition of the Connecticut Economic Update from the Office of the State Comptroller here.