Federal Issues
NvRA works with the National Restaurant Association to advocate for the industry in Washington, D.C.
Working with the National Restaurant Association
NvRA is the Nevada affiliate of the National Restaurant Association, giving our members a direct pipeline to federal advocacy. When the NRA launches a national campaign, Nevada's voice is at the table.
Through this partnership, NvRA coordinates with 24 other state restaurant associations on shared federal priorities including swipe fee reform, trade policy, immigration, and workforce issues.
Why Federal Issues Matter
- Credit card swipe fees cost restaurants $70+ billion nationally each year
- Tariff policy directly impacts food and supply costs
- Immigration policy affects 1 in 6 restaurant workers
- Federal labor rules shape wages, tips, and benefits
- Tariff and trade policy directly affects the cost of food and beverage imports from Canada and Mexico, Nevada's top restaurant supply partners
Federal Priorities
Credit Card Swipe Fee Reform
Swipe fees are the third-highest operating cost for restaurants. Visa and Mastercard control 80% of the market and set fees with no competition. The Credit Card Competition Act would require banks to offer at least one alternative payment network on every card. Nevada will join the state-level reform fight in the 2027 legislative session.
Immigration Reform
Nevada's restaurant industry employs 231,000 workers and faces chronic labor shortages. NvRA supports a pathway for law-abiding workers already in the country and expansion of the H-2B visa program for seasonal workers.
Defending the Federal Tip Credit
NvRA opposes proposals to eliminate the tip credit under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The tip credit is a critical component of the restaurant compensation model. We work with the Restaurant Law Center to protect it from elimination.
Regulatory Relief
NvRA fights federal regulatory overreach on joint employer standards, overtime thresholds, and OSHA heat rules. We support the Restaurant Law Center's litigation efforts to protect operators from burdensome federal mandates.
Nevada Restaurant Operators in Washington
Each year, NvRA participates in the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., with pre-scheduled meetings with Nevada Senators and Representatives.
Operators receive policy briefings from NRA staff and talking points to share real-world stories about how federal policy impacts their businesses. It is also an opportunity to network with operators from across the country.
2026 DC Fly-In Recap
Nevada operators joined restaurant industry representatives from across the country in Washington, D.C. on March 10–12, 2026 for the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference at the JW Marriott.
The delegation held pre-scheduled meetings with Nevada's Congressional offices and advocated on three priority issues:
- Credit Card Swipe Fee Reform: Urged support for the Credit Card Competition Act, which would save U.S. businesses an estimated $17 billion annually by introducing competition into the credit card processing market. For restaurants, swipe fees are the third-highest operating cost behind food and labor.
- USMCA Trade Agreement: Urged the Trump Administration to preserve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada and Mexico are the restaurant industry's top food trading partners; tariffs or removal of protections would add tens of millions in costs and raise menu prices for Nevada diners.
- Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Urged Congress to stabilize the restaurant workforce. 22% of restaurant employees and 36% of owners were born outside the U.S.; the industry had nearly 900,000 open jobs each month in 2025.
Add Your Voice
Federal advocacy is stronger when operators share their stories. Join us for Hill Day or sign up for legislative alerts.
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