Washington, DC—The Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus (CDSC) has been re-established for the 118th Congress. This bipartisan group, which is expected to be comprised of more than 30 members of Congress, serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information related to dietary supplements. CDSC will conduct educational briefings to inform members of Congress and their staff about the legislative and regulatory landscape facing the industry.
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Natural Products Association (NPA), and United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) announced their unified support of the re-establishment of the CDSC.
Congress members John Curtis (R-UT) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) led the caucus’ request for registration as a Congressional Member Organization (CMO) for the 118th Congress. In their official request to the Committee on House Administration, they said the reformation of the caucus was “to discuss…the benefits of dietary supplements, provide tips and insights for better health and wellness, and to promote research into the health care savings these products provide.” Additionally, “the caucus seeks to enhance Congressional attention to the role of supplements in promotion, disease prevention and address the regulation of the supplement industry.”
“I am pleased to re-launch this caucus with Representative Cárdenas,” said Rep. Curtis, in a press released issued by the trade associations. “The dietary supplements industry is one of the largest industries in Utah and this caucus will serve as an important platform to educate others about the industry and policies that help promote healthy lifestyles.”
Congressman Cárdenas added, “I am thrilled to reestablish the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus in the 118th Congress. As Co-Chair, I am eager to foster a space for discussion about the many benefits of dietary supplements, the vital role that suppliers and manufacturers play in broadening nutritional options for consumers, and the importance of meaningful research on these issues. I believe this caucus will allow robust discussion that will culminate into action that betters the wellness of so many across the country.”
Issues the Dietary Supplement Caucus may focus on this year:
- Reform of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
- Expansion of Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account (FSA/HSA) regulations to include supplements as qualified reimbursable expenses.
- Funding for greater oversight by FDA.
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