News

Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Exhibitors: register online today!

Register now to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show

After the House passed the reconciliation tax package in a narrow vote of 215-214 on May 22, 2025, all eyes are now on the Senate as they prepare to take up the legislation. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is tasked with shepherding the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act through the Senate while seeking to address a range of concerns from Republican members. The legislation will also undergo a “Byrd Bath” to ensure it complies with Senate reconciliation rules. The Byrd rules require that provisions have a budget impact and do not increase the budget outside of the 10-year window without offsets. Several senators, including Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), have called for significantly larger spending cuts to help address the country’s growing debt. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has said he will not vote to increase the debt ceiling and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has emerged as a strong opponent of Medicaid cuts.

Thune told reporters on June 4, 2025, that a repeal of the estate tax will not likely be in the Senate’s version of the tax bill. Thune said he expects the estate tax to stay at the level set in the House bill. The House bill permanently extends a higher estate tax exemption from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), which expires after 2025 and sets the exemption at $15 million in 2026, adjusted for inflation thereafter.

Complicating matters, Elon Musk, who announced he is stepping down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), expressed his dissatisfaction with the tax bill. Musk argued the tax bill undercuts his recent efforts to slash government spending due to the significant increase to the budget deficit that the bill includes. Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has paused its request to collect the personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients after a coalition of groups filed a lawsuit on May 22, 2025, alleging the directive violated federal privacy laws. The lawsuit is in response to the May 6, 2025, USDA request that states turn over data to the agency, through their third-party payment processors, "including but not limited to" names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and addresses of all SNAP applicants and recipients going back more than five years. More than 40 million people utilize the SNAP program each month. Despite the lawsuit and pause from USDA, some states are preparing to comply with the request, which could be used to achieve Trump administration priorities, such as immigration enforcement. Read more here and here.

CDA is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 CDA Distributors Education Foundation (DEF) Ray Foley Memorial Scholarships. The scholarship was established in June 1983 to honor the late National Candy Wholesalers Association executive vice president, Ray Foley. Applicants must be employed on an ongoing basis by a CDA distributor member company or be an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an employee of a CDA distributor member company in good standing.

After a rigorous and anonymous selection process, the judging panel has chosen four exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement. The scholarship winners are Gabrielle Boudreaux, Jackson Clemmons, Tanya Elasmar, and Nathan Grabenstein. Each recipient will receive $5,000 in financial aid to pursue their academic goals.

	Gabrielle Boudreaux is an administrative assistant at Church Point Wholesale in Church Point, Louisiana. Boudreaux is currently pursuing a medical degree from Louisiana State University Eunice, with a particular interest in radiology and nursing. In high school, she was a top-performing student and multi-sport varsity athlete, including her role on the softball state championship team. Following an ankle injury, the care received from her clinical team deepened her love for the medical field. As Boudreaux continues her studies, she strives to one day open her own clinic, aiming to improve the health and well-being of her community and loved ones.
	Jackson Clemmons is the son of Jeff Clemmons, sales and business development manager at Grocery Supply Company in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Clemmons graduated from high school with honors, receiving endorsements from the science magnet program in STEM, arts and humanities, and multi-disciplinary studies. He was active in Spanish Club, Eagle Flight Advisory, National Honor Society, and Junior Varsity Tennis. Outside of school, he committed his time to his church and Boy Scout troop and worked on his family farm. He is most proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout and receiving the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Clemmons will attend the University of Denver this fall, majoring in psychology and Spanish.
	Tanya Elasmar is the daughter of Tanios Elasmar, territory sales manager at Gummer Wholesale, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. Elasmar is a first-generation college student entering her senior year as a Marketing major at Cleveland State University, completing her four-year degree in just three years while working full-time as a licensed real estate agent and a marketing director. Outside of school and work, she finds joy in music and playing the drums and stays active in her church community as a youth leader and director of cultural dance groups. After graduation, Elasmar’s goal is to continue building a career that blends marketing, real estate, and community impact.
	Nathan Grabenstein is the son of Ryan Grabenstein, WordPress developer and administrator at Cash-Wa Distributing Co., Inc. in Kearney, Nebraska. Grabenstein attends the University of Nebraska at Kearney, majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, and minoring in Agribusiness. As an engaged member of the campus community, he is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, serving as the vice president of finance. He also is a student ambassador for the College of Business and Technology. Grabenstein’s academic achievements have granted him access to the prestigious Mortar Board organization, and he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society.

CDA believes investing in education is one of the most important things that we can do to empower future leaders and make a positive impact in our community. We are honored to support these bright and talented students on their journeys toward success. Congratulations to all our scholarship winners, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Those who qualify for the CDA DEF Ray Foley Memorial Scholarship are encouraged to apply in 2026. To learn more about this scholarship program and the impact Ray Foley had on the industry, visit www.cdaweb.net/RayFoley.

On May 22, 2025, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) released its first report. The Commission states that several factors are contributing to chronic disease in children, which include “poor diet, accumulation of environmental toxins, insufficient physical activity, chronic stress, and overmedicalization.” The report argues that the influence of food, chemical and pharmaceutical companies has created the current situation and emphasizes the impact of federal lobbying. For example, the report notes that the chemical manufacturing industry spent roughly $77 million on federal lobbying activities in 2024 and 60% of their lobbyists previously held federal jobs. The report also suggests that peer-reviewed journals are actually controlled by private industry and that doctors should not trust their results as the gold standard. The Commission is now tasked with producing a “Make Our Children Health Again Strategy” based on the report’s findings within 82 days. Read more here.

CDA is pleased to announce the recipients of its second annual Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Scholarship Program, The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program. This program provides distributor member company employees with an opportunity to grow their careers to become commercial truck drivers. The scholarship program provides 10 recipients with up to $5,000 toward training at a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified CDL training center.

After a rigorous and anonymous selection process, the judging panel has chosen 10 exceptional distributor member company employees to receive the scholarships. Learn more about the recipients below.

Dallas Burkhardt has worked for Team Sledd for almost two years. He is a non-CDL delivery driver based in Wheeling, WV. Burkhardt is pursuing his CDL to grow within the company and build a secure future. Known for his dependability and work ethic, he’s seen as a great fit for a long-term route driver.

Marquis Coburn has worked for SpartanNash for a year and a half. He is an order selector and trainer based in Oklahoma City, OK. Coburn is excited to gain experience as a CDL driver and advance within the company. As a “Wall of Fame” inductee, he is a standout example of passion and growth.

Lenin Cruz has worked for Resnick Distributors for a year and a half. He is a Class D delivery driver based in New Brunswick, NJ. Cruz hopes to use his CDL to gain experience and build a successful career. His commitment to continuous improvement makes him a valued member of the team.

Sergio Esquivel has worked for Grocery Supply Company for two years. He is a driver’s helper based in Brenham, TX. Esquivel is looking forward to the knowledge and career growth that comes with earning a CDL. Named the 2024 Brenham Helper of the Year, he is known for his adaptability and strong work ethic.

Micheal Hooten has worked for Harbor Wholesale Foods for over three years. He is a driver assistant and non-CDL box truck driver based in Roseburg, OR. Hooten sees obtaining a CDL as the next step to grow within the company. As a two-time President’s Club award winner, he’s recognized for his dedication, skills, and positive influence.

Brandon Lappin has worked for Grocery Supply Company for six years. He is a driver’s helper based in Sulphur Springs, TX. Lappin is eager to obtain his CDL and grow within the company. He is valued for his strong communication skills and commitment to the company’s success.

Luis Martinez has worked for Resnick Distributors for two years. He is a Class D delivery driver based in New Brunswick, NJ. Martinez’s proactive approach and attention to detail makes him an invaluable team member. Earning his CDL will allow him to expand his role and advance his career.

Antonio Overstreet has worked for Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, for nine years. He is a dock and loader lead based in Port Allen, LA. Gaining a CDL will fulfill a longtime goal for Overstreet, enabling him to contribute more to his team’s success and enhance his career.

Brad Stephens has worked for Renfro Supply Company for eighteen years. He is the general manager based in Williamsburg, KY. Stephens looks forward to gaining a deeper knowledge of the transportation industry and plans to use his CDL to help the company expand their footprint.

Daryl White has worked for SpartanNash for eight years. He is a forklift operator and parcel associate based in Omaha, NE. White hopes to use his CDL to grow within the company and take on new challenges. His manager praises his reliability and longtime desire to become a CDL driver.

CDA’s Distributors Education Foundation (DEF) is focused on addressing the shortage of CDL holders by offering The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program for employees of distributor member companies who are interested in becoming a commercial driver. We are honored to support these talented and committed employees on their journeys toward obtaining their CDL. Congratulations to all scholarship winners, and we wish them the best of luck.

To learn more about The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program, visit: https://www.cdaweb.net/CDL.

Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Exhibitors: register online today!

Register now to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show

After a marathon overnight session, the House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act” on May 22, 2025, by a vote of 215-214, with one voting present. The massive bill is the signature priority for President Trump and the Republican majorities in Congress. The OBBB contains provisions related to tobacco drawback, specifically limiting the amount of drawback granted on tobacco products and related products. This limit applies to both the drawback of excise tax under the Code and the Tariff Act when substituted merchandise is exported or destroyed. Here are some key links:

• Rules Committee Print
• Manager’s amendment changing the Rules Committee Print
• Committee Print changes from based text
• CBO preliminary analysis

The bill now goes to the Senate, where Republican senators hope to make many changes to the bill. However, President Trump has urged the Senate to act quickly. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) warned the Senate that the House bill is the product of a delicate agreement that barely passed, warning the upper chamber against major changes. But many Senate Republicans have concerns about the tax components, the SNAP burden on states, the implications of Medicaid changes and several other major elements of the bill.

In addition, many House provisions likely violate the Senate’s Byrd Rule which prohibits policy provisions in a spending/tax reconciliation bill. Only time will tell how modest or ambitious the Senate’s changes to the bill will be. Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) indicated this week that he has a goal of approving the bill prior to the 4th of July, which is in line with the House’s timeline, but Senate staff have privately indicated that they believe the real deadline is the start of the August recess. Read more here.

On May 15, 2025, Senate Finance Committee members voted to advance two top officials nominated by President Donald Trump for the Health and Human Services Department. James O’Neill, who senators advanced in a 14-13 vote, would serve as number two at the department currently headed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Gary Andres, who advanced in a 19-8 vote, would serve as assistant secretary.

The House Rules Committee advanced the Republican budget reconciliation bill late on May 21, 2025, sending the legislation to the floor for consideration after a meeting that stretched nearly 22 hours. The panel voted 8-4 to advance the “One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act” — including a series of last-minute changes to the sprawling measure designed to appease blue-state moderates and hardline conservatives who withheld support from the legislation.

The full House then voted 215-214 early on May 22, 2025, to pass the OBBB Act. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH) joined Democrats in opposing the bill; and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) voted present. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) agreed to an increased state-and-local tax (SALT) deduction, an accelerated start to new Medicaid work requirements and a faster phase-out of clean-energy tax credits to garner the necessary support in the House.

The bill now goes to the Senate side where changes are expected to be made. Republican leaders have said they want to enact the package by July 4, 2025. Read more here.

Above, attendees pose at the Altria offices in D.C. after dinner, hosted by Altria Group Distribution Company.

CDA distributor members flew in (and a few drove) from around the country to Washington, D.C., May 13-14 for the 2025 Day on the Hill advocacy program – the association’s annual opportunity for members to engage directly with legislators on issues vital to the convenience distribution industry. Attendees participated in policy briefings, heard from seasoned policymakers, toured the White House, and had an abundance of opportunities to network with peers at the generously sponsored meals – no one went home hungry.

View the video to the right for a wrap-up of the event.

“Day on the Hill is a cornerstone of CDA’s advocacy efforts, giving our members a direct line to lawmakers on laws and regulations that shape our businesses and communities,” said Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO.

Several new features enhanced this year’s program including a tour of the White House, a welcome luncheon to kick off the program, and a working lunch the following day between Hill meetings.

Attendees covered issues including the repeal of the Death Tax, FDA’s tobacco regulatory responsibilities and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204(d) requirements.

Above, attendees recharge and enjoy lunch between Wednesday's meetings at Capitol Hill's historic The Monocle restaurant, provided by ITG Brands, LLC.

CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, emphasized the importance of member engagement. “Our industry faces complex challenges, and the best way to address them is by coming together and working collaboratively with lawmakers to shape effective policy,” Buckner noted.

The success of this advocacy program was made possible by the generous support of sponsors Altria Group Distribution Company, ITG Brands, LLC, Phillip Morris International and Reynolds.

To the right, attendees enjoy Tuesday's kick-off lunch, provided by Philip Morris International.

“We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, whose commitment allowed us to amplify our industry’s voice in Washington,” Bolin added. “Together, we continue to build relationships and shape policies that benefit our members and the customers they serve.”

Don’t miss the next issue of Convenience Distribution magazine, featuring an in-depth look at CDA’s advocacy. In the meantime, click here to view more photos from Day on the Hill.

Attendees gather for a group photo as they begin their tour of the White House.	Posing in front of the Presidential Seal at the White House are (l-r) Barry Margolis, Cooper-Booth Wholesale Co.; Chad Owen, Chambers & Owen, Inc.; Kevin Barney, Atlantic Dominion Distributors; and Lupe Zumarraga and Carlos Zumarraga, Zuma & Sons Distributors Corp.
Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) meets with Paula Glidewell (left), Glidewell Distributing Company, Inc., and Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO.	Rep. James Comer (R-KY) (center) meets with (l-r) Matthew Murray, Renfro Supply Company; Ross Haynes, Hardec's, Inc.; Brad Stephens, Renfro Supply Company; and Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO.
CDA Chair Jodi Buckner (far-right), Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, and Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO, meet with Rep. Cleo Fields (D-LA) (far-left).	Rep. Ben Cline meets with (l-r) Melissa Manuel, Christina Laycock and Carolyn Corbin, Merchants Grocery Company, Inc.; and Angie Simonetti, CDA executive vice president.

Above, attendees gather after breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club, hosted by Reynolds.

A Special Thanks From CDA to All That Attended Day on the Hill

Perenso is a B2B sales enablement platform that helps manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers streamline and enhance their sales operations. By unifying in-person, online and mobile commerce channels, Perenso enables businesses to sell more efficiently—anytime, anywhere. Its comprehensive platform improves rep productivity, strengthens buyer engagement and supports seamless order capture across every sales channel.

Contact information for Perenso is as follows:

Caitlin Root, Sales Operations Manager
Caitlin.Root@Perenso.com
Perenso
P.O. Box 461058
Aurora, CO 80046
(720) 737-3734
https://www.perenso.com/

Thayer Distribution is a redistributor, highly focused on reselling exclusively to wholesalers and distributors that serve retailers. The company currently operates two climate-controlled facilities in the Philadelphia area, delivering on its climate-controlled fleet to twenty-two surrounding states, throughout the northeast, as far south as GA, west to TN and IL, and all points between, employing common carriers outside of that range. The company also provides third-party logistics services to many of its suppliers.

Contact information for Thayer Distribution is as follows:

John Ochi, Chief Commercial Officer
jochi@thayerdist.com
Thayer Distribution
500 Springbrooke Blvd.
Aston, PA 19014
(800) 999-4271
thayerdistribution.com

Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Exhibitors: register online today!

Register now to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the seizure of nearly two million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Chicago, with an estimated retail value of $33.8 million. The seizures, which occurred in February of this year in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), were part of a joint federal operation to examine incoming shipments and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the country.

During this operation, the team uncovered shipments of various illegal e-cigarette products, almost all of which originated in China and were intended for shipment to various U.S. states. FDA and CBP personnel determined that, in an apparent attempt to evade duties and the review of products for import safety concerns, many of these unauthorized e-cigarette shipments contained vague product descriptions with incorrect values. Upon examining shipments, the team found several brands of unauthorized e-cigarettes, including Snoopy Smoke, Raz and others.

“The FDA, working with our federal partners, can and will do more to stop the illegal importation and distribution of e-cigarette products in the United States,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Seizures of illegal e-cigarettes keep products that haven’t been authorized by the FDA out of the United States and out of the hands of our nation’s youth.”

Read more here.

On June 4, 2025, the Partnership for Food Traceability (PFT) will hold a webinar entitled PFT Update: FSMA 204 Industry Interoperability Decisions and Operational Pilots. This is a complimentary webinar open to anyone in the industry interested in learning more about section 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Partnership for Food Traceability (PFT) is an independent, sector-neutral nonprofit developing a shared, overarching vision for food traceability across the supply chain. PFT’s membership includes industry members, trade associations, and technology vendors from all sectors and industries of the food supply chain with support from FDA, State, and local food officials. PFT has been working to align consensus business and functional requirements for FSMA 204 compliance and interoperability, and to develop simulations and pilots based on those decisions. The following will be discussed:

• Decisions made that will become part of the Blueprint for Interoperability,
• Outcomes and learnings from PFT’s Pilots Committee, including from recent supply chain simulations, and
• PFT’s work timeline under the new FSMA 204 compliance date.

FDA Advances Post-Market Chemical Review Program

On May 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is conducting a systematic review process for food chemicals already on the market. Under the leadership of Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H., the FDA will roll out several key actions over the coming months:

• A modernized, evidence-based prioritization scheme for reviewing existing chemicals. A draft will be released for public comment soon.
• A final, systematic post-market review process shaped by stakeholder input.
• An updated list of chemicals under review, including BHT, BHA, and ADA. The FDA will also take steps to expedite its review of chemicals currently under review like phthalates, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide. FDA will continue to share information about the status of this work on its public website as part the agency’s push for greater transparency.

According to Bloomberg, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary has selected agency veterans to lead the offices for tobacco regulation and inspections. Bret Koplow will serve as acting director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) and Elizabeth Miller will serve as the acting associate commissioner for the Office of Inspections and Investigations.

FDA is facing pressure to crack down on illicit e-cigarettes and working to change how it approaches foreign inspections. Miller has worked at the FDA overseeing inspections of medical products and in the agency’s tobacco division since 2020. She did a prior stint at the agency from 2007 to 2016, according to her LinkedIn profile. Koplow has worked for the agency in various roles since 2011. Michael Rogers, the former leader of the Office of Inspections and Investigations, resigned earlier this month after serving at the FDA for 34 years. The former CTP Director Brian King was forced out during agency-wide layoffs in April.

Convenience Store News has announced its 2025 class of Top Women in Convenience, where it will bring the convenience store industry together this fall to celebrate 100 established and emerging female leaders at the 12th annual Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) Awards Gala. CDA congratulates all the honorees, with special congratulations to the several CDA members honored, which include:

Women of the Year:

• Tanisha Sanders, ITG Brands, LLC

Senior-Level Leaders:

• Terri Albright, Premier Manufacturing, Inc.
• Hebe Alexander, McLane Company, Inc.
• Heather Allan, Core-Mark International, Inc.
• Halle Barish, Mars Wrigley
• Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC
• Christy Canary-Garner, Reynolds
• Todd Compton, Premier Manufacturing, Inc.
• Melanie Gebrekiristos, ITG Brands, LLC
• Aleksandra (Ola) Kozielska, Juul Labs
• Brielle Lawson, Director, ITG Brands, LLC
• Stacy McNutt, PepsiCo
• Kelli Patterson, Mars Wrigley
• Beth Strickland, PDI Technologies
• Judy Truchan, Team Sledd
• Christine Turner, PepsiCo
• Heather Webb, Patron Points Inc.
• Kristin Willis, Core-Mark International, Inc.

The Top Women in Convenience Awards Gala will take place Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago. For more details and for the full list of honorees, read the Convenience Store News story.

On May 12, 2025, the U.S. and China jointly announced they will temporarily lower tariffs on each other’s products. The combined 145% U.S. levies on most Chinese imports were reduced to 30%, including the rate tied to fentanyl, on May 14, 2025, while the 125% Chinese duties on U.S. goods were dropped to 10%. “We had a very robust and productive discussion on steps forward on fentanyl,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “We are in agreement that neither side wants to decouple.”

The announcement represents a step toward de-escalating a tariff conflict that has led to a slump in trade across the Pacific Ocean. The two countries had earlier reported “substantial progress” in their talks, which lifted markets and helped Chinese stocks recoup their losses since President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement of tariffs on April 2, 2025. Read more here.

In his first appearance on Capitol Hill since his confirmation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified on May 14, 2025, in front of the House Appropriations and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees. Democrats and Republicans in both chambers questioned RFK, Jr. about vaccine messaging, agency layoffs and other HHS priorities. Read more here.

Over the last several weeks, the House has introduced and passed out of committee 11 components of their massive budget reconciliation bill that cuts taxes, cuts various mandatory spending and invests in border security and national defense. Here are links to the committees that have passed their reconciliation proposals:

• Armed Services Committee approved their title 35-21. This title appropriates roughly $100 billion into weapons systems, shipbuilding, and military readiness activities.
• Education and Workforce Committee approved their title 21-14. This title largely reforms the federal student aid system by restricting eligibility and placing more financial risk on institutions of higher education.
• Financial Services Committee approved their title 30-22. This title rescinds “green” programs under the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Homeland Security Committee approved their title 18-14. This title appropriates roughly $90 billion for border security infrastructure, personnel, and training.
• Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved their title 22-21. This title largely reforms retirement and benefit programs for federal employees.
• House Judiciary Committee approved their title 23-17. This title largely imposes new fees on immigration applications.
• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved their title 36-30. This bill appropriates funds for Coast Guard equipment and infrastructure, rescinds “Green New Deal” transportation programs, and imposes fees on electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Natural Resources Committee approved their title 26-17. This title largely opens up federal lands to oil and gas development.
• Energy and Commerce Committee approved their title 30-24. This title deals largely with Medicaid.
• Agriculture Committee approved their title 29-25. This title deals with SNAP benefits and includes a $60 billion farm bill package.
• Ways and Means Committee approved their title 26-19. This title deals with the tax code.

The House Budget Committee will bundle all portions together into a single bill to markup on May 16, 2025, ready for consideration by the whole House on the floor. If the House can pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or OBBB, the Senate would begin its own deliberations, and their version would be drastically different. Republican leaders originally hoped to sign the OBBB package into law by the end of May, but their new goal for passage is July 4, 2025, but Senate staff indicated that they believe the real deadline is before the start of the August recess. Read more here.

On May 7, 2025, President Trump withdrew the nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be the next Surgeon General just days before her scheduled Senate confirmation hearing. The Surgeon General is simultaneously head of the U.S. Public Health Service and a figurehead for communicating the federal government’s health priorities. Nesheiwat came under fire from Trump influencers like Laura Loomer who criticized her for having previously supported COVID-19 vaccines, as well as some inconsistencies in her credentials.

In her place, Trump tapped Dr. Casey Means. Means is a holistic medicine advocate who has risen to prominence in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement headed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. She has long been critical of the current health industry, claiming it has a financial incentive to keep people sick. She believes diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices are the primary means to one’s health.

Since her nomination, many traditional health experts have criticized Means for having not completed her medical residency and not being a practicing physician. Meanwhile, Loomer, who was instrumental in Nesheiwat’s withdrawn nomination, is also unhappy with Means, claiming she “talks to trees.” The major outcry leads one to wonder if Means will get confirmed or not.

Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Register online today!

Register now to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show

On May 12, 2025, CDA sent a letter to President Donald Trump to raise his awareness about important issues involving electronic vapor products. The letter expresses the urgent need for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to expeditiously finalize the review process of up to 369,000 pending Pre-Market Tobacco Applications (PMTAs) so that adults have additional authorized product alternatives. CDA’s letter also focused on the need for the Federal Multi-Agency Task Force that was created in June 2024 to use all of its enforcement powers to address the illicit vape market.