Washington, D.C.—The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) brought together more than 60 executives from member companies in the dietary supplement and functional food industry to Capitol Hill for CRN's Day on the Hill. This annual advocacy day, held this year on June 10, focuses on delivers a unified message to lawmakers about the importance of science-based nutrition, responsible regulation, and consumer access to dietary supplements.
Over the course of the day, CRN members attended more than 60 meetings with congressional offices, engaging directly with lawmakers and key staff on legislative and regulatory priorities affecting the dietary supplement industry.
"Day on the Hill is one of the most important opportunities we have each year to ensure policymakers hear directly from the people behind our industry," said Julia Gufstafson, Vice President, Government Relations, CRN. "When lawmakers meet face-to-face with the executives, scientists, manufacturers, and innovators who operate in their districts, they gain a deeper understanding of the role dietary supplements play in supporting public health, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies. The enthusiasm and engagement we saw this year demonstrate that our industry's voice is being heard."
Priorities at CRN's 2026 Day on the Hill
Looking to best serve the millions of Americans who rely on nutritional supplements to support their health and wellness, CRN focused on advancing policies that support transparency, regulatory consistency, consumer access, and innovation while maintaining strong oversight and consumer protections. Day on the Hill participants advocated for:
- Expanded consumer access through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) eligibility for dietary supplements
- Support for the Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act, which aims to reaffirm a single, science-based national standard for dietary supplements under the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a goal of protecting consumer health and reining in burdensome state overregulation.
- Passage of the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2026, which was introduced by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Curtis (R-UT), would amend the Internal Revenue Code to classify over-the-counter dietary supplements as qualified medical expenses. The change would allow consumers to purchase supplements using HSAs), FSAs, and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), subject to annual limits. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
- Policies addressing tariffs, supply chain challenges, and the import and export of dietary ingredients and finished products.
The event featured remarks from Representatives Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Nick Langworthy (R-NY). CRN noted that the participation of these lawmakers underscored the growing bipartisan interest in policies that support consumer access, responsible industry oversight, and innovation within the dietary supplement marketplace.
Advocacy in action
A key takeaway from 2026 event, CRN reported, is that there is increasing recognition among policymakers that preventive health, consumer wellness, and regulatory modernization are critical issues deserving thoughtful attention.
"What made this year's Day on the Hill so successful wasn't just the number of meetings we held—it was the quality of the conversations," said Bruce Brown, chair of the CRN Board of Directors. "Lawmakers and staff were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and wanted to better understand the role our industry plays in supporting consumer health. That's exactly why these face-to-face discussions matter. They help build the relationships and trust that are essential to advancing sound policy."
CRN said that, for the trade group's Government Relations team, Day on the Hill serves as an advocacy event and an opportunity to strengthen long-term relationships with policymakers.
"Meaningful policy progress starts with meaningful conversations," Gustafson explained. "The meetings our members held on Capitol Hill this year reinforced that lawmakers want to hear directly from responsible companies about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. These conversations help policymakers better understand the importance of maintaining a regulatory framework that protects consumers while supporting innovation, access, and economic growth."
WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and Chief Business Officer Heather Wainer was in attendance, and noted how receptive lawmakers at their staffs were to learning more about key issues, including CRN's stance on FSAs/HSAs.
"Advocacy is essential for ensuring that our voices and beliefs are heard by elected officials," Wainer shared. "I am grateful to CRN for providing this valuable opportunity. We had meaningful conversations that I believe will help strengthen and advance our industry. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to learn, communicate, build relationships, and play an active role in protecting and growing our industry. Together, our collective voice can make a real difference."
