The National Restaurant Association’s executive vice president for Policy and Government Affairs, Scott DeFife, has been named one of “The Hill” newspaper’s “Top Lobbyists of 2013.” DeFife is part of a select group chosen among thousands of Washington advocates. This is his fifth time to be named to publication’s annual list of top lobbyists.
“Scott has led the National Restaurant Association on every policy front with continued success for the restaurant industry,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the NRA. “From immigration and health care reform to showcasing the entrepreneurial strength of the industry, Scott’s work with Congress and the Administration has benefited millions of restaurateurs and restaurant workers nationwide. He has built a first rate team and we are so proud of the impact they make each and every day.”
Under DeFife’s leadership, the NRA played a significant role in encouraging the Obama Administration’s decision to delay the health care law’s employer-mandate penalties and some reporting requirements until 2015. The NRA continues to be vocal about the concerns and needs of its members and has provided extensive resources to help members comply, including an online Health Care Reform Headquarters, comprehensive Health Care Law Toolkit and Notification Tool for employees.
Immigration reform has been a top priority for the restaurant industry, and the NRA is playing a key role in moving reform forward. The NRA continues to work with members of Congress and the Administration to secure the industry’s goals for reform: a clear path to legalization for undocumented workers, national use of the E-Verify employment verification system, and increased border security that does not impede legal travel and tourism.
In an effort to educate policymakers to the breadth, depth, scope and influence of the restaurant industry on the American economy, DeFife initiated the NRA’s America Works Here campaign to share the restaurant industry’s story. A new America Works Here site has been a successful way to share the story of opportunity for the more than 13.1 million restaurant employees nationwide.
DeFife also has led the NRA’s sustainability and environmental efforts leading the “Conserve” broad initiative that helps restaurant operators implement conservation practices critical to the environment and their bottom line.
