Author: Caroline Berry

ACSA joined nearly 200 organizations in supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), legislation aimed at addressing the growing threat of organized retail theft and supply chain crime. The coalition’s letter to Senate leadership reflects strong support for coordinated efforts to combat criminal activity that disrupts businesses, increases costs, and impacts supply chains nationwide.

ACSA Transportation and Insurance Committee Chairman states, “Interstate ocean container crime is a direct attack on interstate commerce, exploiting gaps in federal enforcement and shifting the financial burden of organized, multi state criminal activity onto exporters and their customers.”

Letter here.

Press release here.

The Great American Cotton Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry by expanding demand, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting domestic supply chains. The plan emphasizes market-driven solutions that promote the use of U.S.-grown cotton while creating long-term opportunities for producers, merchants, manufacturers, and consumers. ACSA appreciates Secretary Rollins and her team for the roll out of this plan.

More here.

The American Cotton Shippers Association joined a coalition of agricultural organizations in a letter to Congress urging a balanced approach to rail safety legislation that protects both safety and supply chain efficiency. The group emphasized the importance of a reliable freight rail network to U.S. agriculture and raised concerns that certain proposed mandates could increase costs and disrupt service without clear safety benefits. The letter outlines support for targeted, data-driven improvements while cautioning against policies that could undermine the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.

Letter here.

A large and diverse coalition of cotton industry stakeholders, including the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA), has sent a letter to Members of the U.S. Senate urging them to co-sponsor the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA).

The letter, signed by organizations representing the full cotton supply chain, from producers and merchants to brands and retailers, demonstrates broad, unified support for this important legislation. This unified show of support underscores the industry’s commitment to policies that bolster U.S. cotton competitiveness, support American agriculture, and reinforce the integrity of domestic supply chains.

Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and other members of Congress from major cotton-producing states urge the U.S. Trade Representative to secure permanent reductions or elimination of India’s trade barriers to U.S. cotton as part of ongoing trade negotiations. ACSA looks forward to work with USTR and Congress to make sure U.S. cotton can compete fairly in the international marketplace.

Letter here.

A large and diverse coalition of cotton industry stakeholders — including the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) — has sent a letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to co-sponsor the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA).

The letter, signed by organizations representing the full cotton supply chain — from producers and merchants to brands and retailers — demonstrates broad, unified support for this important legislation. This unified show of support underscores the industry’s commitment to policies that bolster U.S. cotton competitiveness, support American agriculture, and reinforce the integrity of domestic supply chains.

Read the full coalition letter here.

President Trump designated Laura DiBella as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) following her recent swearing-in and Senate confirmation as a commissioner. As Chairman and the FMC’s chief executive, Ms. DiBella will lead the agency’s oversight of the international ocean transportation.

More here.

The Buying American Cotton Act (BACA) has now been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, marking an important milestone in ACSA’s effort to strengthen long-term demand for U.S.-grown cotton and U.S.-manufactured cotton products. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reinforces cotton’s role across the global supply chain while aligning economic strength with environmental and public health priorities.

Member engagement is critical as BACA moves forward. We encourage all members to contact their Members of Congress and urge them to support the Buying American Cotton Act.

Take Action & Learn More

• BACA Industry Overview – Overview of the legislation and how it works
• Current Senate Sponsors of BACA – View Senators supporting the legislation
• Current House Sponsors of BACA – View House Members supporting the legislation
• Find Your Member of Congress – Identify and contact your Representative and Senators
• Sample Language to Send to Congress – Ready-to-use outreach text for member engagement

Sample Outreach Language

Members and industry colleagues may use or adapt the language below when contacting congressional offices:

Dear [Member],

I am writing to encourage your support for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), bipartisan legislation that strengthens demand for U.S.-grown cotton and supports the full U.S. cotton supply chain.

With continued economic uncertainty facing rural communities, Congress should advance policies that provide long-term stability for American agriculture. I respectfully urge you to support BACA and consider joining as a sponsor.

Thank you,
[Name]

Stay Up-To-Date

ACSA will remain actively engaged as the Buying American Cotton Act moves forward, providing timely updates and advocacy resources along the way. Follow us on X at https://x.com/CottonShippers for the most up-to-date information.

ACSA is urging support for S. 2909, the Seasonal Ag CDL Modernization Act. The bill would allow online renewal of restricted CDLs, align federal definitions of “implements of husbandry” with existing FMCSA policy, and reduce compliance burdens for rural seasonal drivers, while maintaining all current safety requirements.

Letter here.

Paper here.