NGA Supports Senate Passage of Common Cents Act

• August 8, 2026

Washington, DC - The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, today applauded the Senate for passing the bipartisan Common Cents Act, legislation that provides retailers with clear legal authority and protections to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel after the end of penny production in 2025. The Senate's passage of the bill follows a year of sustained advocacy by NGA's Government Affairs team.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), establishes a national framework for allowing businesses to continue serving customers efficiently and fairly as pennies fall out of circulation.

Last year, the U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies, while Federal Reserve coin distribution centers nationwide experienced significant shortages. Consequently, many retailers have struggled to provide exact change for cash purchases and have adopted rounding policies despite the absence of clear legal safeguards.

"Independent grocers serve millions of Americans each day and the sudden shortage of pennies has caused significant operational difficulties and regulatory uncertainty for retailers," said Stephanie Johnson, NGA senior vice president and head of government affairs. "The Common Cents Act establishes clear, consistent guidelines businesses need to handle cash transactions fairly and efficiently while minimizing inconvenience for consumers."

NGA joined other main street business groups urging the senate to support this important legislation.

###

About the National Grocers Association

NGA is the nation's leading trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating in a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector accounts for 2 percent of the nation's overall economy and generates more than $557.5 billion in annual economic activity, 1.5 million jobs, $115 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers, and service suppliers