Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives 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 given the end of penny production in 2025.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-09) and Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), 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 ceased penny production, and Federal Reserve coin distribution sites across the country reported widespread shortages. As a result, many retailers have been unable to provide exact change for cash transactions, forcing businesses to implement rounding practices without clear legal protections.

“Independent grocers serve millions of customers across the country every day, and the rapid disappearance of pennies created serious operational challenges and legal uncertainty for retailers of all sizes,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA SVP and head of government affairs. “The Common Cents Act provides the clarity businesses need to continue conducting cash transactions fairly, consistently, and without disruption for consumers.”

NGA joined other main street business groups urging Congress to pass 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