NCL applauds FDA approval of Journavx for acute pain relief, advancing non-opioid alternatives 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approving Journavx, a pioneering non-opioid analgesic for treating moderate to severe acute pain in adults. This approval introduces a promising alternative to opioids in pain management, addressing the urgent need for safer treatments amid the ongoing opioid crisis.

According to the CDC there were an estimated 75,091 opioid overdose deaths in 2024. As the first drug in a new class of non-opioid analgesics, Journavx offers a critical option for patients needing pain relief without the risks associated with opioids.  This groundbreaking alternative works by targeting sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, reducing pain signals before they reach the brain.

“The approval of Journavx is a significant step forward in providing consumers with safe, non-opioid alternatives for pain management,” said Sally Greenberg NCL CEO. “In the face of the opioid epidemic, the FDA’s decision gives us hope for a future where pain management can be effective and free of the risks that have harmed so many.”

The drug provides an important option for acute pain management, especially as the healthcare community looks for ways to reduce opioid dependency. To learn more about additional non-opioid alternatives listen to NCL’s We Can Do This! podcast episode, where we explore the future of pain management here.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL blasts the purge of the nation’s auto safety regulator

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) opposes the Trump Administration’s firing of public servants working at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nation’s principal automobile safety regulator.  According to reports, the Trump Administration fired hundreds of people at the Department of Transportation, including employees at NHTSA.

“NHTSA cannot oversee and promote automotive safety without world-class staff, many of whom have served behind the scenes for decades doing the day to day work of making the cars safer and making the agency run,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety.  “Yet, in their reckless attempt to dismantle the core functions of the federal government, the Trump Administration is purging the dedicated public servants working tirelessly to eliminate the approximately 40,000 deaths and 5 million injuries suffered in traffic crashes every year.  Ultimately, the American people will feel the effects of this unconscionable action through more unnecessary crashes.  That means more death, more injuries, more broken families, and more shattered communities.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement on mass firings of probationary federal employees 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is alarmed by the recent mass firings of probationary federal employees in the name of “government efficiency and cutting waste.” These dedicated public servants – unsung heroes – provide essential services that consumers rely on. Their dismissal threatens the well-being of millions of Americans.

“It’s easy to break things. It’s much harder to fix them. The purge of employees for political reasons will cripple the government’s ability to provide critically needed services,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg, “Firing public servants for political reasons also threatens critical services, like running clinical trials for drugs that fight disease, defending our national security, assistance to communities after hurricanes, fires, and floods, and responding to the next pandemic.”

These purges could mean that federal agencies will cease to function – then what?  Who will send the checks to veterans and older Americans who are getting social security checks, pay for highway repairs, and send checks to farmers who’ve been promised support for conservation and other purposes? Who will fix the pressing challenges our country faces every day?

NCL has long worked on protecting public health, preventing fraud, standing up for workplace safety, ensuring fair wages, providing access to social security benefits, and ensuring safe food and medications for us all.  The termination of federal workers undermines the very systems Americans depend on for core services and to protect our future. NCL urges the Trump administration to reconsider these reckless acts and prioritize the stability and integrity of our federal workforce and government services.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)   

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

 

NCL expresses concern over the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL), a long-time advocate for consumer health and safety, is disappointed with the Senate’s confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCL has consistently supported science, evidence-based medicine, and public health and believes this appointment poses a significant risk to Americans’ health and well-being. Kennedy, who holds a law degree and has no medical training, is uniquely unqualified for this role.  

 “NCL stands firmly on the side of science and evidence-based medicine. We support policies that prioritize public health, protect consumers, and ensure the safety and efficacy of medical practices and treatments,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “With Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation, we are concerned that HHS leadership will be compromised by someone who has repeatedly ignored science and factual evidence in favor of misinformation.”   

 The Secretary of Health and Human Services must lead with facts, scientific data, and a commitment to public well-being.  By appointing Kennedy, who has a history of spreading baseless claims and promoting harmful misinformation, the confirmation undermines trust in the very healthcare system that is intended to protect the American public.   

“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a twin danger to the nation’s health. Not only is he not a medical provider, but he promotes unproven alternative therapies with no scientific evidence of therapeutic benefits, which in turn could harm consumers,” said Greenberg.

The FDA currently mandates rigorous clinical trials before approving drugs as cures or designated for treating specific medical conditions. The FDA does not regulate supplements, a significant part of the wellness market; however, it oversees false health claims and products that pose health risks to consumers. NCL urges the medical establishment to closely monitor any unsafe products or therapies he may endorse.

NCL previously collaborated with HHS, the FDA, CDC, and NIH during the first Trump Administration and hopes to build on that foundation. For the sake of public health, we will hold him accountable for his promise to the Senate to support vaccines, medical research, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical advancements that have made HHS the gold standard for healthcare around the world.   

We also appreciate the thought behind Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again,” initiative which plans to address obesity and chronic diseases, promotes healthier food choices, prioritizes fresh, whole foods over processed options, and seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest in public health policies.    

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.  

House budget resolution bad for consumers and America

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Budget blueprint would slash Medicaid and eliminate vital manufacturing and green energy policies

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – Today, House Republicans released a budget resolution, which guides federal spending and revenue policies and initiates the reconciliation process.  The resolution calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending reductions and $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.  The accompanying “budget blueprint” lays out a series of proposals that would eliminate core manufacturing and clean energy policies established in the Inflation Reduction Act and severely weaken Medicaid, which provides health insurance for nearly 72 million Americans.

“So much for America first,” said Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League. “The House Republican’s budget resolution puts everyday Americans last and corporate interests first.  No matter where you live—in a red state or blue state—this budget will hurt consumers. The proposed draconian cuts to Medicaid could deprive millions of hardworking Americans of access to affordable, quality healthcare.  Eliminating vital manufacturing and clean energy policies will harm our nation’s competitiveness, workforce, environment, and health. All of this for the sake of tax breaks for ultra-wealthy corporations that merely pocket the taxes and ship jobs overseas anyway. This is bad for consumers and bad for America.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL strongly supports the FTC noncompete rule 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumer League (NCL) reiterates its strong support for the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) noncompete rule. This week, the AHA and Federation of American Hospitals filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit urging the court to vacate the Federal Trade Commission’s noncompete rule nationwide. NCL disagrees with this effort to do away with this crucial regulation, ensuring that workers, regardless of industry, are free to pursue better opportunities without being held back by restrictive clauses that unfairly limit their mobility.

The rule reflects a fundamental principle: workers should have the freedom to advance their careers, whether they’re in healthcare, fast food, or any other field. Allowing employees to switch employers for better pay and working conditions without facing penalties or legal roadblocks is a matter of fairness.

“The rule aligns with the values of fairness and competition that benefit workers and consumers alike,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “It’s time to ensure that the workforce is empowered to thrive, and we urge the 5th Circuit to uphold the FTC’s authority in protecting workers from exploitative practices.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL raises alarm over meat industry push to dismantle protections amid worker and environmental concerns 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is raising serious concerns over recent lobbying efforts by the Meat Institute, which is urging the Trump administration to roll back essential regulations designed to protect workers, the environment, and consumers in the meatpacking and factory farm industries. NCL’s concerns are heightened by disturbing reports of widespread hazardous child labor in the industry, including children working night shifts to clean factories with caustic chemicals.

In its letter to the White House, the Meat Institute is pushing for the elimination of critical protections such as the Clean Water Act, food safety regulations, and farmworker protections under the Packers and Stockyards Act. NCL is opposed to these efforts, warning that weakening these protections will lead to further exploitation of workers and unsafe food production practices.

“The history of the meat industry is a stark reminder of why these protections exist,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “The horrifying conditions Upton Sinclair exposed in The Jungle led to critical reforms such as the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906—laws that NCL championed that continue to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of our food supply. We cannot afford to go backward.”

The emergence of widespread child labor in the meatpacking industry, with children working in hazardous conditions, echoes the dark past that led to these crucial regulations. The Meat Institute’s push to dismantle regulations on food safety, water pollution, and worker protections will not only harm workers, but also put consumers at risk. Without these safeguards, the public could face unsafe food products, environmental damage, and the continued exploitation of vulnerable workers.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Trump import tariffs harm small businesses and consumers: increased costs and delays ahead

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s recent announcement of new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. NCL is fearful that this decision could significantly impact American consumers, affecting a wide range of goods that are integral to daily life.

As of this week, an agreement was made between the two North American countries to delay the tariffs for 30 days. This temporary pause allows time to see if these actions can lead to a solution without the need for harsh tariffs. If the agreements are not met or progress is not made, the tariffs could go back into effect after the 30-day period.

While these tariffs are framed as efforts to address national security concerns, the reality is that they could place an undue burden on everyday Americans. Consumers are already facing inflationary pressures, and these additional costs may only exacerbate the financial challenges that families and businesses face. The proposed 25% additional tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tariff on energy resources, will directly drive-up prices on essential goods. NCL is concerned that consumers could feel the impact when they purchase everything from groceries to vehicles, as the increased tariffs is expected to add to the cost of manufacturing and transportation. An estimate from the non-partisan Tax Foundation puts the cost of the proposed tariffs at $800 per household this year.

“We are deeply concerned that these tariffs could hurt everyday Americans,” NCL CEO Sally Greenberg said. “Products consumers rely on daily, from fruits and vegetables to meat and energy could see price increases as supply chains are disrupted. Higher prices on basic goods would make life harder for families across the country, all as a result of these ill-conceived trade policies.”        

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

 

NCL joins 25+ advocacy organizations in opposing expansion of 340B drug pricing program in New York 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829   

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined over 25 patient and provider advocacy organizations in voicing strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the 340B Drug Pricing Program under NY Senate Bill 1913. The groups, which represent a broad coalition of patients, healthcare providers, and consumer advocates, assert that the 340B program, originally designed to support vulnerable populations, has instead become a profit-driven mechanism benefiting large hospital systems and middlemen—without delivering on its promises to the low-income individuals it was meant to help.  

“The 340B program was designed to help vulnerable patients, but it’s become a profit-driven system that benefits hospitals, not those in need,” said Samantha Sears, Health Policy Associate at NCL. “It’s time for policymakers to demand real accountability and transparency.” 

Without these changes, 340B will continue to drive up costs while failing to serve those who need it most. Rather than expanding a flawed and dysfunctional system, the coalition is urging state legislators to take meaningful action to reform 340B. They are calling for: 

  • Greater transparency on how 340B savings are reinvested into patient care. 
  • Direct benefits to lower drug costs for uninsured patients. 
  • A focus on expanding the program in truly underserved areas. 

The full letter is available here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

Fifteen organizations call on senate commerce committee to support TICKET Act  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined a coalition of 15 organizations in support of the TICKET Act (S. 281). This bipartisan bill, reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), is scheduled for markup in the Senate Commerce Committee this Wednesday, February 5. NCL has championed this legislation since its introduction last Congress and continues to stand with numerous consumer and fan advocacy organizations and live event industry stakeholders in endorsing its key provisions.  

“Consumers deserve fair, transparent, and reliable ticketing practices, and the TICKET Act delivers just that,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Hidden fees, speculative ticketing, and deceptive marketing practices have plagued the live event industry for far too long, leaving fans frustrated and out of pocket. The TICKET Act takes important steps toward fixing these issues, and NCL is proud to continue our support for this vital consumer protection legislation.”  

The TICKET Act requires all-in pricing, which would eliminate hidden fees and provide consumers with clear and transparent pricing upfront. It also bans speculative ticketing and deceptive marketing practices, ensures refunds for canceled or postponed events, and mandates a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study on the enforcement of the BOTS Act.  

“The TICKET Act’s common-sense provisions will empower consumers and promote a more equitable and transparent live event ticketing marketplace,” said Breyault. “By supporting this bill, the Senate has the opportunity to protect millions of fans from deceptive practices and ensure that ticket buyers can confidently purchase tickets without fear of hidden costs or other unfair practices.” 

To view the organizations’ letter, click here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)   

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.