The CTDA is Your Voice in Washington, DC

We fight for your business – and we need you in the fight

The garment and fashion industry is at a legislative inflection point. Bills that could reshape how you run your business, pay your workers, and manage your supply chain relationships are moving through Congress right now. The Custom Tailors and Designers Association is actively engaged — and your membership is what makes that engagement possible.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 12 pm via Zoom

The FABRIC Act — expected to be reintroduced in Congress by Senator Gillibrand and Representative Nadler — would make significant changes to how garment manufacturers operate in the United States. While it aims to protect garment workers (a goal our members share), several provisions could create serious burdens for small and mid-sized businesses like yours.

Key Provisions that affect our members

❋ Piece-Rate Pay Restrictions

The bill would prohibit paying workers by the piece or unit unless your shop operates under a collective bargaining agreement, eliminating the scheduling flexibility many workers and employers depend on.

❋ Mandatory Federal Registration

All manufacturers and contractors would be required to register annually with the Department of Labor, including detailed disclosures about ownership, staffing, and compliance history.

❋ Supply Chain Liability

Brands and contractors could be held jointly liable for wage violations anywhere in their supply chain, with heavy financial penalties. Its application to offshore manufacturing relationships is unclear. 

❋ Limited Grant Access

The bill authorizes $50 million in grants for workforce development, equipment, and facility improvements, which we think is way too low, and current language prioritizes union shops, leaving most of our members at a disadvantage.

We’re working to change that.

CTDA leadership has already met with Senator Gillibrand’s Washington staff to advocate for changes to protect how our members operate. We’ve made progress — but sustained engagement and grassroots support from members across the country is what turns initial conversations into real legislative wins.

How the CTDA Represents You

We don’t wait for bad legislation to pass and then react. We engage early, when there’s still room to shape the outcome.