ICCFA’s Government & Legal Committee Leads 2025 Capitol Hill Advocacy Effort

STERLING, Va. (April 10, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) brought the voice of the deathcare profession to Capitol Hill last week during its annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. More than 30 ICCFA members met with lawmakers and federal agency leaders over the course of two days to discuss the most pressing issues impacting funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and related deathcare businesses across the country.

On Wednesday, April 2, ICCFA members visited dozens of offices across Capitol Hill. Meetings focused on lawmakers from the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, addressing issues related to the FTC’s Funeral Rule, the proposed ban on non-compete agreements, and the need for federal regulation of non-transplant tissue donation through the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity (CDRI) Act. ICCFA members engaged with legislators and staff from the House Ways and Means Committee to advocate for tax policy reforms critical to funeral and cemetery trusts, including support for the Funeral Expenses Act and changes to the outdated cemetery perpetual care fund distribution deduction.

“The advocacy side of deathcare is massive – if you’re not involved in advocacy efforts, you can’t see the changes that need to be made or be a part of making those changes,” said Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA General Counsel. “Our voice matters in Washington, and this visit proved just how powerful it is when we come together with a unified message.”

On Thursday morning, the delegation visited the Federal Trade Commission to meet with the Division of Marketing Practices to share industry concerns and perspectives on the ongoing review of the Funeral Rule.

Throughout the Fly-In, ICCFA members emphasized a shared goal: ensuring that federal policy reflects the realities of modern deathcare and supports ethical, sustainable business practices for providers serving families during life’s most difficult moments.

ICCFA President Lee Longino commended the efforts of all involved. “I’m incredibly proud of our members who took the time to advocate on behalf of the deathcare profession during this year’s fly-in,” he said. “Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to speak up on critical issues ensures our voice is not only heard, but respected. The impact of their efforts will be felt across the profession.”

ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage echoed that sentiment, adding, “It’s inspiring to see our members take time out of their busy schedules to advocate for meaningful change. Their commitment to shaping policies that support both our profession and the families we serve is a testament to the strength and unity of the ICCFA community.”

The ICCFA Government & Legal Committee will convene next month during the 2025 ICCFA Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada for the newly named Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session & Reception. This special event will provide attendees with timely updates on federal and state issues impacting the deathcare profession, along with the opportunity to engage in open dialogue about the challenges they are facing firsthand.

Stay informed and explore ICCFA’s ongoing advocacy efforts at iccfa.com/advocacy.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

ICCFA Government & Legal Committee Embarks on 2024 Capitol Hill Advocacy Initiative

STERLING, VA (March 15, 2024) – The Government and Legal Committee of the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA) reconvened on Capitol Hill from March 7-8, 2024, reaffirming their dedication to advocacy efforts within the deathcare profession. In partnership with Dykema and their Federal Government Policy Team, the committee held constructive discussions with senators, representatives, their staff and officials from the Federal Trade Commission. Their collective efforts shed light on pressing issues impacting the deathcare profession, driving ICCFA’s legislative agenda forward.

“As always, our time on the Hill is productive and enlightening,” said Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA’s General Counsel. “This opportunity allows us to provide external stakeholders with insight into the intricacies of the deathcare profession. It serves as a platform for our members to gain valuable understanding of the regulatory and political landscape surrounding our profession.” 

Committee members and ICCFA staff convened face-to-face meetings with representatives from significant congressional committees, including the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, Small Business Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee. The discussions centered around the association’s tax and commerce legislative and regulatory priorities, focusing on critical legislation such as the Funeral and Cemetery Trust Modernization Act, the Consensual Donation Research and Integrity Act (CDRI), the Funeral Rule, Non-Compete Rule and the proposed “Junk Fee Rule.” This visit afforded key legislators and regulators a crucial opportunity to engage directly with ICCFA representatives on federal policy matters directly impacting the profession that may not have been on their radar. 

“These meetings allowed us the opportunity to educate those drafting the rules and enacting policies that directly affect how we provide services and operate our businesses. As an industry, if we do not take the time to engage and educate our elected officials, their staff and federal agencies like the FTC, we risk having only voices outside our industry being heard,” said Sam Mazzu, III, Carriage Services’ Managing Director of Legal & Assistant General Counsel.

“During these meetings, it allowed us to raise awareness of critical issues and be positive representatives for our industry. As my grandmother liked to tell me growing up, if you don’t speak up, no one will hear you. Fortunately, these meetings presented us with a great opportunity to “speak up” for our industry and strongly advocate on its behalf.” 

The offices that ICCFA members met with included Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-TX 19), Vern Buchanan (R-FL 16), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX 2), Drew Ferguson (R-GA 3), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX 24), Dan Kildee (D-MI 8), Gwen Moore (D-WI 4), and Linda Sanchez (D-CA 38). 

A comprehensive trip summary will be in an upcoming edition of ICCFA’s publication, Memento Mori. To learn more about the ongoing endeavors of ICCFA’s Government and Legislative Committee, please visit iccfa.com/advocacy.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.