WASHINGTON - For months, convenience retailers have been writing, calling and visiting their U.S. senators and representatives, asking them to reject any attempts by the banking community to delay debit card swipe fee reforms set to begin on July 21.

Today, the Senate could start debating a bill by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) that seeks to destroy the much-needed debit card swipe fee reforms our industry has fought 10 years to make happen.

"Repealing these reforms now, just weeks before they€™re scheduled to take effect, would be devastating to millions of NACS members and their customers," said NACS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Lyle Beckwith.

If you haven€™t already done so, today is the day to make your voice heard €" call your senators and urge them to vote "No" on Tester€™s amendment. Also, go to swipefeesletter.com and tell your senators to vote "No" on the Tester amendment that seeks to kill debit card swipe fee relief.

It is essential that we finish strong with a united voice.