In a striking display of cross-party collaboration, two prominent reality television personalities made their way to Capitol Hill on Thursday to champion legislative causes that are garnering unusual bipartisan backing in Congress.
Angie Katsanevas Testifies on Franchise Empowerment
Angie Katsanevas, star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and founder of the renowned hair salon brand Lunatic Fringe, became the first franchise cast member in over fifteen years to testify before Congress as an invited witness. During the hearing, she captivated members not only with her impeccable style but also with her extensive business expertise, drawing on decades of experience.
Katsanevas recounted the viral moment from the show where she declared, 'you do French Fries. I do franchise,' a statement that propelled her into the national spotlight and ultimately led to her Capitol Hill appearance. She spoke passionately about the empowering nature of the franchise business model, highlighting how it has enabled her and her husband, Shawn Trujillo, to make a significant impact on their employees and the broader community.
Supporting the American Franchise Act
Testifying on behalf of the International Franchise Association before the House Small Business Committee, Katsanevas urged the passage of the bipartisan American Franchise Act. This bill, currently sponsored by seventy House members, including fifty-eight Republicans and twelve Democrats, aims to codify the joint employer standard to provide clarity for both franchisors and franchisees, addressing the regulatory uncertainties that have plagued business owners in recent years.
She shared heartfelt anecdotes about team members who have grown within the company, stating, 'We have seen people within our teams that have been loyal to us, and those that had the skill set to become a salon owner. We were able to provide them the blueprint to do that, and they could stay within our family and grow within the company.'
Paris Hilton Champions the DEFIANCE Act
Meanwhile, outside the Capitol, Paris Hilton joined a bipartisan group of congressional leaders to advocate for the passage of the DEFIANCE Act, legislation designed to combat nonconsensual deepfake pornography. At a press conference, Hilton emphasised the urgent need for action, noting, 'Too many women are afraid to exist online, or sometimes, to exist at all... This isn't just about technology, it's about power.'
Bipartisan Praise for Hilton's Advocacy
Hilton's legislative engagement was widely praised by lawmakers from both parties. New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to commend her effectiveness, writing, 'People don't recognize enough how effective Paris Hilton is in her advocacy,' and highlighting her robust behind-the-scenes operations. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York also expressed gratitude, thanking Hilton for using her voice to stand up for victims and expressing eagerness to continue their collaborative efforts.
This builds on Hilton's previous lobbying success for the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which passed in 2024 and was lauded during the Thursday proceedings.
Congressional Reactions and Pop Culture References
The hearings were not without moments of levity and cultural nods. During the House Small Business Committee session, Democrat Gil Cisneros of California admitted that while he has watched other Bravo TV shows like Below Deck and The Real Housewives of Orange County, he had 'unfortunately... not had time to see' the Salt Lake City franchise.
Fellow committee member Hillary Scholten, a Michigan Democrat, showcased her knowledge of the series by quipping, 'The franchise system, especially the rules around them, can be incredibly confusing, more confusing even than Lisa Barlow trying to explain how she knows Ben Affleck,' referencing a recent plotline from the show.
Overall, the day underscored how celebrity influence can bridge political divides, bringing attention to critical issues such as business clarity and digital safety with a rare bipartisan spirit in Washington.
