NAPA members advance advocacy during busy week on Capitol Hill
NAPA members joined their colleagues from other trade associations in the road construction space in Washington, D.C. last week as part of Hill Day, the industry’s collective advocacy push to engage with lawmakers about challenges in horizontal construction.
Congress was in session, meaning members were meeting with their representatives and their staff in between votes in the Capitol, including one that confirmed a new leader of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The Senate confirmed Sean McMaster to the FHWA administrator post, making McMaster, who previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Department of Transportation, the 22nd to hold the title. Prior to his USDOT work, McMaster worked on the staff at the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
“I am honored to serve under President Trump and Secretary Duffy as we work to revitalize America’s roads and bridges,” McMaster said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with state and local leaders to accelerate project delivery and get shovels in the ground.”
As FHWA administrator, McMaster will lead the agency in supporting state and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s highway system, as well as other programs included in his charge. The FHWA is responsible for ensuring that America’s roads and highways continue to be among the safest and most technologically sound in the world.
McMaster was confirmed along with 47 others during a 51-47 en bloc vote.
“Their work will help us rebuild America’s infrastructure, protect families on the road, and unleash American energy,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “America is building again, and the expertise of our new administrators will allow us to execute President Trump’s bold transportation agenda.”
NAPA applauded McMaster’s confirmation in a statement: “His experience and leadership at FHWA are vital for advancing our nation’s transportation network, especially as we work together on a surface transportation authorization package before September 2026. NAPA is eager to collaborate with Administrator McMaster to promote innovative asphalt technologies and practices that enhance work zone safety, streamline project delivery, and improve cost efficiency. We look forward to a productive partnership that benefits our nation’s roads and the millions who depend on them.”
Members from NAPA, National Sand, Stone, & Gravel Association (NSSGA), and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) came together for programming and networking on Sept. 17, ahead of a day full of meetings on Capitol Hill.
NAPA Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam and his government affairs counterparts from the NSSGA and NRMCA shared a legislative briefing as well as tips for getting the most out of meetings with members of Congress.
Following a joint reception, NAPA PAC hosted a handful of lawmakers at a rooftop networking event in Navy Yard, where members were able to meet and engage with legislators with a view of downtown D.C.
After a rallying program early on Sept. 18, the event’s more than 300 attendees headed to Capitol Hill for meetings with Congress members and their staffs, including meetings with party leadership. The advocacy gathering concluded with a private reception at Bullfeathers where members welcomed even more members of Congress.
Ready to host your Member of Congress for a tour at your plant or jobsite?
NAPA’s Government Affairs team can help!
NAPA has the resources to support your efforts to build strong relationships with your elected officials while also creating policy champions that will help safeguard the longevity of the asphalt pavement industry.
Email Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam or Government Affairs Director Mitch Baldwin to learn more.
