I was in Washington, DC last week visiting Congressional offices. The meetings were great, but I learned first hand why we can’t do a Policy Forum this year. My first meeting was at the Rayburn House Office Building. While I waited for my escort, I chatted with the Capitol Police who have always been kind and professional. My next meeting was in the Longworth House Office Building. I asked if I could use the tunnels; nope. So, it was outside, up the hill, and back through security. Then, I had to go back to Rayburn. Down the hill, but since my appointment wasn’t for another 40 minutes, the same guards were not allowed to let me wait inside; I had to wait outside. It was 99 degrees. I was wearing a suit and tie. And, if COVID doesn’t get me, West Nile or Yellow Fever from the mosquitos will.
The meetings were great. It was my first time on the Hill since I came to NIADA
The meetings were great. It was my first time on the Hill since I came to NIADA and I wanted to introduce myself and my connection to the Association. In both the House and Senate, in both Republican and Democrat offices, NIADA is known. You’ve been there. Brett’s been there. It was nice that I didn’t have to start from scratch.
It was August, so the House staff was relaxed. The Senate had finished with the infrastructure bill at 4:00 am that morning, so the Senate staff was a bit more frazzled, but still good meetings. I pushed the infrastructure bill in the House. If we can pass the bill as it is, not only will we be able to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, but we will most likely put GPS and recall legislation aside for four or five years.
I pushed the infrastructure bill in the House. If we can pass the bill as it is, not only will we be able to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, but we will most likely put GPS and recall legislation aside for four or five years.
While I was on the Hill, Brett was working to secure Congressman Buddy Carter from Georgia to speak at the NIADA Convention. And, the NIADA Board and other members will be meeting with the Federal Trade Commission via Zoom during Convention.
Brett also had us join a coalition of trade associations representing thousands of banks, credit unions, financial institutions, and businesses of all sizes that serve America’s consumers to support turning the Consumer Finance Protection Board from a sole director to a five-person, bipartisan commission. NIADA is the only automobile related entity in the coalition. The coalition supports H.R. 4773, the Consumer Finance Protection Commission Act.
Both will take effort and money. But, we know NIADA is committed to being at the table.
Following the NIADA Convention, we will mobilize NIADA members in support of the infrastructure bill and H.R. 4773. Both will take effort and money. But, we know NIADA is committed to being at the table.
See you in San Antonio.
