What Lawmakers Are Doing After Meeting with You

I arrived in D.C. early Sunday morning—very early—and with no home base yet ready to set up shop, I did what any reasonable person would do: I went to the zoo. I got there just before opening and found myself face-to-face with the pandas. I have to say—it was more than worth it. And in the most American way possible, the best viewing spot wasn’t just from a scenic overlook—it was from a Panda-branded Auntie Anne’s Pretzels stand. I’m not sure if it’s the location that’s so good, or if the pandas have figured out that people holding pretzels tend to share. If those pandas ever head back to China, they may find bamboo doesn’t quite hit the same.

That small, unexpected moment kicked off what turned out to be one of the most productive weeks our industry has had in Washington.

Because of you.

More than 70 members made the trip to D.C. for ABMA’s 2025 Advocacy Day, resulting in over 50 meetings with congressional offices. And it wasn’t just quantity—it was the quality of your conversations, your credibility, and your professionalism that opened doors.

You didn’t just show up. You identified opportunities—and we’re already executing on them.

Representative Keating of Massachusetts left his meeting with a renewed focus on how on-the-job experience could count toward federally mandated CDL training—an idea our members have long supported. He’s already directed his staff to explore real policy options.

Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, spoke directly with our members about how targeted, pro-growth tax policy can help small businesses do what they do best: lead locally, grow steadily, and reinvest in their communities.

Representative Becca Balint is now planning to attend the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers’ Bright Futures workforce event—a program built by members, for students—that’s reshaping how young people in Vermont view careers in the trades.

And across nearly every meeting, one issue kept rising to the top: credit card swipe fees.

Thanks to your real-world stories and steady messaging, lawmakers in both parties expressed serious interest in the Credit Card Competition Act. Visa and Mastercard control over 86% of the U.S. credit card market, and with profit margins over 50%, they’ve built a system where small businesses carry the weight. In our industry, swipe fees are now the third-highest expense—behind payroll and cost of goods sold. And they’re still rising. Your work made sure Congress heard that clearly.

Importantly, this wasn’t just a one-day conversation. ABMA members are already scheduling follow-ups and deepening the relationships you began:

• Matt Semonik of Arnold Lumber is set to meet with Representative Seth Magaziner in Rhode Island.
• In New Jersey, Representative Josh Gottheimer will be taking a yard tour with members to see the industry in action.
• In New York, members left meetings with Representative Riley encouraged, and are actively working to build that connection.
• We’re also continuing to support our long-standing relationship with Representative Elise Stefanik, whose district includes many ABMA businesses.
• And in Pennsylvania, Representative Mackenzie, who serves on the House OSHA Safety Subcommittee, expressed strong interest in working with us to right-size crane certifications—aligning requirements with the real-world needs of our industry.

This impact doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of the quiet, consistent leadership of ABMA Chair Rod Wiles and the ABMA Legislative Committee. They’re not just guiding the agenda—they’re helping this industry engage Washington with focus, credibility, and results. Together, you’re raising the standard for what an effective government affairs program looks like.

And a quick congratulations is in order: ABMA’s own Jacob LaChapelle became a father on the eve of Advocacy Day. Evelyn Mae LaChapelle arrived happy and healthy, and Jacob—who got the call at 3:00 a.m.—made it back just in time to be with his family. A reminder that life doesn’t pause for policy, but somehow, we manage both.

Because of what you did in Washington, ABMA has now been invited to participate in regulatory reform talks at the Small Business Administration. First topic on the table? Transportation. And we’ll be there, making sure your concerns—and your solutions—are front and center.

Advocacy Day 2025 wasn’t about showing up for a photo op. It was about doing the work—and you did it. What you started in those meetings is already gaining traction.

Thank you for making this happen—and for turning your advocacy into action.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this work possible.

ABMA Capitol Advocates

ABMA Legislative Leaders