The 2018 Joint Chambers DC Fly-in saw 52 business, civic, non-profit, and education leaders descend on Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of the region. The GSI 2018 Federal Legislative Priority Agenda seeks to advance items supporting business climate, education, health care & research, transportation and Fairchild Air Force Base.
Attendees held meetings with Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, and Denny Heck. A luncheon was also held with guest speaker Senator Patty Murray. Additionally, the group heard from Washington delegation Chiefs of Staff for Senator Cantwell, Senator Murray and Representative McMorris Rodgers.
Fly-in activities also included a meeting with National Institute of Health to seek additional grant funding for the region, a slate of meetings with the Air Force at the Pentagon regarding Fairchild’s role as the most vital refueling base in the western U.S., and a panel discussion at the Embassy of Ireland centered on the importance of trade, particularly agriculture exports.
Attendees were able to meet with key personnel within the Executive Office of the President, including representatives from the Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Office of Political Affairs. These meetings provided access to individuals within the Administration who can assist with issues and funding at the federal level.
A host of federal agency and committee meetings were available for the group to choose from, including the Senate Banking Committee, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Thomas Bowman, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Jeffrey Rosen, and Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon.
The trip concluded with the Inland Northwest Grand Reception at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Guests of the event included Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Dan Newhouse, Capitol Hill staffers, federal agency staff, and various D.C. residents with ties to the Inland Northwest.
You can read more information about the trip here.
