Collaborating for Success in Washington, D.C.
By Kerry Lynch, NSSGA
NSSGA serves as the aggregates industry’s strongest voice in the nation’s capital, representing aggregates producers, manufacturers and service providers and the industrial sand division. Our association members benefit from having professional, experienced staff represent them in Washington, D.C.
NSSGA routinely collaborates with other construction industry stakeholders with like-minded interests. Through coalition efforts and events, we actively participate in opportunities to showcase the value of our industry to members of Congress and their staff, administration officials and D.C. media. This ensures our voice is united and stands out in the noise of Capitol Hill. Our association works with others by jointly sharing policy priorities in meetings, sending letters to congressional committees and partnering for member events. Over the past year, NSSGA has continued to work with others in Washington, providing education about the vital importance of our industry.
Coalitions
NSSGA is a member of the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC), a partnership of 33 national associations and construction unions representing hundreds of thousands of individuals with a direct market interest in federal transportation programs. We actively participate in its annual fly-in, which brings industry leaders together in Washington for a two-day meeting and accompanying Capitol Hill visits.
During their annual fly-in meeting in May, NSSGA staff and members participated in the policy briefing and hill visits. Attendees heard remarks from the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Chair, Shelley Moore Capito (WV), the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (MO), the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (WA), FHWA Chief Counsel Jay Payne and Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers Thomas Smith. Attendees then conducted Hill visits to encourage policy interests, such as making the Highway Trust Fund solvent and passing budget reconciliation with the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act provisions.
Celebration of Construction
NSSGA also promoted the aggregates industry at construction events in Washington by working with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and participating in the 2025 Celebration of Construction. NSSGA hosted a booth during this landmark event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from May 14-16. The three-day event showcased leading construction equipment manufacturers, technology innovators and workforce development organizations to demonstrate how the industry is building a stronger, safer, more sustainable America.
The Celebration of Construction on the National Mall aimed to educate policymakers, media and stakeholders about the construction industry’s vital role in the U.S. economy, public safety and environmental stewardship. More than 30 industry leaders participated with their own tent space on the Mall. NSSGA staffed a booth promoting the industry, and many of our M&S members participated with their equipment.
The show was free to attend, and visitors included members of Congress, Administration officials, agency staff and the public. Booth participants also held live demonstrations, allowed attendees to speak with company experts and highlighted how innovation drives progress in the construction sector.
Legislative & Policy Forum
NSSGA hosted its annual Legislative & Policy Forum (LPF) in Washington on Sept. 16-19. We were also joined by association members of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) to tell the story of our industries and our shared legislative goals.
During LPF, attendees had the opportunity to network and meet with other aggregates industry professionals, learn more about the industry and attend open committee meetings. We also hosted the joint Hill Day on Sept. 18 with NSSGA, NAPA and NRMCA members all meeting with their elected officials.
Promoting our industry’s importance to the nation is key to ensuring its longterm success, and collaboration with others only makes our voice louder and stronger. NSSGA is proud to represent our members and work on their behalf in Washington, D.C.
Originally published in November/December 2025 NSSGA REVIEW.