Congressional Staff Gain Insight Into Aggregates Industry During Quarry Tour

Evan Bender

By Evan Bender, NSSGA

 

On May 29, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), in collaboration with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), American Cement Association (ACA) and Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) hosted a bipartisan group of congressional staffers for an immersive quarry tour at Vulcan Materials Co.’s Graham Quarry in Lorton, Virginia. The event aimed to educate lawmakers’ staff about the critical role of the aggregates industry in America’s infrastructure and economy.

 

The tour provided a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations of the aggregates industry. Congressional visits to NSSGA members’ facilities are among the most effective ways to showcase the industry. In-person tours allow congressional staff to understand specific challenges the industry faces. They provide the opportunity to hear first-hand from constituents about issues, which makes a lasting impression. The experience turns our industry’s paper talking points into real-world examples.

During the tour, staffers observed the entire quarrying process, from extraction to material processing, and gained insight into the industry operations. This event underscores NSSGA’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between industry and government. There were over 15 congressional offices and House Committees represented at the tour. This included staff from the offices of: House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA), Rep. David Rouzer (NC), Rep. Daniel Webster (FL), Rep. Jeff Hurd (CO), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA), Rep. Laura Gillen (NY), Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ), Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY), Rep. Ben Cline (VA), Rep. John Rutherford (FL), Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK), Rep. David Valadao (CA), Rep. August Pfluger (TX), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL), Rep. Dave Joyce (OH), the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Natural Resources Committee.

Congressional Staff Quarry Tour

 

The tour highlighted our industry’s vital role in infrastructure development, as well as potential regulatory hurdles and the need for policies supporting efficient material sourcing. By fostering direct engagement, NSSGA can build stronger relationships with policymakers to advocate for industry-friendly legislation, such as the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill that will build upon the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Congress and the Department of Transportation are working through stakeholder priorities for this key legislation.

 

Tours not only educate staffers on our policy priorities but also reinforce the aggregates industry’s significance in building America’s future. Hosting an elected official or their staff at your facility is a great way to advocate for the industry while giving them the opportunity to better understand the industry’s impact and constituent workforce in their district. There’s no better time to engage your lawmakers than when they’re back home. A few hours on-site can make a huge difference in how they understand and support the aggregates industry. If you are interested in hosting a member of Congress or staff at one of your sites, please contact Ashley Taylor at ataylor@nssga.org.
 

Originally published in September/October 2025 NSSGA REVIEW.