ABC Tackles Key Issues on Capitol Hill

With a new administration in place and 62 new members of congress, this year’s American Boating Congress aimed to make an impact on legislators and bring issues affecting the boating industry to center stage.

Last week, SeaDek joined many of the most influential members of the marine industry in Washington DC for three days of workshops, panels, speakers, and most importantly, meetings with representatives on Capitol Hill to bring the concerns of the boating industry to the doorstep of our elected officials.

     Welcome reception at the Carnegie Library

     Initial address by NMMA President Thom Dammrich

     Keynote speech by CNN’s Jake Tapper

Issues taking top priority included transportation and infrastructure, workforce development, conservation, ethanol fuels, recreational fishing, access, and trade. Through small and productive meetings with congressmen and senators, these key policy initiatives were brought to the attention of lawmakers with an emphasis on the impact that boating has on the American economy as a whole.

The Florida team had the opportunity to meet with Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (R-FL), Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL), Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

     Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Florida District 7

     Florida Senator Marco Rubio

As a marine manufacturer based on Florida’s east coast and employing over 125 people, SeaDek actively supports legislation that promotes the health of the marine industry. American manufacturing is alive and well at SeaDek, and ABC is a valuable tool to give our elected officials a glimpse into the industry that their decisions directly affect.

Learn more about the American Boating Congress at https://www.nmma.org/government/abc