What do Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan have in common? Along with the entire Central Texas congressional delegation, the senior political leaders were part of the Greater Austin Chamber’s recent three-day blitz in our nation’s capital. That’s where 55 Austin-area delegates advocated for a variety of priorities to keep the Austin region working for our communities.

The Need for Advocacy

Citizen activism and interaction with elected officials is a crucial part of achieving policy successes. It is as important for us to share our views and priorities with members of Congress as it is for them to hear from their constituents.

Central Texas has had unprecedented economic success and growth over the past 14 years. A factor in the result can be attributed to successful advocacy for state and federal laws and regulations that help unleash the economic activity that often times can be taken for granted. See the Chamber’s 2018 Top Federal Priorities.

What does success look like?

It looks like the potential Army Futures Command project having the vocal support of our elected officials. It looks like a workable and long lasting reform to our immigration laws that allows our job creators to have access to the best talent America and the world can offer.

The Chamber-led trip to D.C. featured teams of delegates having robust conversations with lawmakers and their staffs during meetings and question and answer sessions with elected officials that served as mini-town halls.

The trip is eye opening for first-time attendees to see how much can be achieved and the lasting effects that our 100 meetings in about 72 hours have on federal policy. It also included conversations with Congressman Will Hurd, Congressman Joaquin Castro, and Congressman/candidate for US Senate in Texas Beto O’Rourke. Meetings were also held at the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Education, and the FAA.

Photos from the Chamber D.C. trip.