ATX in D.C. - Austin Chamber's Federal Advocacy Visit 2025
Monday, June 23rd - Wednesday, June 25th
📍Washington, D.C
Posted on 07/01/2025 by Holly Ratcliff
From June 23–25, more than 70 Central Texas business, government, and community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Austin Chamber’s annual Federal Advocacy Visit.
The sold-out trip gave delegates a front-row seat to the policymaking process, featuring powerful conversations with members of Congress, federal agencies, and national policy experts on the issues shaping our region’s future.
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Delegates arrived in D.C. on Monday evening
We kicked things off with a Welcome Dinner at ilili Restaurant DC, featuring Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber and former member of Congress. The evening included cocktails, dinner, and an insightful program, setting the stage for a packed advocacy agenda.
Day 2: Congressional Briefings, Meetings on the Hill, & Evening Reception
Breakfast Panel sponsored by Austin Community College
Tuesday began with a breakfast panel at The Pendry Hotel, featuring Margaret Spellings, President & CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center and former U.S. Secretary of Education. Moderated by Molly Beth Malcolm, the panel was sponsored by Austin Community College.
Congressional Briefings sponsored by Ascension Seton
Later that morning, delegates convened in HVC-200 for Congressional briefings with Congressman Greg Casar, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and Senator John Cornyn.
These briefings provided updates on key federal priorities, ranging from infrastructure to healthcare.
Lunch Programming sponsored by Davis Kaufman PLLC
Afterward, the group gathered for a networking lunch at Sonoma before heading to the Hill for one-on-one Congressional office visits.
The day wrapped with an evening reception at The Pendry’s Flora Flora, featuring remarks from Congressman Chip Roy. Delegates then had the evening free to explore the city and connect informally.
Day 3: Agency Visits & Policy Discussions
Breakfast Panel sponsored by Philip Morris International
Wednesday morning opened with a Freshman Faces breakfast panel sponsored by Philip Morris International, spotlighting Congresswoman Julie Johnson and Congressman Craig Goldman.
Delegates then broke into teams for visits to key federal agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce/CHIPS, White House Office of Public Engagement, and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The trip concluded with a Lunch & Learn at Clyde’s of Gallery Place featuring Isabelle Icso, Executive Director of International Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with a focus on trade and tariffs. This final program was sponsored by Texas State University.
Advocacy in Action
Throughout the trip, Chamber delegates brought forward the Central Texas regional policy agenda, advocating for:
- • Workforce development and education funding
- • Affordable housing solutions
- • Infrastructure investments (Project Connect, I-35 Capital Express, airport expansion)
- • Support for high-tech industry through CHIPS and Science Act implementation
- • Trade and economic resilience
This impactful visit wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors and partners. Thanks to Southwest Airlines for ensuring our delegation got to and from Washington safely and on time.
Quotes from our Delegates
“Thanks to the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for organizing another excellent federal advocacy trip to D.C. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) covered a lot of ground on this one, and as always we are grateful for the time we got to spend with each member of our Congressional delegation.”
— Jason A.
“Grateful to Travis Krogman and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for a meaningful and productive visit to Washington, DC. A highlight was the opportunity to personally thank Congressman Lloyd Doggett for his support of the remediation of the historic Pease Elementary building — the future home of United Way for Greater Austin.”
— Kristin M.
“Thank you to Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for coordinating an action-packed delegation trip — including meetings at the U.S. Department of Transportation — and for the 70+ business, government & community leaders that dropped everything to participate.”
— Lonny S.
Thank you to our sponsors
Flight Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsors
Congressional Briefings Sponsor
Lunch Sponsors
App Sponsor
Luggage Tag Sponsor
Related Categories: Public Policy, Events