Washington, D.C.—The printing industry spoke with one voice on Capitol Hill last week as more than 40 executives from more than a dozen states converged for the PRINTING United Alliance’s first-ever Legislative Fly-In. In just 36 hours, delegates logged nearly 60 face-to-face meetings with lawmakers and staff, laid the groundwork for future congressional site visits, and even coaxed several offices to consider joining the bipartisan Congressional Printing Caucus. The Alliance organized and led the effort, proudly welcoming its partner from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), as well as representatives from the Book Manufacturers Institute (BMI) and Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI).
Kicking off the program, Mike Davin, Director of Energy and Policy Resources at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), shared that he had some knowledge of the printing industry having worked for a custom screen printing and embroidery sportswear company. He proceeded to unpack the policy landscape shaping manufacturing in 2025 and beyond.
Davin explained that manufacturers are shouldering enormous regulatory compliance costs—nearly $350 billion annually, or 12% of our entire sector’s contribution to U.S. GDP. For smaller manufacturers, these costs can exceed $50,000 per employee each year. The Alliance joined a NAM industry letter asking the federal government to stop the trend of overreaching regulations that seek to expand agencies’ authority, and instead, focus on tailored rulemakings that implement statutory directives in a manner consistent with congressional intent.
On the topic of sustainability, Davin stated that the drive toward a more circular economy requires a material-neutral, lifecycle- and solutions-focused approach. NAM and the Alliance support several initiatives in this space, including the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (H.R. 2145),which would increase federal investments in local recycling systems and improve consumer access to recycling services, and the STEWARD Act (S. 351), which would accelerate waste elimination and expand sustainable materials management.
On the UN Global Plastics Treaty, Davin said NAM has asked leaders to maintain U.S. global leadership in negotiating a strong, workable treaty that supports American industry and manufacturing supply chains. Negotiations will continue in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5-14, 2025.
Davin warned that the surging adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—while transformational—will drive electricity consumption sharply higher, amplifying the stakes in current debates over grid resilience.
Additionally, Davin offered a quick briefing on trade measures, mentioning Section 232 investigations on critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. The investigations, led by the Secretary of Commerce, are meant to determine if imports threaten to impair national security. Davin stated that NAM advocates for zero tariffs for U.S. manufacturers.
How Not to Lobby (and How to Get It Right)
Before heading to the Hill, attendees enjoyed a lively primer from ACG Advocacy partners Julie Philp and Patrick Grant. The duo’s tongue-in-cheek “good meeting/bad meeting” skit—drawn from what they cheerfully called their “we’ve-seen-it-all” archives—highlighted the small missteps that can derail a conversation with staff, and the simple habits that build credibility: concise stories, clear asks, and timely follow-up.
Participants left armed with a comprehensive program guide, policy one-pagers, and prep sheets. The Alliance’s policy priorities are organized into five key categories: Delivery & Logistics, Environment & Sustainability, Investment & Innovation, Safe & Productive Workplaces, and Trade & Tariffs. Under each of these categories, the Alliance supports targeted legislation introduced in the 119th Congress.
The Alliance asked leaders to take the following actions:
Congress should pass the USPS SERVES US Act (H.R. 3004) which would empower the Postal Regulatory Commission with a clear mandate to protect the public interest and hold the USPS accountable for efficiency and service performance.
Congress should pass the Prove It Act of 2025 (H.R. 1163 / S. 495), which requires federal agencies to analyze the impact of their regulatory action and limit these impacts for small entities.
Congress should pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act (H.R. 703 / S. 213) to make the 20% small business tax deduction permanent.
Congress should pass the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151 / S. 756) to support workforce development through the expansion of 529s from “college savings plans” to “career savings plans.”
Congress should pass the Trade Review Act (H.R. 2665 / S. 1272), which would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.
High-Impact Conversations, New Commitments
Over two days, teams fanned out across the House and Senate office buildings, holding nearly 60 meetings—many with members themselves. Several lawmakers expressed interest in joining the bipartisan Congressional Printing Caucus, a signal of renewed attention to an industry that drives $90.3 billion in annual U.S. economic output. The Printing Caucus, established in the 118th Congress, has grown from a handful of members to 17 members. In 2025, the Alliance anticipates continued growth of the caucus and is aiming to expand its membership to 30 lawmakers.
The Fly-In also yielded concrete next steps: multiple offices committed to schedule site visits back home so lawmakers can see modern print operations up close.
As a result of a special afternoon session for media, legislative communications directors swapped cards with visiting media professionals, opening channels for future coverage of print-and-packaging innovation.
Strengthening Ties Beyond the Meetings
Relationship-building continued off the Hill at a networking luncheon in the Capitol Hill Club and an evening reception and dinner at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, where seasoned leaders and first-time advocates compared notes.
While originally scheduled to present the Champion of Print Award to the four co-chairs of the Congressional Printing Caucus during the cocktail reception, instead, Alliance President Dave Leskusky presented the award during meetings with co-chairs Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI). The award recognized their leadership and unwavering support for the printing industry. Leskusky will deliver the same honor to fellow co-chairs Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) later this week.
Looking Ahead — Spring 2027
With fresh momentum, strengthened relationships, and an expanding caucus, the Fly-In’s success sets an ambitious benchmark for future advocacy. “Our inaugural delegation ensured the voice of the printing industry was heard—loud and clear—on Capitol Hill,” Leskusky said. “We’re already planning how to build on that energy when we return in Spring 2027.”
Until then, the Alliance will keep the dialogue alive—tracking legislation, arranging facility tours, and reminding lawmakers that print remains an essential, innovative engine of American manufacturing.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the 2025 PRINTING United Legislative Fly-In. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.