Shaping Policy on Capitol Hill: The AFS Government Affairs Fly-In

Each year, metalcasting leaders from across the supply chain head to Washington, D.C., to advocate for policies that directly impact U.S. foundries and domestic manufacturing. The annual American Foundry Society (AFS) Fly-In provides a vital platform to engage directly with members of Congress, share firsthand industry challenges, and champion the future of the metalcasting workforce.

Key Regulatory & Financial Focus Areas:

• Taxation & Trade: Advocating for pro-manufacturing tax policies, strict trade enforcement against unfair foreign competition, and robust Buy America requirements for federal infrastructure.
• Workforce Development: Addressing the skilled labor shortage through targeted workforce development programs and practical immigration reform.
• Regulatory & Permitting Reform: Navigating high-cost EPA compliance, pushing back on controversial OSHA regulations (including the Walkaround Rule), and urging federal permitting reform for energy and construction projects.

The event also featured valuable political and economic insights from keynote speaker Scott Jennings, conservative toolkit commentator and CNN political analyst.