Activities for the NASBP and SFAA Legislative Fly-in began in earnest the afternoon of February 28 when Amy Walter, Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report and political pundit, offered her political observations and predictions about the presidential primary season and what’s likely in store for the 2024 General Elections. Walter provided her candid observations for both U.S. President Biden and Republican nominee, Donald Trump, where polls indicate that voters would prefer other presidential candidates. Walter also discussed U.S. Senate races where Republicans have an excellent opportunity to gain control of the upper chamber due to the large number of seats Democrats must defend in red states, such as Ohio (Senator Sherrod Brown), Montana (Senator Jon Tester), and West Virginia (Senator Joe Manchin) (retiring).
Should Republicans gain control of the Senate, Walter believes the frontrunners to become Senate Majority Leader are the three “Johns,” Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), John Thune (R-SD), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Subsequent, to Walter’s remarks, Senator Barrasso opted not to run for Majority Leader, leaving the other two Johns vying for the leadership position.
Pictured above is Amy Walter speaking to Fly-in attendees. Pictured left is Larry LeClair, NASBP Director of Government Relations, with Amy Walter.
Following Walter’s remarks, NASBP Third Vice President Monica Donatelli, moderated a panel of surety executives, which included Mike Ito of Amerisure Surety, Mike Keimig of Markel, and Bob Murray of Zurich North America. The discussion included such timely topics as current market trends, surety capacity, and the expansion of market opportunities pertaining to broadband and clean energy.
Pictured from left: Mike Keimig, Bob Murray, Mike Ito, and Monica Donatelli.
February 29 was dedicated entirely to Capitol Hill visits where 117 Fly-in attendees, representing 30 states, visited 110 congressional offices. See overview of stats from the 2024 Legislative Fly-in. These numbers surpass those at previous Fly-in events. Attendees were also fortunate to meet with 21 members of Congress, including: U.S. House of Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-AZ-5), Tim Burchett (R-TN-2), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Andy Harris (R-MD-1), Richard Hudson (R-NC-9), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-1), Thomas Kean (R-NJ-7), David Kustoff (R-TN-8), Richard McCormick (R-GA-6), Zach Nunn (R-IA-3), Gary Palmer (R-AL-6), John Rose (R-TN-6), John Rutherford (R-FL-5), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS). Meeting in person with 21 members of Congress set another Fly-in record.
Attendees were well armed prior to their visits with information, which included talking points and a one-pager seeking additional congressional support for H.R.1740/S.2928, legislation to require performance and payment guarantees for loans/grants and P3s utilized through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. NASBP’s Leadership and staff would like to personally thank Fly-in attendees for taking time out of their busy schedules to come to Washington and advocate on behalf of the surety industry. For those of you who were unable to attend this year's Fly-in, consider attending a future Fly-in. See the NASBP and SFAA joint press release for additional information.
Multiple members of Congress visited the Legislative Fly-in welcome reception. Pictured, from left: U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) with Mike Keimig of Markel Surety; U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01).
NASBP Second Vice President Robert Coon of Scott Insurance and Chavonne Campbell of Main Street America met with U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09).
Fly-in attendees met U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02) for a quick photo. Pictured from left: Saskia Joseph of Travelers, Tim Steel of CapSpecialty, Jeremy Sauer of Travelers, Matt Cocco of Smith Brothers Insurance, Rep. Courtney, Chris Como of Como & Nicholson Surety, a Division of Smith Brothers, Jessica Vitale of Chubb, and Ray Bassett of Travelers.
Anna Childress of McGriff met with U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06).
U.S. Representative John Rutherford (FL-05) met with Joshua Bean and Jillian Maki of Main Street America.