NASBP on The Hill | 2024

 

Day 1

Activities for the NASBP and SFAA Legislative Fly-in began the afternoon of Feb. 28 when Amy Walter, Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report and political pundit, offered predictions about the presidential primary season and what’s likely in store for the 2024 General Elections. Walter provided candid observations for U.S. President Biden, former Democratic nominee, and Republican nominee Donald Trump, identifying polls indicating voters prefer other presidential candidates.
Walter also discussed U.S. Senate races where Republicans have an 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).

 

Pictured above is Amy Walter speaking to Fly-in attendees. Pictured left is Larry LeClair, NASBP Director of Government Relations, with Amy Walter.

If Republicans gain control of the Senate, Walter believes the frontrunners to become Senate Majority Leader are the three “Johns:”

• John Barrasso (R-WY),
• John Thune (R-SD), and
• John Cornyn (R-TX).

After Walter’s remarks, Sen. Barrasso opted not to run for Majority Leader, leaving the remaining Johns vying for the leadership position.

 

Pictured from left: Mike Keimig, Bob Murray, Mike Ito, and Monica Donatelli.

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 current market trends, surety capacity, and the expansion of market opportunities pertaining to broadband and clean energy.

 

Day 2

Feb. 29 was dedicated entirely to Capitol Hill visits. 117 Fly-in attendees representing 30 states visited 110 congressional offices. These numbers surpass those at previous Fly-in events. Here’s an overview of stats from the 2024 Legislative Fly-in.

Attendees were also fortunate to meet with 21 members of Congress, setting another Fly-in record.

• Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-AZ-5)
• Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN-2)
• Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15)
• Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3)
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1)
• Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL-11)
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5)
• Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD-1)
• Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC-9)
• Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD-1)
• Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ-7)
• Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN-8)
• Rep. Richard McCormick (R-GA-6)
• Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA-3)
• Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL-6)
• Rep. John Rose (R-TN-6)
• Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-5)
• Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL-10)
• Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)
• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
• Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)

Attendees were well prepared for meetings with information like talking points and a one-pager seeking additional congressional support for H.R.1740/S.2928, which is legislation that would 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 who were unable to attend this year’s Fly-in, consider attending a future event. 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. Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06) with Mike Keimig of Markel Surety; U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01).

 

NASBP Second Vice President Robert Coon of Scott Insurance and Chavonne Campbell of Main Street America met with U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09).

 

Fly-in attendees met U.S. Rep. 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. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06).

 

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05) met with Joshua Bean and Jillian Maki of Main Street America.