34
FOGHORN
M
ore than 30 Passenger 
Vessel Association vessel 
members and associate 
members traveled to the nation’s cap-
ital in Washington, D.C., last month 
to participate in PVA’s annual Con-
gressional Fly-In, bringing the voice of 
the U.S.-flag passenger vessel industry 
directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Before PVA members fanned out 
across Capitol Hill for meetings, 
participants gathered early in the 
morning for a briefing on the issues 
likely to arise throughout the day and 
what to expect during congressional 
meetings. Members also heard from 
guest speaker Jeff Lewis, who shared 
insights gleaned from a career working 
in the Senate, at the U.S. Coast Guard, 
and at the Maritime Administration.
Lewis reminded participants that pe-
titioning elected officials is part of a 
tradition dating back more than 250 
years and encouraged members to con-
fidently tell the stories of their busi-
nesses, employees, and communities. 
His remarks helped frame the day not 
simply as a series of meetings, but as an 
important part of the democratic pro-
cess and maritime industry advocacy.
Participants were organized into re-
gional groups and conducted meetings 
with 31 Congressional offices over 
the course of the day, including nine 
face-to-face meetings with members 
of Congress. The fly-in provided an 
important opportunity for operators, 
suppliers, and industry stakeholders 
to share firsthand perspectives on the 
challenges and opportunities facing 
the passenger vessel industry.
PVA members discussed a broad range 
of issues important to the industry, 
including Coast Guard service delivery 
RICHARD PATCH // PVA LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
PVA Members Bring  
Industry Priorities to Capitol Hill
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Lewis reminded 
participants that 
petitioning elected 
officials is part of 
a tradition dating 
back more than 
250 years and 
encouraged members 
to confidently tell 
the stories of their 
businesses, employees, 
and communities. 
PHOTO: ERIC CHRISTENSEN
ALLAMERICANMARINE.COM
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