2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for policies that will impact the U.S. metalcasting industry for years to come. President Trump and congressional leaders have established an ambitious policy agenda built around tax reform, energy expansion, regulatory streamlining, permitting reform, and other priorities that will impact the U.S. metalcasting industry. 

Now is the time for metalcasters to rally on Capitol Hill and advocate for the policy issues that impact our industry most. You are invited to join numerous AFS Member executives from across the nation for the Government Affairs Fly-In, June 10-11 in Washington, D.C. The event headquarters is the Hotel Washington, just blocks from the White House and Treasury Department.

What to Expect

The event is divided into two parts: Day 1, June 10, is devoted to hearing from experts on AFS priority issues––so bring your questions! The four key issues to be covered include:

1. Energy Landscape – Growth and Challenges Ahead & Impact on U.S. Metalcasters

2. Tax Reform in 2025 – What Metalcasters Need to Know

3. Navigating a Shifting Environmental Law Landscape Under a Second Trump Administration

4. Trade and Tariffs: What’s Next for U.S. Trade Policy, Tariffs, & Trade Enforcement

Day 1 Luncheon Keynote Stephen Moore will bring attendees up to date on “The State of Play in Washington on Politics and the Economy.” He will also respond to members’ questions following his own insights about the Trump administration’s plans on tariffs, tax policies, and other key issues affecting the manufacturing economy. At the Tuesday evening reception, AFS will present congressional champion awards to members of the House of Representatives and Senate who have worked diligently and championed U.S. metalcasting priorities during the past several years. 

Day 2, Wednesday, June 11 is Metalcasting Industry Day on Capitol Hill. The AFS Washington team will assist you in advance to schedule meetings with Members of Congress and/or their staffs to educate them about the importance of our industry. 

Take It From Those Who Know

Listen to what attendees are saying about the Fly-In:

Susan Baer, chief information officer, AFS Corporate Member Grede: “I was a first-time attendee in 2024, and the Fly-In was eye-opening in terms of the impact that each of us, not only as industry leaders, but as U.S. citizens, can have on driving key issues that help protect our industry locally. The Fly-Ins remind each of us that when we come together as a united front, the impact of our message and the effect of our voice is intensified.”

Darren Howard, regional sales manager, AFS Corporate Member American Colloid Company: “Representing the foundry industry and my company at the AFS Government Affairs Fly-In over the years has proved to be invaluable. This allows you to build a relationship with Members of Congress and become much more than just a “constituent.” From the presenters and keynote speakers to the face-to-face meetings with your Member of Congress, it always exceeds my expectations.”

Patrick T. Ameen, vice president industry relations at AFS Corporate Member Amsted Rail Company Inc.: “The amazing job AFS staff does on scheduling relevant speakers and securing individual appointments is the primary reason we joined the AFS as a Corporate Member in 2018.  AFS advocacy priorities are perfectly aligned with ours.”

“One of my favorite memories of the Fly-Ins occurred in 2023. We had a scheduled meeting with a House of Representatives member from an Ohio district where we have a cast wheel manufacturing facility. The member was meeting in a SCIF (a sensitive compartmented information facility) in the basement of the Capitol building. He came out of his classified briefing and met with us in the hallway to listen to our issues. It was a great meeting.”   

“Finally, the Fly-In offers a golden opportunity to network with AFS members from other metalcasters representing a broad array of disciplines––government affairs, communications, operations, HR, environmental as well as facility owners. 2025 will be a pivotal year for metalcasters as the 119th Congress and the new administration take up regulatory reform, deficit reduction, tax relief, tariffs, and USMCA renewal.”

“I strongly encourage any AFS member interested in a healthy metalcasting industry to attend the Government Affairs Fly-In.”

This is Your Year

Never been to the Fly-In? This is your year. Haven’t been for a while? Now’s the time to help AFS hit the gas on important policy issues. Been attending for years? Please come back––your experienced voice is essential.

Register now at afsinc.org, where you can also book your accommodations. Connect with AFS Lobbyist Stephanie Salmon for more information and to schedule your congressional meetings: ssalmon@afsinc.org.