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Join us June 1-4, 2026 in Washington DC
Join us for the 2026 GMA Spring Lobby Days taking place on June 1-4, 2026, in Washington DC. Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) members will have the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives, hear from invited guests and learn how the election will impact the work of Congress. Visitors are welcome – contact Fred Chuck, GMA Executive Director (fred.chuck@textiles.org).
On May 30, 2025 the Congress of the United States, House of Representatives formally approved the creation of the Congressional Geosynthetic Materials Caucus. Representatives Bruce Westermann (R-AR) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) serve as co-chairs of the Caucus. Members of Congress are now advocating for our industry, in large part, due to GMA’s consistent lobbying efforts along with the support and involvement of GMA members. A primary goal for the 2026 Spring Lobby Days is leveraging congressional offices to join the Caucus. The more offices that we can visit with constituents, the better chance we will have to fill the ranks of the caucus.
Outcomes from previous GMA Lobby Days have spurred the inclusion of language in in three critical infrastructure reauthorization bills, Water Resources, Highway FAST Act & the FAA. Now due to our bipartisan conversations, we have been asked to provide language for the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. GMA’s initial release of language is an attempt to flip the script, shifting the positioning of geosynthetics (and other materials/processes) from ‘innovative’ to “underutilized proven technologies”. The language has been well received by congressional offices, various agencies and related associations. Continued promotion is critical to gaining legislative language.
Lobby Days provides an opportunity to educate members of Congress about national issues that affect your company, such as the recent Build America, Buy American (BABA) guidance from the Office of Management & Budget (OMB), US DOT and FHWA.
We hope you will join us in these congressional conversations. Please register early and include your local district information to increase the likelihood of meeting with your congressional delegate. Good attendance will ensure that we can visit as many congressional offices as possible to further promote the benefits of geosynthetics and the inclusion of geosynthetics in the infrastructure funding.
Meeting Options
Congressional Office Visit – as in years past where we could walk the halls of congress and visit offices with unlimited attendees, the offices have re-opened to visits yet some are limiting the numbers, so depending on the specifics of the office, we will be assigning attendees based on your congressional districts.
Lunch Conversations – TBD
Learn more about GMA Membership
To learn about becoming a GMA member, click here. If you have questions regarding membership, lobby day or anything else please contact GMA’s Executive Director, Fred Chuck at fred.chuck@textiles.org or click on the button below.
Schedule at a Glance
Tue. | June 2nd
2:00-5:00 PM: GMA Executive Council Meeting (agenda attached to separate email)
1401 H Street NW, 20005 – Building Management Office’s Conference Room
Check in at Lobby and staff will direct to room (different location)
6:00-9:00 PM: Reception and Preparation Dinner – speaker tbd
Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 – (Room – TBD)
Across from Capital South Metro station (Blue & Orange Lines)
Wed. | June 3rd
7:30-9:00 AM: Preparation Assembly, Coffee & Light breakfast
Capitol Hill Club (CHC) – (Room TBD – available -5:00PM)
All Day: Meetings with Members of Congress and/or key staff – House & Senate Offices
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch at CHC – speaker or Congressional Visitor
Late afternoon: CHC – Debrief with the Whitmer &Worrall (W&W)staff.
Thu. | June 4th
Debrief with W&W and additional meetings with agencies as needed
Exact times, locations and full schedule details will be available soon on the event website.
Hotel Room Blocks
WASHINGTON MARRIOTT at Metro Center
775 12th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Guest Room Block: Please note your cutoff date is 05/04/26. Your room block is below:
Reservations link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51186944
Rate: $289.00/night plus $30 Destination Fee = Total $319.00
GMA Spring Lobby Days rates starting 6/1/26
RESIDENCE INN Washington DC Downtown
1199 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Guest Room Block: Please note your cutoff date is 05/04/26.
Rate: $259.00/night includes daily breakfast buffet
Res Link Spring: Book your group rate for GMA Spring Lobby Days
GMA Spring Lobby Days rates starting 6/1/26
HILTON GARDEN INN Washington, DC/Downtown
815 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Group Name: Geosynthetic Materials Association Lobby Day
Dates: June 1-4, 2026
Rate: $305.00
Cut-off Date: 05/04/2026