From left: Bob Giammaruti (SHECO Industries, Inc.), Kyle Couture (AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe), Rep. Dale Strong (AL-5), Ricky Lightcamp (Alabama Heat Exchangers, Inc.)
The Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) held its 2026 Legislative Fly-in on June 10-11 in Washington, D.C., where members met with nearly one-quarter of congressional offices to discuss key issues affecting the steel fabrication industry.
Throughout the Fly-in, members highlighted the significant role STI/SPFA companies play in the steel storage tank and water and wastewater transmission industries. These conversations gave members an opportunity to explain how federal policy decisions directly impact their businesses, employees, customers, and communities.
One key issue discussed was the need to extend the deadline for expending already obligated State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Many communities have committed these funds to important water, sewer, and infrastructure projects, but additional time may be needed to ensure those projects can be completed.
STI/SPFA respectfully urged Congress to extend the deadline for expending already obligated SLFRF funds to provide more time to ensure that previously obligated funds can be used to complete vital infrastructure projects that serve as a cornerstone for long-term economic growth in communities across the country.
Jon Ward, Ward Vessel and Exchanger, discusses trade and tariffs with Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10)
Members discussed trade and tariffs, including the need for strong enforcement against unfairly traded products. As domestic manufacturers, STI/SPFA members stressed the importance of preventing foreign competitors from undercutting American companies that are investing in U.S. workers, facilities, and communities.
Attendees raised support for the Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations Act, or STEEL Act (H.R. 6446), which is intended to strengthen trade enforcement and help prevent duty evasion and unfair trade practices.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) met with Larry Wombles (right) of Paso Robles Tank, Inc.
Workforce development was another major focus. In a recent survey conducted by STI/SPFA, 83% of fabricators reported that it is difficult or very difficult to find skilled workers.
STI/SPFA members shared the ongoing challenges their companies face in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, particularly welders and other trained tradespeople. Members encouraged Congress to support policies that strengthen the skilled labor pipeline, expand career and technical education opportunities, and help more people enter manufacturing careers.
STI/SPFA has officially endorsed the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393) with over 100 other organizations. The Dignity Act would secure the border, implement enforcement measures, provide legal pathways to employment for immigrants, help train American workers, and improve the legal immigration system.
STI/SPFA asked Congress to pass this important legislation, which would provide the manufacturing sector, and more specifically STI/SPFA members, with a much-needed pipeline of able and willing employees.
Members also raised concerns about OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule. STI/SPFA members are committed to protecting worker safety, but emphasized that any federal standard must be practical, flexible, and workable across different industries, facilities, climates, and jobsite conditions. Members discussed the Heat Workforce Standards Act (H.R. 6213/S. 4427) as part of broader conversations about ensuring workplace safety requirements protect employees without creating unnecessary or duplicative burdens for employers that already have safety programs in place.
From left: Katie Bruce (STI/SPFA), Michael Usterbowski (Sherwin Williams), Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), Tim O’Toole (STI/SPFA)
The 2026 Legislative Fly-in gave STI/SPFA members a direct voice in Washington and helped strengthen relationships with congressional offices on both sides of the aisle. These meetings are an important part of STI/SPFA’s ongoing advocacy efforts and help ensure policymakers hear directly from the companies and workers affected by federal legislation and regulations.
The STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee will continue building on the conversations held during the Fly-in and advocating for policies that support the steel fabrication industry, domestic manufacturing, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and practical workplace safety regulations.
