Kyle Couture (left) and Clayton Simons (right) from AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe with Sen. Katie Britt (AL)
The Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) held its first Legislative Fly-In on July 22-23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
“We had very good meetings with each Senator and Representative, said David Tantalean from Sonoran Sales Company in Chandler, Arizona. “They took our points very well.”
Tantalean was one of eighteen STI/SPFA members who met with nearly 90 Representatives and Senators during the one-and-a-half-day fly-in to advocate for important issues affecting the steel fabrication industry.
The contingent met with many members of Congress and their staff to discuss the significant role STI/SPFA members play in the steel storage tank and water and wastewater transmission industries.
Brian Cooper of Maguire (right) met with Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) to discuss ARPA and other topics.
STI/SPFA respectfully urges Congress to extend the deadline for expending already obligated SLFRF funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additional time will help ensure previously obligated funds can be used to complete these vital infrastructure projects that serve as a cornerstone for long-term economic growth in communities across the country.
During the meetings, STI/SPFA members shared stories about the lack of skilled workers available and advocated for workforce development initiatives that help promote the next generation of welders and address the root causes of the skills gap.
Sen. Ted Budd (NC) with Jon Ward, Ward Vessel and Exchanger (right)
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will expand 529 plan benefits to cover certifications, licenses, and career training. While legislation like this is a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done.
The U.S. manufacturing industry could require some 3.8 million jobs to be filled within the next decade, according to a study from the Manufacturing Institute. In a survey regarding skilled labor needs, 93% of STI/SPFA members said they could hire skilled labor, if available, to fill open positions.
Members also discussed how tariffs are affecting their companies and their customers, and stressed the importance of preventing our members’ products from being undercut by foreign adversaries.
Left to right: Bill Kennedy, Kennedy Tank and Manufacturing; Sen. Todd Young (IN); Randy Moore, Randall Moore Consulting
The Legislative Advocacy Committee will continue to work closely with key departments and members of Congress, advocating for positive legislation for STI/SPFA members and our industry.
“We were met with warm receptions and sincere bipartisan interest in our topics of concern,” said Randy Moore, Chairman of the STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee. “The Legislative Advocacy Committee will build on the relationships started with each office to become their go-to resource for any, and all, issues of importance to STI/SPFA members.”
