ASA returns to Washington after two-year break

American Sportfishing Association (ASA) representatives have been to Washington to speak to Congress about critical issues affecting the industry and natural resources.

Members of the Association’s Government Affairs Committee made the visit for its annual spring meeting and discussed legislative priorities including Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), federal excise tax issues, import duty relief and conservation initiatives around the country.

ASA members also traveled to Capitol Hill to meet a bipartisan group serving on committees that oversee fisheries and natural resources.

The committee held briefings with Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas), Jared Huffman (D-California), Garrett Graves (R-Louisiana) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico).

“After two years of being unable to meet in person in D.C., it was great to reconvene and share our message with members of Congress and federal agency officials,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s Vice President of Government Affairs.

“We had a productive two days in Washington and were able to advance our priorities while advocating on behalf of sportfishing before federal officials. Our committee is made up of leaders across the sportfishing industry and we were able to ensure that we are heard on Capitol Hill.”

The committee also discussed the ASA’s communications efforts and new angler retention initiatives.