Federal Advocacy 

Examples of the Chamber’s federal advocacy include:
The Chamber joined chambers of commerce and business organizations from across the country in letter to the U.S. Senate calling on Congress to extend the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to December 31, 2021. Under current law, the program will expire at the end of March.  The Chamber wrote a letter of support for the federal Gyms Mitigation and Survival Act (GYMS Act). This bill would provide funds to the Small Business Association for grants to eligible fitness businesses. Local gyms and fitness studios have faced revenue constraints over the past year due to the capacity restrictions enacted by the Commonwealth to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Chamber called on members of the Congressional Delegation for Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia to push forward the passage of a FY2021 omnibus spending package and additional economic relief. The continued rise of COVID-19 positive patients combined with a lack of funding is an urgent issue not only spanning the country, but particularly throughout the three jurisdictions that make up our region. The Chamber sent a letter to Senator Mark Warner highlighting the importance of continued COVID-19 relief and the need for support of all nonprofits, including 501(c)6es. The letter noted important findings from the recent Census Bureau polling that shed light on the overall financial effects of the pandemic on Virginia small businesses and inhabitants. The Chamber wrote a letter of support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in regard to the proposed Control of Air Pollution From Airplanes and Airplane Engines: GHG Emission Standards and Test Procedures rule implementing carbon dioxide emissions standards for aircraft. The Chamber believes that when finalized, this rule will reduce emissions in the most cost-effective way. The Chamber signed onto a letter to Congress that would pass further COVID-19 relief and include 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations in the PPP. Over 2,300 community organizations signed on in addition to the Chamber.  The Chamber signed onto a letter to the Office of Railroad Policy and Development supporting the expansion of Washington Union Station. The project is of national significance, particularly to the Capital Region of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With more than 37 million annual visitors, the Chamber believes that the station is in need of modernization and redevelopment.  The Chamber wrote a letter in support of a joint application by the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service and the other destination marketing organizations across Northern Virginia for a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The regional groups are working to counteract the sharp impact that COVID-19 has had on Northern Virginia’s hospitality industry. The grant will fund a program combining travel and tourism marketing with hotel employee training that provides hospitality workers with a certification in the new, post-COVID-19 health, safety, and sanitation protocols.​ As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Arlington Chamber called on Congress to pass workforce training initiatives to bolder coronavirus stimulus bills. Specifically, the task force called for Congress to create tax credits for individuals seeking training and upskilling, to allow the use of 529 account funds for post-secondary certifications, and to make Pell grants available to individuals pursuing short-term workforce training. The Chamber joined a national coalition to ask Congress to extend Paycheck Protection Program eligibility to local chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other non-profits so that organizations like ours can continue to provide important, community-minded services. As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Arlington Chamber called on members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to consider addressing specific priorities when negotiating the fourth round of stimulus responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Chamber signed onto a national letter organized by the American Society of Association Executives calling on Congress to include 501(c)6 nonprofit associations as eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program in the next round of coronavirus-response legislation. The Chamber sent a letter to Representative Beyer and also to Senators Warner and Kaine requesting that 501(c)6 nonprofits be included as eligible for the Payroll Protection Program. These nonprofits are major employers nationally and in our region, provide support to the communities they serve, and are facing the same COVID-19-related impacts as 501(c)3 nonprofits and for profit businesses. The Arlington Chamber joined with business leaders from around the DMV in a letter to the Congressional delegation for Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia to encourage the passing of a stimulus package that delivers economic security needed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Arlington Chamber joined with business organizations from coast to coast in a letter to President Trump and members of Congress calling for an end to the five-week long partial shutdown of the Federal government. The letter noted that the shutdown is causing significant economic harm to families and businesses, and called on leaders to find a solution to the impasse. As the U.S. House of Representatives considers the FAA Reauthorization Act, the Chamber is calling on House lawmakers to oppose any attempts to change the current high density "slot" and perimeter rules at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. In a letter to House lawmakers, the Chamber explains how such a move could have significant negative impacts on both airports.  The Arlington Chamber of Commerce joined businesses from across the metropolitan area in urging the region's top lawmakers and U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to take bold and innovative action to reform our regional transit system​. The businesses write that reforms must include changes to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) governance, funding, and operations. ​ The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board expressing support for the broad policy goals of the proposed update to the Community Energy Plan update, and also to a proposed change to the Green Building Incentive. The letter also noted that the manner in which the plan is implemented will ultimately determine its success. As such, the Chamber urged flexibility in implementation so that it is viable and economically feasible for businesses and residents. The Chamber wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, expressing support for the application from the Commonwealth of Virginia and its partners for credit assistance through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to extend High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes into the Interstate 395 corridor.  The Chamber sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx, requesting the approval of United Airlines’ application for flight service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Havana's Jose Marti International Airport. The Chamber wrote a letter to U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock (Va.-10), requesting support for the balanced two airport system of Reagan National and Dulles International.

 We believe that when finalized, this rule will reduce emissions in the most cost-effective way