Metalcasters converge on Capitol Hill for Government Affairs Conference.

More than 100 metalcasters poured onto Capitol Hill April 27 as part of the American Foundry Society (AFS) Government Affairs Conference. Attendees met with Congressional representatives from the House and Senate in more than 100 meetings to discuss four priority issues: illegal Chinese currency manipulation; establishment of a program to increase the use of recyclable materials from metalcasting facilities; support of legislation that will aid small businesses in their negotiations with healthcare providers; and support of the proposal to increase the use of castings in Department of Defense weapon systems.

"The meetings with our Congressional representatives are an important opportunity for metalcasters to voice their opinions and show our political leaders what issues we are facing as an industry," said Jerry Call, AFS executive vice president. "There are important issues that must be presented, and these meetings provide the necessary forum for us to present them."

In addition to the meetings on Capitol Hill, a White House Briefing was held in the Old Executive Office next to the White House. There, AFS President Albert Lucchetti met with OSHA Director Ed Foulke and EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock, who complimented the metalcasting industry on its positive working relationship with the EPA.

Other highlights of the conference included a presentation by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, who discussed the country's recent economic growth and the administration's international trade policy. At a reception following the Capitol Hill meetings, newly appointed White House Press Secretary Tony Snow gave conference participants an insider's look at Washington, D.C. politics.