More than 140 cleaning and facility solutions leaders took to Capitol Hill on March 24, meeting with 150+ congressional offices across 30+ states during ISSA’s 2026 Clean Advocacy Summit, driving home the industry’s critical role in public health and economic stability.

In addition to Congress, ISSA leaders met with the White House Office of Public Liaison, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, and the Department of Education, spotlighting workforce shortages, apprenticeship opportunities, and the importance of clean, healthy spaces.

Advocates at the summit urged Congress to act on the industry’s key priorities:

• Authorize EPA’s Safer Choice Program to boost innovation and help consumers and businesses choose safer products with confidence.
• Expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (HR 6231/S 3265) to open doors for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and second-chance workers.
• Strengthen the workforce pipeline through the bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (HR 5494) and Dignity Act (HR 4393).

Summit participants also joined partners from the National Coalition to End Period Poverty to push for greater access to essential hygiene products nationwide.

Celebrating industry champions
At the inaugural International Cleaning Week Awards Dinner, ISSA honored standout advocates:

• Advocates of the Year: Natasha Magrath (You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia) and Tom Friedl (HOSPECO Brands Group)
• Outstanding Government Service: U.S. Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Sarah McBride (D-DE)

Momentum that continues
“This is a great experience—preparation and tools made us effective,” said attendee Tricia Holderman.

Advocacy doesn’t stop when the meetings end. With momentum building, the next Clean Advocacy Summit heads to Washington, DC, April 12–13, 2027.

Take action: Reinforce the message—engage your members of Congress here and become an ISSA Advocate for Clean here.

For more information about the Clean Advocacy Summit, contact ISSA’s Stacy Seiden.