We are making a difference on Capitol Hill.

A record 140+ industry leaders hiked Capitol Hill to visit 170+ congressional offices representing 30+ states in April as part of ISSA’s 2025 Clean Advocacy Summit. During these meetings, these industry leaders helped to provide members of Congress and their staff with a better understanding of our industry, tax reform, regulatory barriers, period poverty, and labor and training challenges.

“I love being a part of this group, and I am excited and
honored to advocate for change in this industry!”

—Iris Verdi, strategic account manager for
Elite Building Services (KBS)

Legislative progress

Support for our top legislative priorities on Capitol Hill was evident. The attendees lobbied in support of the bipartisan-supported Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151/S. 756), allowing 529 savings plans to be used for post-secondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional certifications for essential cleaning workers.

“Joining the Clean Advocacy Summit is a great way to
advocate for your business, the workers you represent, and your industry. It’s also a great way to make lasting
connections and learn from others within your industry.
I highly recommend participating in this event.”

—Krista Plewes, head of marketing for Citron Hygiene

“As a first-time attendee, I was highly impressed with this summit. I felt confident going into the congressional meetings. I thoroughly enjoyed the education, networking, venue, and overall
experience. I would highly recommend this event
to industry peers as it provides a broad
glimpse into the industry.”

—Rachel Sanchez, CEO of Prestige
Maintenance USA

Attendees also advocated for the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (H.R. 1177/S. 492) and for adequate funding and process improvements for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Pesticide Programs to help eliminate delays in getting sanitizers and disinfectants to market.

Since meeting with our industry leaders, 14 U.S. House of Representatives and Senate (eight Republicans and five Democrats, with one Democrat signing onto two bills) have signed onto these bills as new co-sponsors. This shows how impactful in-person advocacy can be.

Additionally, a group of industry leaders, nonprofits, and advocacy groups who attended the summit representing the National Coalition to End Period Poverty, which ISSA is a founding member of, took to the Hill to advocate in support of legislation to ensure greater access to period products.

“It was a valuable exposure and relationship-building
experience meeting with our two state U.S. senators and
congressional representative staff, providing an avenue
for continued communications to work for
our industry’s benefit.”

—Jeff Stone, national sales manager for ProTeam

“The government advocacy initiative is on the short list
of the best and most impactful activities the ISSA is
providing for the industry—great progress so far with
what has been built, and this progress will continue

to pay important dividends in the future!”

—Keith Schneringer, JanSan +
Sustainability for BradyPLUS

It wasn’t only Congress that heard our message, but also President Donald Trump’s new administration. Members of ISSA’s board of directors and Government Affairs Committee met with the White House Office of Public Liaison, U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, and the Department of Labor to introduce and educate the new administration about the challenges and the essential nature of the industry. Specifically, we discussed the need for a registered apprenticeship program for the industry, labor shortages, and the importance of clean and healthy spaces.

Honoring advocates

We also celebrated and honored leaders who have been powerful advocates for the industry and the lawmakers who have been dedicated supporters of the industry’s top policy priorities. At the event, the 2025 ISSA Advocate of the Year Awards were presented to Jody Carroll, CEO of PowerX3 Cleaning Solutions, and Raquel Carbonari, brand activation director of North America at Tork, an Essity Brand. The 2025 ISSA Outstanding Government Service Awards were presented to U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3).

While election politics may be a sprint, passing legislation tends to be more of a marathon. So, if you feel inspired to be an influential voice for the industry, mark your calendars for the next ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, taking place March 23-24, 2026! Stay informed at issa.com/advocacyimpact.

Congress has since passed ISSA Priorities as part of Major Tax Bill. Read about it here.

John Nothdurft is the Director of Government Affairs for ISSA. He can be reached at [email protected].