The American Bus Association (ABA) will kick off its annual Capitol Hill Fly-in on Thursday to provide ABA members an opportunity to meet with their elected legislative officials and staff to discuss the important issues facing the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industries today.

"With a new administration and Congress, the Fly-In presents an important opportunity for ABA members to meet personally with their elected representatives and staff about their businesses, the industry, and the impact our industry has on local and national economies,” said ABA President/CEO Peter J. Pantuso. “As Congress considers legislation that may influence how their business will be regulated, it’s critical that our members’ voices be heard.”

The Fly-in will kick off with an address from Reps. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), member of the Appropriations Committee; Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — Subcommittee on Highways and Transit; and Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Small Business Committee, providing an opportunity to engage with the Congressmen on issues important to the motorcoach, tour, and travel industry.

Following the morning briefing, Fly-In participants will meet with members’ offices from both the House of Representatives and Senate. At these meetings, Fly-In participants will discuss critical issues, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s lease and interchange rule and bus security grant funding and encourage members to support a robust infrastructure package and tax reform.