The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) hosted a joint meeting for their members earlier this week, which involved a delegation of 30 UMA members and staff visiting Capitol Hill for the opportunity to hear about issues critical to private motorcoach carriers and to meet with their elected officials.

On Wednesday, members were given an opportunity to meet one-on-one with their Representatives and Senators through pre-scheduled meetings to discuss issues critical to their businesses. UMA and NSTA members had a combined total of over 160 meetings with members of Congress throughout the day. The day concluded with dinner and keynote speaker Jim Nussle, former U.S. Congressmen from Iowa and former Chairman of the House Budget Committee and former Director of the Office of Management and Budget under George W. Bush.

On Thursday morning, participants from both organizations heard from an array of members of Congress on transportation-specific topics, such as the highway reauthorization bill.

"It is both critical and worthwhile to take the time to come and meet with your elected representatives to let them know how the laws and rules they pass affect you," said Ken Presley, UMA's vice president, industry relations, and COO. "More than ever, our industry is under the microscope and the meetings this year took on more purpose - we thank all of our members who joined us in D.C. these past few days, it really makes a difference."