IDFA’s advocacy team took to Capitol Hill last Thursday to visit more than 60 new members of Congress and their staffs on the first official day of the 116th Congress. The team shared information on IDFA and its members, along with infographics from Dairy Delivers®, IDFA’s economic impact tool, to demonstrate the economic footprint of the dairy processing industry in their states and districts.

Joining the buzz of visitors viewing the swearing-in ceremonies, congratulating members and making introductions were Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO, and the IDFA legislative team.

Dykes also visited several returning members including Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Amy Klobuchar, D-Mich., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. He also congratulated several new senators on their successful campaigns, including Mike Braun, R-Ill., Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah.

Several visits to new members were made by Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy; Tony Eberhard, vice president of legislative affairs; Beth Hughes, senior director of international affairs; Colin Newman, manager of legislative affairs and political programs, Donald Grady, manager of legislative affairs, and Katie Solomon, coordinator, legislative affairs and executive office.

The overwhelming majority of new lawmakers that the team visited represent districts and states that include IDFA dairy company members.

View a list of the visited members here.

Many of these members of Congress expressed interest in learning more about IDFA membership and visiting IDFA member facilities in their districts. Members interested in arranging a plant tour for legislators may contact Newman at cnewman@idfa.org or (202) 220-3518. Members may also use IDFA’s Congressional Plant Tour Guide to help facilitate questions.