The RV Industry Association (RVIA) joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) Business Council for a two-day legislative fly-in in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing the interests of the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
The event convened leaders from multiple outdoor sectors to present a unified message to federal agencies and congressional offices on the importance of supporting outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Participants met with a bipartisan group of senators, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Steve Daines of Montana, and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia.
Key topics included the implementation of the EXPLORE Act and the continued funding of the Legacy Restoration Fund, programs designed to maintain and modernize public land facilities frequently used by RVers.
These initiatives are considered essential for sustaining high-quality outdoor experiences and supporting local communities that rely on recreation-related tourism.
Industry representatives also engaged with the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation and the Department of the Interior to discuss infrastructure needs.
A session at the White House with the Domestic Policy Council and the National Economic Council highlighted the need for continued federal investment in public lands and outdoor access.
Chad Reece, Winnebago Vice President of Industry and Government Relations and Chair of the RVIA Government Affairs Committee, emphasized the significance of the meetings.
“I was very pleased with the fly-in and the opportunity to engage with offices outside our usual purview,” Reece said in a News and Insights report of RVIA.
“It was a valuable chance to share the RV industry’s perspective on the positive economic influence the Legacy Restoration Fund has had, particularly in supporting the vitality of rural and gateway communities,” Reece added.
The fly-in provided an opportunity for the RV industry to collaborate with boating, fishing, and powersports partners, reinforcing that outdoor recreation contributes substantially to the national economy.
The event underscored the RV industry’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in federal policymaking, highlighting the broader economic and community benefits tied to well-supported outdoor infrastructure.