Chamber members visit Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON — Members of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce traveled to Capitol Hill last week, eager for some face time with lawmakers and congressional staff members.

“It’s an annual trip. We’ve done it in springtime, but generally it’s this type of year,” said Bill Rogers, the chamber’s vice president of communications and special projects.

Twenty-nine people made the trip this time.

On the House side, things didn’t go quite as planned.

“Normally, they’re battling over the budget or whatever, so it’s always an interesting time for us to be there,” Rogers said.

But this year, the House was nearly deserted; most lawmakers, facing re-election, left town earlier than originally scheduled so they could spend more time in their districts.

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., was still there, however, awaiting the group’s arrival.

With no votes to cast and no committee meetings to attend, the pace Monday wasn’t quite as frenzied.

“To be honest, it really gave us more time than normal with the congressman because he didn’t have to be anywhere,” Rogers said.

Tariffs and trade, workforce training and federal budget issues were discussed.

On Tuesday, the contingent met with U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both Arkansas Republicans.

Chamber President Perry Webb said the Northwest Arkansas contingent was large, and the meetings were productive.

“It was a good trip,” he said.