ASNT Day on the Hill: Championing NDT

By Garra Liming

As I discussed in my last article (in the November 2024 issue of Materials Evaluation), one of the keys of ASNT’s advocacy efforts is developing and pursuing a legislative agenda. Last year, ASNT engaged in several meetings with US lawmakers to advocate for the NDT industry. In March 2024, ASNT joined the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for the ASAE Legislative Fly-In, and in May, we returned with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) during their Advocacy Day. I am excited to share that ASNT will be hosting its first “Hill Day” on 10–11 March 2025, and we need your voice to join us for this important opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the NDT industry.

What happens during a "Hill Day?"

During Hill Day, ASNT members will gather in Washington, DC, to engage in meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill. The event will begin with a training session on Monday, 10 March, where attendees will get to know each other and learn how to explain nondestructive testing (NDT) and its importance to legislators, as well as the role of ASNT. The training session will also cover the legislation that ASNT is advocating for. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice their messages with role-play and other activities. The evening will end with a reception at a local restaurant. On Tuesday, 11 March, ASNT will schedule meetings with legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Attendees will be grouped according to their states and zip codes so that they will be able to meet with their elected representatives. Groups of at least three attendees will participate in six to eight meetings throughout the day. After the Hill Day, ASNT will provide guidance for attendees to send follow-up messages to their representatives.

What will we be advocating for?

The Hill Day will be a great opportunity for ASNT members to explain what they do with pride, highlighting our important role in ensuring the public’s safety and how we really make a difference in the world. It’s important to introduce NDT to our legislators so that they understand the role we play and the challenges we are facing—this will lay the foundation for ASNT to be able to introduce future legislation and funding that would benefit the NDT industry. During Hill Day, members will also advocate for the passage of legislation that will help grow the NDT workforce. In the last year, ASNT has been focused on the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. This workforce development bill would allow beneficiaries of 529 savings accounts to use their account funds to cover costs associated with workforce training and high-quality post-secondary credentials, such as professional certifications and occupational licenses. If enacted, this legislation would provide more young people with the opportunity to pursue skilled trades, such as NDT, with fewer out-of-pocket costs for training programs and certifications.

How can members participate?

If you are interested in joining us on the Hill, visit our Advocacy page here and submit an interest form in the section titled “ASNT on The Hill.” You can also email me at [email protected]. If you’re unable to join us in person, you can still get involved with ASNT’s legislative advocacy initiatives. Stay tuned to ASNT’s social media and to the Advocacy web page for more updates.

Future legislative action

ASNT has created a coalition with about 20 other organizations that represent trade industries that are facing workforce shortages, and one of our key legislative goals for the future will be getting funding to address these shortages. We will also be talking with legislators about tax reform—to address the nation’s debt; legislators are considering taxing associations on non-dues revenue, which would hurt ASNT’s ability to serve the NDT industry. Future activities on the Hill will address these initiatives and other legislation relevant to the NDT industry. If you or your organization are advocating for anything that aligns with ASNT’s mission, please reach out to me at [email protected] so that we can discuss how ASNT can support your initiatives.

NDT Week

ASNT will also be celebrating NDT Week during the Hill Day event. NDT Week is an opportunity to celebrate this important industry and the work that we do. Stay tuned to ASNT’s social media to learn more and to share your NDT stories.

Garra Liming is the Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs at ASNT. Garra can be reached at [email protected].