Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) brought industry professionals from the energy, water, and maritime sectors to Washington, D.C. from May 11–13 for its Advocacy Days event, where discussions with policymakers focused on the long-term performance and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
As Congress continues advancing major infrastructure legislation, participants emphasized that funding alone is insufficient without sustained attention to maintenance practices, industry standards, and workforce development.
More than 40 attendees participated in the event, conducting 54 meetings with congressional offices, committee staff, and federal agencies. Discussions centered on legislation including the PIPES Act, the Water Resources Development Act(WRDA), and the SHIPS for America Act.
Kimberly-Joy Harris, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors, said the event provided an opportunity to connect technical expertise with policy decisions shaping infrastructure investment and performance. She noted that engagement between industry professionals and lawmakers helps ensure long-term operational performance remains part of the broader infrastructure conversation.
Throughout the meetings, AMPP members highlighted concerns surrounding corrosion and material degradation across pipelines, water systems, and maritime assets. Participants said these issues continue to impact maintenance costs and system reliability when not addressed proactively.
Workforce shortages and the need for consistent industry standards were also identified as major challenges affecting long-term infrastructure performance.
Kern Williams, AMPP manager of Government Relations, said advocacy efforts help bridge the gap between field experience and legislative decision-making, ensuring practical operational considerations are reflected in both policy development and implementation.
Policymakers and staff engaged with AMPP representatives on issues ranging from pipeline safety and water infrastructure to shipbuilding and defense-related assets. Discussions repeatedly reinforced the idea that infrastructure reliability, safety, and long-term cost efficiency depend not only on initial investment, but also on ongoing maintenance and technical oversight.
AMPP said it plans to continue working with lawmakers as infrastructure legislation progresses, advocating for greater emphasis on materials protection, workforce readiness, and performance standards within future policy implementation.
More information on AMPP’s legislative priorities is available on the AMPP official website.
