National ACE Business Leaders Complete Landmark Day of Capitol Hill Meetings with 40 Congressional Offices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025

PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — [May 14, 2025] — In a strong demonstration of advocacy, 62 business leaders from the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) and its partner organizations met with 40 Congressional offices—including 20 direct meetings with U.S. Representatives and Senators—to champion support for federal small business programs and to advance policies that empower small business communities.

Discussions centered on expanding international trade, strengthening global supply chains, and driving inclusive economic growth. The delegation also presented National ACE’s policy agenda, outlining key priorities such as access to capital, artificial intelligence (AI), the collection of meaningful data, federal procurement, fostering AAPI leadership, language accessibility, energy and tax reform.

The National ACE Delegation on Capitol Hill Day was composed of partner organizations and entrepreneurs from Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Reflecting the broader significance of this advocacy, Jimmy Ferguson, Chair of the Policy Committee, stated, “I am proud that National ACE delegates emphasized the urgent need to preserve and expand federal resources and programs for small businesses through the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration. Our discussions resonated strongly with legislators from both sides of the aisle, many of whom acknowledged the vital role small businesses play in our economy and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and support.”

Mary Navalta-Chavan, President of The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Utah (PACCI-Utah) and Founder of Altavan Foods, shared, “Thank you for not only helping us knock on those doors, but for making sure we are welcomed in. Our communities are not asking for favors, we are asking for fair access... Being part of this movement, through National ACE’s leadership, reminds me that we are not alone in this fight.” Her words captured the collective sentiment of resilience and alliance. 

John Victoria, Owner of Polianna based in Maryland, echoed this spirit, reflecting, “Capitol Hill Day was an incredible opportunity to listen, learn, and connect directly with our legislators, such as Representatives Kimberly King-Hinds and James Moylan, about the challenges small business owners face on the ground. I left feeling inspired, with new relationships and a deeper understanding of how we can support entrepreneurs across the country.”

This Capitol Hill Day highlighted the strength of community, the impact of collective advocacy, and the critical need for continued investment in small businesses. The momentum generated here will serve as a strong foundation for the road ahead.

Full List of Legislators Met With:

1. Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV)

2. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

3. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)

4. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

5. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

6. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

7. Senator John Curtis (R-UT)

8. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)

9. Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30)

10. Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20)

11. Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10)

12. Rep. Kimberly King Hinds (CNMI)

13. Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)

14. Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02)

15. Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL)

16. Rep. Dave Min (CA-47)

17. Rep. James Moylan (GU-AL)

18. Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04)

19. Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03)

20. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07)
    

Full List of Congressional Offices Met With:

1. Office of Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)

2. Office of Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)

3. Office of Senator John Curtis (R-UT)

4. Office of Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

5. Office of Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)

6. Office of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)

7. Office of Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)

8. Office of Rep. Ed Case (HI-01)

9. Office of Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11)

10. Office of Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-08)

11. Office of Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

12. Office of Rep. Kevin Hern (OK-01)

13. Office of Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05)

14. Office of Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16)

15. Office of Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07)

16. Office of Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15)

17. Office of Rep. Robert Menendez (NJ-08)

18. Office of Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

19. Office of Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05)

20. Office of Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25)