U.S. Equipment Manufacturers Warn Policy Uncertainty Could Slow Investment

More than 55 executives joined AEM’s 2026 Washington Fly-In, pressing lawmakers on innovation, rural investment and long-term infrastructure funding.

More than 55 equipment manufacturing executives traveled to Capitol Hill for the 2026 AEM Washington Fly-In, using the event to underline how federal policy decisions affect investment, innovation and competitiveness across the manufacturing sector.

The executives took part in approximately 100 meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff, advocating for policies that they said would strengthen manufacturing, protect innovation, support rural America and modernize infrastructure. For an industry tied closely to construction, agriculture, infrastructure and rural economies, the message was clear: manufacturers are looking for policy certainty as they plan future investments and product development.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers focused the Fly-In around three legislative priorities. The first was opposition to mandates that AEM says could undermine innovation by expanding government rights to use and share proprietary information. The group specifically rejected Section 861 of the House FY27 NDAA and Section 804 of the Senate FY27 NDAA, arguing that the provisions would go beyond what is needed for maintenance and sustainment activities.

The second priority was rural investment. AEM called for a bipartisan reauthorization of the farm bill by the end of the year, including measures that advance precision agriculture and maintain a strong farm safety net. For equipment manufacturers serving the agricultural market, the issue links directly to technology adoption, farm productivity and the ability of rural customers to plan equipment purchases with greater confidence.

The third priority centered on infrastructure. AEM urged Congress to pass a bipartisan, fully funded federal surface transportation reauthorization by the end of the year and to secure a long-term, sustainable funding stream for the Highway Trust Fund. The association framed infrastructure investment as a key factor for economic growth and for the manufacturers, contractors and communities connected to roadbuilding and transportation networks.

“The strength of the AEM Washington Fly-In is the opportunity it creates for equipment manufacturers to share their stories directly with lawmakers,” We came to Washington this week to highlight the innovations, investments, and jobs our companies support every day. By engaging directly with lawmakers, we are helping shape the decisions that will determine the future of manufacturing.”

Said Brian Bieller, Chair of AEM’s Government and Public Affairs Committee. 

AEM Vice President of Federal Affairs Kate Fox Wood also emphasized the need for collaboration between industry and government.

“America’s manufacturing renaissance requires pro-growth policies and meaningful collaboration between industry and government. Our members provided lawmakers with firsthand insight into how decisions made in Washington affect their employees, customers, and communities. These conversations build the understanding needed to advance practical, bipartisan solutions that strengthen U.S. manufacturing and keep our economy moving forward.”

She said.

As part of the Fly-In, AEM honored four members of Congress with its Champion of the Industry Award: U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski, U.S. Representative Brad Finstad, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer. According to AEM, the award recognizes lawmakers for their leadership in advancing policies that strengthen America’s manufacturing base. This year marked the second time Senator Fischer has received the recognition.

Beyond the meetings themselves, the Washington Fly-In highlighted AEM’s effort to present equipment manufacturers as a unified voice in federal policy discussions. By bringing executives directly into conversations with policymakers, the association aimed to show how decisions made in Washington can influence manufacturing investment, innovation, jobs and communities across the country.