The 2025 Capitol Connections event brought ELFA members to Washington, D.C. for an incredible day of advocacy on behalf of the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
Over the course of the day, ELFA members met with more than 140 congressional offices, building relationships with lawmakers and their staff. Discussions focused on the critical role equipment finance plays in state and local economies, and how cutting unnecessary regulatory red tape can help the industry continue to grow and serve businesses worldwide.
Attendees also heard directly from U.S. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, a leading voice in the effort to repeal Section 1071, and CNN political analyst Scott Jennings, who provided timely insights on the current political landscape.
“Capitol Connections is more than just a fly-in—it’s a strategic force multiplier,” said Andy Fishburn, ELFA Senior Vice President of Public Policy. “When our members speak directly with lawmakers, it’s not abstract. It’s real businesses, real jobs, and real economic growth on the line.”
Why It Matters
Capitol Connections is an annual opportunity for business leaders to come together and amplify the industry’s voice, helping to shape the policy conversation in Washington. The relationships built during this event are vital to ensuring the industry remains supported by elected officials.
As a result of ELFA members' relentless advocacy in June, two long-standing priorities for the equipment finance industry were permanently enacted: 100% expensing and EBITDA-based interest deductibility. Both measures were secured with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
What’s Next
ELFA's government relations team will build on the momentum of this policy achievement and continue to advocate on behalf of the equipment leasing and finance industry on other key issues, such as pushing for a full repeal of Section 1071. The advocacy and connections made at this year's Capitol Connections play a key role in this effort.
Learn more in the Foundation’s latest study: The Effect of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act on Leasing: Evidence from the Past with Implications for the Future.
Get Involved: Host an In-District Visit
Lawmakers value seeing the real-world impact of the industry in their own backyards. Hosting a member of Congress for an in-district visit or roundtable is one of the most effective ways to educate them on the importance of equipment finance.
“Capitol Connections is the spark—but the real work is in keeping the fire going,” said Kirk Phillips, Chair of the ELFA Advocacy Advisory Committee. “Hosting lawmakers back home for in-district visits is where these conversations become relationships, and where policy gets shaped by real-world experience.”
Please contact the ELFA's government team at FederalGovernmentRelations@elfaonline.org to continue building a relationship with a member of Congress through an in-district meeting and roundtable.
ELFA Board Chair James Cress opens the 2025 Capitol Connections at the morning breakfast.
U.S. Senator John Boozman addresses ELFA members on the importance of coming to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Equipment Leasing Industry.
Strategic Planning! Neftali Ocasio, Donna Yanuzzi, and Eric Bush prep for their first meeting on the Hill.
On a Mission!
Randy Haug, Michelle Speranza, Moorari Shah, Nate Gibbons, and Robert Moskovitz speak all things Nebraska with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer's policy advisors.
ELFA CEO and President Leigh Lytle speaks on behalf of the Equipment Finance industry and how this leasing industry benefits our global economy.
Quick Snapshot with Kim Montgomery and Matthew Vazzana.
LeasePAC Chair Brad Peterson has the crowd in stitches as he ditches the prepared script and delivers an unexpected comedy routine.
Christine Brown and James Cress catching up before the closing dinner.
Leaders in our emerging talent taking on Capitol Hill. Thank you, Billy Bagnell, Lisa Corby, Kelby Spring, Lana Kralik, and Matthew Vazzana!
Comparing Meeting Notes. Leigh Lytle, Cindy Fleck, and Frank Costanza.
The Midwest Team is in the House! Kayla Perlinger, Tina Eickhoff, Debra Devassy Babu, and Barry Ripes.
Steven Wright, Lance King, Luciana Andrade de Faria, Joseph Banister, and Adam White dive into our political agenda with the Texas delegation.
Heading up to Capitol Hill with legislative priorities…. No sweat! Michael Wood, Mary Sharp, Peggy Tomcheck, Jeff Dicosola, and Amy Sharp.
ELFA Power Pose! Jon Albin, R. Scott Adams, Jacklynn Manning, Chad Day, Christopher Bucher, and Oscar Quijano.
We spy… Jeff Bilbrey.