Each year, the National Automobile Dealers Association's Washington Conference brings automotive leaders from across the country to our nation's capital to discuss the federal policies shaping the industry and ensure our members have a voice in the legislative process.
This September, NHADA representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2026 conference. The two-day program included national policy briefings, discussions with fellow associations and direct meetings with members of New Hampshire's congressional delegation.
Following NADA's "Inside Washington" briefing, the NHADA delegation headed to Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that protect New Hampshire's motor vehicle businesses, their employees and the customers they serve.
NHADA representatives met with Congressman Chris Pappas, Senator Maggie Hassan and staff from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander's office. These meetings provided an important opportunity to explain how decisions made in Washington affect member businesses and other motor vehicle businesses here in New Hampshire.
The conversations covered several federal issues affecting businesses, consumers and the broader motor vehicle industry, with particular attention given to protecting the U.S. automotive market from foreign security threats and combating catalytic converter theft.
Conference attendees urged lawmakers to support the bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would restrict the importation, manufacture and sale of connected vehicles, hardware and software associated with China and other foreign adversaries.
Left to right: Bernie Moreno, former auto dealer and current United States Senator, talking with NADA Chairman & CEO Rob Cochran
Modern vehicles collect and transmit substantial amounts of information, including data related to vehicle location and driver behavior. NADA supports the legislation's goal of protecting consumer privacy and national security while defending American manufacturers, dealers and workers from unfair foreign competition.
The proposal advanced from the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in July. NADA is encouraging members of Congress to support its passage while remaining mindful of any unintended consequences for dealers and American jobs.
NHADA also continued its support for the bipartisan Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, commonly known as the PART Act.
Catalytic converter theft remains costly and disruptive for vehicle owners and motor vehicle businesses. Because converters generally lack identifying numbers tied to a specific vehicle, stolen parts can be difficult for law enforcement to trace.
The PART Act would require traceable identification on catalytic converters installed in new vehicles, strengthen recordkeeping requirements and establish federal criminal penalties for stealing, trafficking, selling or knowingly purchasing stolen converters. It would also create a grant program to help mark catalytic converters already in service.
Congressman Pappas is among the bipartisan cosponsors supporting the legislation. NHADA encouraged Congress to advance the bill and give law enforcement stronger tools to disrupt the interstate market for stolen converters.
In addition to the legislative meetings, the conference gave NHADA representatives an opportunity to exchange ideas with automotive trade associations, business owners and managers from across the country. The agenda included policy briefings, national speakers, and networking events at the Library of Congress and NADA's Capitol Hill offices.
These conversations help state associations identify shared challenges, learn from one another, and present a stronger, more coordinated voice on issues affecting automotive retail nationwide.
Recent advocacy has produced meaningful results for businesses. NADA has supported stronger protections against foreign automotive security threats, advanced bipartisan efforts to combat catalytic converter theft and successfully challenged the FTC's burdensome Vehicle Shopping Rule in court. NADA also continues working with federal officials on vehicle affordability, tariffs, emissions standards, advertising compliance, tax policy, and the preservation of state dealer franchise laws.
The Washington Conference allows NHADA to contribute to those discussions while ensuring national policy conversations include the practical experiences of New Hampshire businesses.
We thank Congressman Pappas, Senator Hassan, Congresswoman Goodlander's staff, and their respective teams for taking the time to meet with New Hampshire's motor vehicle industry representatives.
NHADA will continue working closely with NADA, our congressional delegation and policymakers at every level to protect our members and strengthen New Hampshire's motor vehicle industry. By showing up, sharing our members' experiences, and remaining engaged throughout the legislative process, we ensure New Hampshire continues to have a seat at the table.