Congressional Visits Day CVD

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Congressional Visits Day (CVD)

• John C. Rose
• Western Region Deputy Director, Public Policy
• February 7, 2009

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Agenda

• Introductions
• What and When is CVD?
• Key Issues
• CVD Tips
• AIAA Public Policy
• QA
• Wrap Up

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What Is CVD?

• Quite frankly, CVD is
• a chance for our voices to be heard!!

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Why Do We Have Congressional Visits Day?
CVD is a chance to

• Make the voice of aerospace professionals heard
  on Capitol Hill
• Most major professions have organized lobbying
  activities.
• AIAA members interests can only be known by
  bringing the message directly to the nations
  elected leadership.
• Educate elected officials and staff on the
  specifics of aerospace issues through individual
  congressional office visits
• Identifying key issues each year assures that the
  AIAA message is focused and clear.
• Apply CVD attendee numbers effectively by
  combining experienced and inexperienced
  participants on small visits teams.
• Many small teams means many congressional office
  touches
• Gain insight into the current congressional
  perspective on issues impacting aerospace today
  and in the future

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Why is CVD Important?

• It puts constituents (voters) in the office of
  their officials talking about issues that are
  affecting them personally.
• It can bring to light adverse impacts that could
  be affecting the representatives home district.
• It is a chance to put a face to the name of AIAA.

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Preparing for CVD Public Policy Colloquium
Regional PP Colloquium serves to answer questions
about CVD and educate participants about the Key
Issues as well as what to do, what not to do and
what to expect. This years colloquium was hosted
by the OC section. AIAA President George
Muellner attended and spoke about the Importance
of CVD and the Key Issues.
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CVD 2009

• Congressional Visits Day 2009 is being held on
  Tues March 17th
• and Wed March 18th.
• Tues afternoon CVD Orientation (Hilton Garden
  Inn, downtown DC)
• Wednesday On the Hill (Capital Hill)
• Wednesday Evening CVD Social (Capital Hill)

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2009 CVD Key Issues

• An Actionable Strategy for Aeronautics Research
  is Required to Maintain American Leadership
• Meeting ISS Cargo and Crew Sustainment Needs
• Recapturing American Leadership in Space Life and
  Physical Sciences
• Sustaining Human Spaceflight Leadership
• Establish and Sustain Robust DoD Science
  Technology RDTE Funding
• Improved Air Cargo Security and Scanning
• The Use of UAVs in the National Airspace is
  Critical to Homeland Security
• The Impact of Export Controls on the Domestic
  Aerospace Industry
• Recruiting, Retaining and Developing a
  World-Class Aerospace Workforce
• Increase Emphasis and Funding for Technology and
  Engineering in STEM

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CVD FAQs

• I am a federal employee, can I attend?
• What are the expenses for CVD?
• Does AIAA provide any travel assistance?
• Can I hand out my business card?
• How will I know what to talk about?
• Can I refer to specific programs?
• Will I meet with the Representative in person?
• What is the format of the meetings?
• Can I answer questions about other aerospace
  topics? What if they ask my opinion?
• What if they want additional information?
• Other questions????

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Fax a meeting request letter to the
office Follow up with phone call to
scheduler Constituents have best chance for a
meeting Be flexible Know your audience
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Region 6 Attendees
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Tips for Attending CVD
1. Use DC Metro lets you stay farther from
Downtown (cheaper hotels) 2. Request the travel
support from AIAA (at least 1 sponsorship _at_
500) 3. Fax in meeting request and follow up
with scheduler 4. Wear comfortable shoes 5.
Research the Key Issues and how they relate to
your Rep. 6. Enjoy the experience 7. Bring a
camera. Reps love photos with constituents. 8.
Check with your Reps office about a Capital
tour.
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Why Participate in CVD?
Unlike any other experience!
See another side of AIAA.
Educate yourself and others
Its fun!
Make new AIAA contacts!
Support the industry.
Learn about issues facing aerospace
See our government in action!
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Images From the Hill
Rep. Ken Calvert
CVD Social
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
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Public Policy Throughout the Year

• CVD cant be the only Public Policy event during
• the year. Local sections need to stay engaged and
  
• work on getting the Institutes message out all
  year.
• August is for Aerospace (A4A)
• Inside Aerospace
• Home office visits
• Public Policy sessions at conferences (Space
  2009)
• Have a Public Policy Chair
• Engage local officials
• Link with other industry groups on legislative
  activities
• Government Fellow Program

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And a good time was had by all
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