NAPS Takes Its Message to Capitol Hill

NAPS Takes Its Message to Capitol Hill
By Chuck Mulidore
NAPS Executive Vice President

The 2026 NAPS Legislative Training Seminar, held March 15-18, demonstrated once again why our organization remains a powerful and respected voice for all EAS employees on Capitol Hill. Over several days of meetings, presentations, fellowship and legislative advocacy, more than 400 NAPS members from across the country came together in Arlington, VA, to strengthen their knowledge, sharpen their message and advocate for the future of the Postal Service and the men and women who lead it every day, as well as NAPS’ legislative agenda.

The seminar began on Sunday, March 15, with registration and several events that set a meaningful tone for the week. Attendees took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery that honors the role veterans have played in the defense of our country. Each year, NAPS honors four veterans who are NAPS members by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Following this solemn ceremony, many members worshipped together in a non-denominational service. Later, a first-timers’ orientation was held, followed by a town hall meeting with the NAPS resident officers and fellow Executive Board members. The day concluded with a dinner for the NAPS state legislative chairs. Together, those events provided a balance of reflection, preparation and unity as members prepared for meetings on Capitol Hill.

Monday’s program delivered a full day of information and engagement centered on postal policy and legislative priorities. The opening session, led by me as part of my executive vice president duties, included patriotic observances and introductions and remarks from NAPS President Ivan D. Butts and Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden. The session reinforced the purpose of the seminar: to ensure NAPS members are informed, organized and ready to represent the interests of EAS supervisors, managers and postmasters at the national level.

The seminar agenda featured an impressive lineup of guests from the Postal Service and Congress. Among the speakers were Postmaster General David Steiner and USPS Board of Governors member Ron Stroman. NAPS delegates heard from House Postal Service Caucus leaders Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois and Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan.

Also addressing delegates were Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia and Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York, both members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Their participation reflected the significance of postal issues in the broader national conversation and underscored the importance of NAPS maintaining a bipartisan, visible and credible presence on the Hill.

The Monday session also included the presentation of the Gold Standard Legislative Leadership Award, named after the late, legendary NAPS legislative leader and advocate Stanley Gold. This year’s recipient was George Barrett of Branch 74 in New Jersey. The Monday session wrapped up with vendor comments, SPAC photos, regional caucus meetings and the SPAC reception to honor our dedicated members who contribute at the highest level to the Supervisors’ Political Action Committee.

Those activities highlighted the many dimensions of NAPS’ work — recognizing excellence, fostering regional coordination and reinforcing support for the association’s legislative and political efforts.

The seminar’s central purpose came into full focus on Tuesday, March 17, when delegates traveled to Capitol Hill for meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. These meetings gave NAPS members the opportunity to carry the association’s message directly to lawmakers, discussing the issues that matter most to NAPS members and to the continued strength of the Postal Service.

The Capitol Hill closeout session later that day gave attendees an opportunity to reflect on their meetings and share insights from their discussions. The final closeout session on Wednesday, March 18, helped bring the seminar to a strong conclusion and reinforced the value of a united legislative strategy.

What made the 2026 Legislative Training Seminar especially important was not simply the schedule itself, but what it represented. Once again, NAPS showed that effective advocacy depends on preparation, participation and professionalism. From the opening events at Arlington National Cemetery to congressional meetings on Capitol Hill, the seminar reflected an organization committed to speaking with one voice on behalf of all EAS employees nationwide.

The 2026 seminar also served as a reminder that legislative advocacy is not a side effort for NAPS — it is a core responsibility. In a time when the Postal Service continues to face operational, financial and political challenges, the ability of NAPS to directly engage policymakers remains essential. The members who attended this year’s seminar did more than participate in a conference; they represented the leadership of the Postal Service and helped carry the concerns of EAS employees to the people who shape national postal policy.

As the 2026 Legislative Training Seminar concluded, it left behind more than a completed agenda. It left renewed momentum, stronger engagement and a clear demonstration that NAPS continues to lead from the front when it comes to legislative advocacy. That commitment will remain critical as the association continues its work to protect, promote and advance the interests of postal supervisors across the country, particularly as this nation heads into critical midterm congressional elections this November.

NAPS will continue to lead the way forward — not looking back — and always will put our legislative muscle into advocating for the needs of our members to congressional leaders on Capitol Hill.