The Value of Bipartisan Dialogue: Reflections from the 2026 Hill Nation Summit

By Laura Walling, Vice President of Government Affairs, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

Last week, leaders from Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, and the private sector gathered in Washington for the 2026 Hill Nation Summit, hosted by The Hill and NewsNation. The event brought together Republicans and Democrats for thoughtful conversations about the issues shaping our nation’s future, including workforce development, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, and the economy.

What stood out most was the Summit’s bipartisan nature. Congressional leaders from both parties shared the stage with Administration officials, engaging in substantive discussions about challenges facing the country and the policy solutions they believe can move America forward.

For Goodwill^® advocates, many of the conversations reinforced the importance of investing in people. Speakers discussed the impact of AI on jobs, the need to strengthen America’s workforce, and the importance of ensuring economic opportunity in a rapidly changing economy. These issues are central to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals gain skills, earn credentials, and connect to employment.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, political strategy was naturally a recurring theme throughout the Summit. Speakers discussed the issues they believe will matter most to voters, including affordability, economic growth, healthcare, public safety, and technological change. While perspectives often differed, the discussions provided valuable insight into the priorities shaping policymaking and political debate in Washington.

For advocates, understanding these conversations is important. Policymakers are increasingly focused on demonstrating results for communities and addressing economic concerns that affect their constituents. Goodwill’s work—helping people gain skills, find employment, advance careers, and achieve economic mobility—aligns directly with these priorities.

The Summit also served as a reminder that progress often begins with dialogue. While participants expressed different perspectives on key policy issues, the event created space for civil discussion and the exchange of ideas—something increasingly valuable in today’s political environment.

As Congress and the Administration continue debating policies that affect workers, employers, and communities, Goodwill advocates play an essential role in ensuring policymakers hear directly from those creating opportunities across the country. The Hill Nation Summit demonstrated that bipartisan engagement remains possible—and that finding common ground is critical to building a stronger future for all Americans.

Advocacy matters because relationships matter. And when leaders come together to listen, learn, and collaborate, there is greater potential to create policies that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.