With the 2021 Big “I" Virtual Legislative Conference quickly approaching, programming for the event has been finalized. Speakers include top leaders in Congress and FOX News' Bill Hemmer, co-anchor of “America's Newsroom."

Virtual conference attendees will hear from House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina). Rep. Clyburn is the third-ranking Democrat in the House and will talk about the small business agenda for 2021 and beyond.

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Missouri) will address the needs of small businesses and important issues for Big “I" members and their clients when he sits down with Charles Symington, Big “I" senior vice president of external, industry and government affairs. As Ranking Member on the House Committee on Small Business and a former insurance agent himself, Rep. Luetkemeyer has a strong understanding of the insurance market and the critical role that independent agents play.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, will talk about the political landscape in the U.S. Senate as the Senate Republicans attempt to regain control of the Senate Majority in 2022. He will be the one leading that effort in the next election cycle.

The virtual conference will also feature a discussion with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey), who is a co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. He will discuss key priorities for the caucus, which include changing the culture on Capitol Hill and returning to civilized discourse among political leaders. With such a slim margin separating the two parties, he will also comment on the importance of moderates in Congress.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), an important player in the new U.S. Senate majority, will talk about the need for bipartisanship and compromise in Congress. As a well-respected moderate, he has already proven to be a key swing vote on many issues important to the Big “I."

There will also be a special message from the winner of the Gerald Solomon Legislator of the Year. This award is given annually to a member of Congress who has provided outstanding leadership on insurance issues.

Finally, to close out the conference on its final day, the Big “I" will hear from Bill Hemmer, co-anchor of FOX News Channel's “America's Newsroom." Hemmer will chat live with Big “I" President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt about small business news, the latest headlines and his perspectives from his anchor chair. Hemmer has covered breaking news for FOX all over the world, including some of the biggest headlines of the last decade.

 The conference will be held April 13-16 with daily programs beginning at 2 p.m. ET and running for about 45-60 minutes. Registration is complimentary to all attendees thanks to the support of our sponsors.

Teddie Norton Reilly is director, government affairs operations.