June 03, 2026 | by Kevin Truitt, VP, Business Development at LTi Technology Solutions
Why Equipment Finance Matters: Key Insights from Capitol Hill
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Capitol Connections event in Washington, D.C., joining industry leaders from across the equipment finance ecosystems to meet with congressional staff and discuss the policies shaping our industry. As part of a seven-member delegation, we met with staff representing lawmakers from Nebraska and Arizona to share the impact equipment finance has on businesses, communities, and the broader economy. Our delegation was one of several teams of industry leaders from across ELFA, meeting with congressional staff from states across the country. Collectively, these teams included numerous LTi business partners and clients, as well as Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions Co-Founder and EVP.
While much of the conversation focused on tax policy, regulation, and economic growth, one takeaway stood above all others: many outside our industry still underestimate the critical role equipment finance plays in powering the North American economy.
The Numbers Tell a Powerful Story
Throughout our meetings, we shared several key statistics that helped put the industry’s impact into perspective:
- $1.34 trillion in equipment and software is financed annually
- Equipment finance supports approximately 57% of all U.S. equipment investment
- More than 8 out of 10 U.S. businesses finance or lease equipment to acquire the assets they need to operate and grow
- The industry serves organizations of every size, from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises
- ELFA members include banks, independents, captives, and service providers working together to provide access to capital across North America
The equipment finance industry’s reach extends into virtually every sector of the economy including:
- Transportation: 23.7%
- Agriculture: 18.3%
- Construction: 16.5%
- Information Technology: 11.4%
- Industrial &
- Manufacturing: 4.9%
- Medical & Healthcare: 3.7%
The industry also reaches countless other industries that depend on access to equipment, technology, and infrastructure to remain competitive.
Simply put, equipment finance enables businesses to acquire the machinery, technology, vehicles, software, and tools they need without significant upfront capital expenditures. That preserves cash flow, accelerates innovation, supports expansion, and ultimately contributes to job creation and economic growth.
Key Policy Priorities Discussed
Supporting Investment Through Stable Tax Policy
One of the primary topics discussed was the importance of maintaining a stable, predictable tax environment that encourages business investment.
Industry representatives highlighted the positive impact of recent legislation that permanently restored 100% expensing and EBITDA-based interest deductibility, two provisions that help businesses invest in productive assets and support long-term economic growth. Discussions also focused on ongoing implementation guidance and technical refinements that could further strengthen capital formation throughout the economy.
For equipment finance providers and their customers, certainty matters. Businesses are more likely to invest when they can confidently evaluate the long-term financial impact of those decisions.
Preserving Access to Capital for Small Businesses
Another major focus was Section 1071 and the potential impact of data collection requirements on lenders and borrowers.
Industry participants emphasized the importance of balancing transparency, and regulatory oversight with practical implementation considerations, privacy concerns, and continued access to credit for small businesses.
A recurring theme was that equipment finance often differs from traditional commercial lending because transactions are frequently secured by the underlying asset itself. As policymakers evaluate future reforms, it is important that regulations recognize the unique characteristics of equipment finance and the value it provides to businesses seeking capital.
Strengthening Manufacturing and Economic Growth
Discussions also focused on trade policy, manufacturing investment, and the importance of predictable business conditions.
Equipment purchases are often long-term investments. When businesses face uncertainty surrounding tariffs, supply chains, or regulatory frameworks, investment decisions can be delayed, affecting economic activity throughout the financing ecosystem.
Industry leaders advocated for policies that provide transparency and predictability, helping businesses make informed investment decisions while supporting growth and innovation.
What This Means for Our Industry
The conversations on Capitol Hill reinforced an important reality: equipment finance is far more than a financial transaction.
It is a catalyst for business growth.
Whether helping a transportation company expand its fleet, enabling a contractor to purchase new equipment, supporting a manufacturer’s production capacity, or financing technology investments that improve productivity, equipment finance plays a vital role in helping businesses succeed.
The economic statistics shared during Capitol Connections demonstrate the scale of that impact. The policy discussions highlighted the importance of preserving an environment where businesses can continue investing with confidence.
Why LTi Participates
At LTi, we believe leadership in the equipment finance industry extends beyond delivering technology solutions. It means actively engaging in the conversations that shape the future of our customers, vendor partners, and industry.
Capitol Connections provides a valuable opportunity to advocate for policies that support investment, innovation, and economic growth while gaining firsthand insight into the issues affecting equipment finance organizations across North America.
The meetings this year were highly productive, informative, and encouraging. The congressional staff members we met demonstrated a strong understanding of the industry’s importance and a genuine appreciation for the role equipment finance plays in supporting businesses and communities across the country.
As our industry continues to evolve, advocacy remains essential. The more effectively we communicate the value of equipment finance, and the $1.34 trillion of annual investment it supports, the better positioned we will be to foster policies that encourage growth, innovation, and opportunity for businesses of every size.
By partnering together to promote policies that encourage investment, expand access to capital, and support business growth, we can help ensure equipment finance continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and economic opportunity for years to come.
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