PIA Honors Congressman Troy Downing as 2026 Legislator of the Year

PIA Honors Congressman Troy Downing as 2026 Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 7, 2026 – The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has awarded U.S. Representative Troy Downing (R-MT) the 2026 PIA Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership in championing state-based insurance regulation and his efforts to eliminate the Federal Insurance Office (FIO).

Rep. Downing has long advocated for preserving states' authority over the insurance industry. He previously sponsored the Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act (H.R. 643) and, this past January, introduced the McCarran-Ferguson Restoration Act (H.R. 7130), legislation that would eliminate the FIO and reaffirm state regulatory authority.

Downing brings firsthand experience to this issue, having previously served as Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, where he was responsible for overseeing the state's insurance and securities industries.

Established under the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, the FIO monitors the insurance industry at the federal level but does not have general regulatory authority over the business of insurance. PIA has long supported eliminating the office, maintaining that states are best equipped to oversee their respective insurance markets and protect consumers. Downing's legislation would advance that objective and reinforce the regulatory framework established under the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945.

“I’m honored to be named PIA’s 2026 Legislator of the Year,” shared Rep. Downing. “As Montana’s former Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, I saw firsthand why insurance regulation works best at the state level. Now in Congress, I’m working to protect that system by eliminating unnecessary federal overreach and restoring authority to the states. I’m grateful to PIA for this recognition and for their continued advocacy on behalf of independent insurance agents.” 

“Every state is different. The insurance needs of hurricane-prone areas like Florida and Louisiana are different from those of states like California and Colorado that face significant wildfire risks. That is why PIA strongly believes insurance regulation should remain at the state level,” said Mike Skiados, PIA CEO. “Congressman Downing has been a strong advocate for this approach, and his efforts to  reduce unnecessary federal involvement and reinforce our state-based system of insurance regulation are an important step toward ensuring regulators can address the unique needs of the communities they serve.”