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NRCA makes progress regarding controversial legislation

NRCA recently scored two victories in opposing legislation it believes is harmful to the roofing industry.

The so-called "DISCLOSE Act" (S. 3628), a campaign finance bill, was defeated in the Senate when it came up one vote shy of the 60 votes needed for approval. NRCA strongly opposed this legislation because it would have created excessive disclosure requirements for political advertising to prohibit or deter businesses and trade associations from participating in the political process. For example, it would have prevented many government contractors from expressing their political views by prohibiting them from making independent expenditures or funding election-related communications.

Moreover, the onerous disclosure requirements for political advertisements that are mandated would have applied only to businesses and associations representing employers. The bill was a clear attempt by congressional leaders to gain political advantage for incumbent lawmakers in November's midterm elections.

The House passed a similar version of the DISCLOSE Act in June, and it is unclear whether congressional leaders will again attempt to bring up a compromise bill in the Senate this fall. NRCA will continue working with other business groups to oppose any legislation that unfairly discriminates against employers in exercising their First Amendment rights.

Additionally, NRCA secured at least a temporary victory when House leaders did not bring up OSHA-related legislation (H.R. 5663) before adjourning for summer recess. NRCA strongly opposes this legislation because its heavily punitive measures will create costly new burdens on employers without improving workplace safety. For example, H.R. 5663 provides for immediate abatement of alleged OSHA violations and requires employers to pay interest compounded daily while a citation is being contested. It also dramatically increases civil and criminal penalties and makes "any officer or director" of a company subject to criminal prosecution.

The House Education and Labor Committee approved the bill on a straight party-line vote in mid-July, and Capitol Hill sources had indicated House leaders intended to bring the bill to a vote in the full House before the end of July. But the House adjourned for its summer recess without taking up the bill, and sources indicate it was unclear whether the bill has the votes to pass in the face of strong opposition from NRCA and other business groups.

House leaders may decide to bring H.R. 5663 up for a vote in September. As such, NRCA members are encouraged to contact their representatives and senators in opposition to this legislation if they have not done so already. To help stop this legislation's approval, click here to read NRCA's Action Alert and take action regarding this issue.

8/9/2010  

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