Congress passes reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration
On May 15, Congress approved a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Authors state this legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and modernize our national airspace system into the future. The legislation passed the House and Senate with a large bipartisan majority and is expected to be signed by the president before the end of this week. This legislation was the last must-pass bill before the 2024 elections, and NRCA expects Congress to shift to a more political posture during the coming months. Exceptions may be efforts to consider the National Defense Authorization Act and annual appropriations bills, although neither are expected to be signed into law until the lame duck session between the November elections and the swearing in of the 119th Congress in January 2025.
Help ROOFPAC keep a seat at the table
NRCA's fiscal year ends soon, and we need your help to ensure the roofing industry has a seat at the table. ROOFPAC is the only political action committee dedicated to supporting the roofing industry in Washington, D.C. A strong ROOFPAC is critical to NRCA’s work advancing pro-growth economic policies, career and technical education, and reasonable immigration reform. NRCA members can contribute any amount up to $5,000 annually online or by mail, email or fax. You also can show your support by joining a ROOFPAC club offering exclusive benefits and recognition:
- Emerging Leaders Club: $250
- Capitol Hill Club: $1,000
- Political Insiders Council: $5,000
Click here to learn more and contribute! Questions? Contact Teri Dorn, NRCA’s director of political affairs, at (202) 510-0920 or tdorn@nrca.net.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves rule to strengthen electric grid
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a rule designed to accelerate the expansion of new interregional power lines and facilitate the movement of more clean energy to meet rapidly growing demand for electricity throughout the U.S. The rule was approved by commissioners on a 2-1 vote May 13 and constitutes the first major electric transmission policy update in more than a decade. Proponents of the rule believe it will provide for greater transmission of renewable energy—such as solar and wind power—to more homes and businesses by making it easier for larger, regional transmission projects to obtain regulatory approval. However, critics of the rule are unhappy with a lack of consumer protections and expansive scope, which some believe could infringe on state laws. The rule will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
NLRB appeals court decision regarding joint employer rule
The National Labor Relations Board has appealed a federal court decision, which nullifies the board’s final rule modifying the standard for determining joint employer status under federal law. Under the rule, two or more businesses may be considered joint employers of a group of employees if each entity has an employment relationship with the employees, and if the entities share or co-determine one or more of the employees’ essential terms and conditions of employment. The rule had been scheduled to take effect Feb. 26 but was vacated by a court decision in March in favor of a lawsuit brought by the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace—of which NRCA is a member—and other business groups; the lawsuit argues the rule is unlawful, arbitrary and capricious. NRCA opposed the rule and filed comments noting member concerns with the rule’s effects on small businesses. A timeline for resolution of the litigation is uncertain.
