Department of Education issues Workforce Pell final rule
On May 18, the Department of Education announced the publication of a final rule to implement the Workforce Pell provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (also known as the Working Families Tax Cut), which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in 2025. The program expands eligibility for federal Pell grants to students in qualifying short-term workforce training programs, putting workforce programs on a level playing field with four-year college programs for the first time.
Under Workforce Pell, students enrolled in qualifying workforce programs must meet the standard financial need criteria for traditional Pell grants to qualify and eligible programs must be offered by accredited institutions that participate in federal financial aid. Among other requirements, these programs must be between eight and 15 weeks in length and prepare students for employment in high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs. Additionally, they must be approved by the state in which the eligible institution offering such a program is located and meet other requirements related to course completion, job placement and value-added earnings metrics outlined in the rule.
NRCA has worked toward passage of the bipartisan Workforce Pell legislation for many years and is pleased to see the program move forward to implementation. The final rule generally takes effect July 20, with institutions having the option of implementing as early as July 1. NRCA will continue to report about developments as implementation proceeds.
NRCA urges Treasury and Justice Departments regarding Corporate Transparency Act
NRCA continued its ongoing advocacy efforts to protect the sensitive information of small-business roofing contractors by signing a letter to the Departments of Treasury and Justice urging the agencies to back the two pending cert petitions currently before the U.S. Supreme Court so the fundamental constitutional questions raised by the Corporate Transparency Act can be finally resolved. The letter, which was sent May 15, comes as the legislation faces mounting legal and political pressure from the business community. Specifically, the letter reads:
“The CTA imposes an unprecedented reporting regime on tens of millions of businesses and other legal entities, raising exceptionally important constitutional, privacy, and federalism questions warranting definitive review by the Court…. Only a clear ruling from the Supreme Court can put this issue to rest and prevent future administrations from reimposing the broader reporting requirements.”
It is important to note the regulatory relief the current administration has provided is real and meaningful but only as durable as the administration that issued it. A new White House could change course, and millions of small businesses would find themselves back to where they started. A Supreme Court ruling would end that risk permanently.
As a reminder, the Corporate Transparency Act was originally passed by Congress as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 to crack down on the illicit activities of shell companies. NRCA has long opposed the law because it would require legitimate small-business owners—who pose no risk to national security—to provide sensitive private data to the federal government under the guise of combatting illicit finance. NRCA will continue working with lawmakers and/or regulators to finalize a permanent fix to the Corporate Transparency Act.
Bipartisan housing package amended, clears House for second time
On May 20, the House overwhelmingly approved an amended housing package (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act), which contains a wide range of bipartisan proposals to address a shortage of housing and reduce prices. The measure passed the chamber by a vote of 396-13 and now will be sent to the Senate for further consideration. These actions are part of lawmakers’ efforts to address growing concerns about day-to-day affordability leading up to the midterm elections this fall.
Major tenets of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes the requirement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue best practices regarding zoning and design for cities and states; expanding affordable housing programs currently available to Americans; and easing regulations for development and construction. The legislation also includes provisions to relax some regulations on community banks, which was backed by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.).
The amended House bill made changes to a previously passed Senate version to reflect concerns expressed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and increase the likelihood of it making to the president’s desk for his signature into law. These concerns primarily centered on an original ban on large institutional investor home purchases. The amended text narrows the definition of “single family home” and increases the number of homes exempted under the restrictions on investors. It also stripped out a provision that required investors to sell off build-to-rent units to individual homebuyers after seven years. The House’s amended bill would now require HUD to recommend definitional changes to the term “large institutional investors” and create a hotline for renters to call about disputes or issues with large institutional investors.
Department of Labor Overtime Rule fully rescinded
On May 14, the Department of Labor announced a technical amendment that formally rescinds the “Overtime Rule” issued by the Biden administration in 2024, which was intended to modify the determination of which employees are exempt from receiving overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The 2024 rule, which NRCA had opposed based on many concerns expressed by members, increased the minimum annual salary threshold for determining eligibility for overtime pay from $35,568 to $43,888 effective July 1, 2024, and the threshold was scheduled to further increase to $58,656 Jan. 1, 2025. However, the rule was soon invalidated by a court ruling that held the agency exceeded its authority under the law, putting implementation of the rule on hold pending appeal and further litigation. The incoming Trump administration eventually decided to withdraw the appeal, leaving the lower court decision nullifying the rule in place. The department’s new technical amendment formally reinstates the minimum salary threshold and other related provisions of the FSLA to the status quo before issuance of the 2024 rule.
Although this action settles this matter for the time being, there has been speculation the Trump administration may revisit the issue of revising overtime compensation thresholds in a new rulemaking. NRCA will continue engaging in any new regulatory activity on this issue based on member input. View more information, including compliance assistance.
Help ROOFPAC finish fiscal year 2025-26 strong
As NRCA’s fiscal year 2025-26 nears its close, we are asking all members to consider a personal contribution to help 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 and career and technical education—all to help protect and grow your business! NRCA members can contribute any amount from $25 up to $5,000 annually online.
You also can show your support by joining a ROOFPAC club featuring 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.
