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News June 23, 2022

This Week in D.C.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act becomes law, aims to alleviate supply chain challenges

On June 16, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act was signed into law, marketed as a tool to help alleviate supply chain challenges experienced in many industries, including roofing. This bipartisan bill revises requirements governing ocean shipping to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports through an ocean transportation system that is competitive, efficient and economical. For example, the bill requires the FMC to investigate complaints about detention and demurrage charges (late fees) charged by common ocean carriers; determine whether those charges are reasonable; and order refunds for unreasonable charges. It also prohibits common ocean carriers, marine terminal operators or ocean transportation intermediaries from unreasonably refusing cargo space when available or resorting to other unfair or unjustly discriminatory methods. NRCA commends lawmakers for working on a bipartisan basis to address problematic supply chain issues.


Congress works across party lines regarding gun control legislation

Earlier this week the Senate paved the way for a final vote on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, gun control legislation crafted by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), which could become law as soon as this weekend. This bill is the first of its kind in 30 years and represents a rare moment of bipartisanship on a big challenge. This legislation would give states more resources to help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others—even if they have not been convicted of a crime—and provides billions of dollars in funding for mental health treatment. It would also enhance the background check process for gun buyers age 18 to 21, controlled by the states, by allowing more access to juvenile crime records; clarify the definition of “firearms dealers” to include people who sell a large number of guns without a federal firearms license; and crack down on illegal gun trafficking. Opponents of this legislation focus on the so-called red flag provisions, which could be abused and lead to a loss of due process before removing guns from a person considered “dangerous.” The vote to proceed with this legislation, which is a strong indicator of a final vote, was 64-36.


Urge your member of Congress to support career and technical education funding

As the roofing industry’s workforce shortages become more severe, career and technical education is a critical part of addressing this issue. Congress has begun to work on funding levels for fiscal year 2023, including funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act State Grants that support CTE programs operated at state and local levels. This funding is crucial for high schools, community colleges, small businesses and students who need training to close the skills gap in the current workforce. NRCA urges lawmakers to support strong investments for Perkins state grants within the budget of the Department of Education. In fiscal year 2022, Congress approved legislation that contains an increase of $45 million for Perkins state grants compared with the fiscal year 2021 level, bringing total annual funding to more than $1.38 billion. NRCA commends Congress for enacting this increased funding for Perkins state grants. Please join NRCA in advocating for a robust funding increase for CTE in fiscal year 2023.


Gold Coast Cocktails reception during NRCA’s Midyear Committee Meetings benefiting ROOFPAC

Planning to attend NRCA’s Midyear Committee Meetings in Chicago?

Relax with a Manhattan while catching up with your colleagues at ROOFPAC’s Gold Coast Cocktail reception Wednesday, July 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. at LuxBar, named one of the great bourbon bars of America, just four blocks from the Four Seasons Hotel. We ask attendees to contribute $150 per person or $200 per couple. Members of NRCA’s Political Insiders Council and Capitol Hill Club can attend complimentary as a benefit of their membership. We also would like to thank our sponsors, CNA Capitol Club and Johns Manville, for making this event possible. Questions? Contact NRCA Director of Political Affairs Teri Dorn at tdorn@ncra.net or (202) 510-0920.

ROOFPAC is the federally registered political action committee of NRCA, and contributions will be used for political purposes. Contributions to ROOFPAC are not tax deductible and the name, address, occupation and employer's name of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 during a calendar year will be reported to the Federal Election Commission. Contributions are voluntary and you have the right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal.


Two ROOFPAC-supported candidates secure wins in June 21 elections

Two ROOFPAC-supported candidates secured wins in their primary races; Alabama Senate candidate Katie Britt defeated Rep. Mo Brooks to go on to the general election, and Rep. Henry Cuellar in Texas held off a progressive challenger in the democratic primary from the left. Alabama is expected to stay in Republican hands, and the Texas congressional seat is rated as a toss-up.


Upcoming Primary Elections

June 28: Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Utah and runoffs in Mississippi and South Carolina

July 19: Maryland

July 26: Runoff in North Carolina

August 2: Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Washington

August 4: Tennessee (notable Thursday primary)


Do you have political insight we have missed or thoughts regarding an upcoming race? We would love to hear from you. Please email dmazol@nrca.net to share your thoughts.

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