Legislation to address workforce shortages is introduced
The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494) was introduced in the House by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) and nine other lawmakers. This bipartisan legislation would help contractors address workforce needs by establishing a pilot program with a new H-2C visa for occupations that perform year-round work. It establishes a market-driven system that matches willing employers with temporary foreign workers to address chronic workforce shortages and responds to economic conditions. Workers receive visas through a streamlined online process and may enter the U.S. only when approved. It also requires participating employers to use E-Verify to ensure only legal workers are hired.
NRCA supports this legislation, which contains balanced solutions to workforce needs while sustaining a strong economy and strengthening our security. NRCA commends Smucker along with Reps. Amodei (R-Nev.), Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Cuellar (D-Texas), Davis (D-N.C.), Harris (R-Md.), Kelly (R-Pa.), McCormick (R-Ga.), Salazar (R-Fla.) and Suozzi (D-N.Y.) for their leadership and commitment to securing the roofing industry’s workforce.
NRCA resource: Section 179 expensing FAQ and marketing template letter
As part of the recently passed reconciliation bill, commercial property owners now can take advantage of enhanced Section 179 tax benefits that make reroofing projects significantly more affordable and financially strategic. Under the amended law, the Section 179 expensing cap has increased from $1 million to $2.5 million for qualified nonresidential real property—including roofing. This means a qualifying building owner can immediately deduct the full cost of any improvements to nonresidential roofs, including full reroofing projects of existing buildings, up to $2.5 million for purchases made after Dec. 31, 2024. To help the industry understand this tax benefit, please view our helpful FAQ sheet compiled in consultation with our roofing industry allies, as well as a marketing template letter for your use.
Congressional funding deadline approaches
Congress must pass legislation to fund the government by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. The House approved a short-term spending bill, called a continuing resolution, during the week of Sept. 15 that will keep previous funding levels the same until Nov. 21 while including additional monies for member of Congress security. The Senate needs 60 votes to approve any legislation, and Senate Democrats are currently withholding their support, arguing this bill should include an extension of expiring health care tax credits and changes to the Medicaid program. Negotiations continue, but the government may shut down if a deal is not reached between the House, Senate and White House. However, during a shutdown, the administration has latitude to decide which programs and services close.
Cybersecurity rule for federal contractors
The Department of War issued a final Cybersecurity Rule that contains new requirements for all contractors and subcontractors performing national security-related contracts with the agency. The requirements will be phased in over three years beginning Nov. 10, with full compliance set for Nov. 10, 2028. The rule implements the requirements of the agency’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program under which contractors must become certified to bid on and perform applicable contracts. The development of the final rule started in 2019 and has undergone several iterations during the course of the regulatory development process. View more information about accreditation to comply with the new requirements of the program.
Support ROOFPAC over drinks during NRCA’s Fall Committee Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Join your roofing friends and colleagues for a sunset cocktail reception benefiting ROOFPAC on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Outrider Rooftop Lounge in Scottsdale. Unwind with fellow industry leaders overlooking the stunning Camelback Mountain—all while strengthening the roofing industry’s voice on Capitol Hill ($175 per person/$275 per couple). Members of NRCA’s Political Insiders Council and Capitol Hill Club, along with their guests, receive complimentary admission. We thank Amrize—whose portfolio includes Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems, Gen-Flex, Duro-Last, Enverge, Gaco and Malarkey—for making this event possible. For more information or to register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofpac-fall-event. For any questions or to secure the couples’ rate, contact Teri Dorn at (202) 510-0920 or tdorn@nrca.net.
