July 13, 2026 • View in browser

NLBMDA Weekly is our newsletter covering everything from the latest activity in Washington to updates from our members. This is the premier source of federal legislative, regulatory, and industry news for NLBMDA members.

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law

NLBMDA applauds the enactment of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law on July 11 without the President’s signature. The bipartisan package includes more than 45 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs, and providing state and local governments with additional tools to support residential construction. 

The law’s enactment follows more than 16 months of advocacy by NLBMDA and its members, including more than 100 congressional meetings during the 2026 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference and sustained engagement by NLBMDA’s government affairs staff. Moving forward, NLBMDA will continue building on this victory by supporting workforce-development policies and passage of the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, while also advancing the broader priorities of the LBM industry. 

Read NLBMDA’s full statement on the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act here. 

U.S. Declines to Extend USMCA in Its Current Form

The United States, Mexico, and Canada completed the first mandatory joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on July 1. Following the review, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that the United States would not agree to extend the trade agreement in its current form, citing concerns about compliance, trade imbalances, and the need to strengthen North American manufacturing. The decision does not terminate the USMCA, which will remain in effect while the three countries conduct annual reviews and continue negotiations. The United States and Mexico are scheduled to hold another round of bilateral negotiations during the week of July 20. 

USMCA provides the broader framework for trade across North America, including trade in many construction products, equipment, and other inputs used throughout the LBM supply chain. NLBMDA will continue monitoring the USMCA review and related activity while pursuing available opportunities to provide stakeholder input on issues affecting the LBM industry as negotiations continue.  

Guy C. Lee Earns National Recognition As ProDealer of the Year

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association and Hardware & Building Supply Dealer are proud to announce Guy C. Lee as 2026 ProDealer of the Year. Based in Smithfield, North Carolina, Guy C. Lee’s origins date back to 1924 as a small millwork and manufacturing company. Over the next few decades, Guy C. Lee Manufacturing expanded to include a retail building supply store and a sawmill. The company has survived lean times and thrived during economic booms. Today, the company operates out of eight locations in the Carolinas and brings an unrelenting focus on customer service to the task of supplying top-tier building materials to the industry. CEO Cory Jameson said the award reflects the quality work of the team at Guy C. Lee and the Lampe family, the fourth generation of which is represented in the business by Harrison Lampe.

"Guy C. Lee Building Materials exemplifies strong business performance, a commitment to organizational excellence and best practices, dedication to customer and community service, and leadership as an ambassador for the lumber and building materials industry,” said Jonathan Paine, CEO of the NLBMDA. “These qualities, combined with the company's longstanding reputation and impact, made Guy C. Lee Building Materials a standout choice for this prestigious recognition.”

Read the full announcement here.

Recruiting for the LBM Industry at the 2026 ProDealer Industry Summit

Winners will be those who attract and develop the best talent. In the lumber and building material (LBM) industry, success has always depended on people—skilled, motivated teams who understand both the product and the customer. As competition for talent intensifies, organizations that stand out will be those that treat recruiting not as a transactional activity, but as a long-term investment in culture and capability. Attracting top talent requires a clear employee value proposition, strong leadership visibility, and a workplace culture that prioritizes growth and development. Just as important is retention—creating pathways for advancement, offering meaningful training, and building a sense of purpose that connects individual roles to the broader success of the business.

Grant Leavitt is a fourth-generation part-owner of Marcus Lumber Company, a family-owned building materials supplier that’s been serving Northwest Iowa for over 100 years. Like many in small business, Grant wears a lot of hats, but his focus is on building strong teams and continuing the legacy of a multi-generational company. As a self described lumberyard geek, he looks forward to "stealing" your great ideas.

B&B Lumber Hosts Senator Roger Marshall for Lumberyard Tour

Earlier this month, Tom Baalmann and the team at B&B Lumber hosted U.S. Senator Roger Marshall for a tour of the company’s operations and a discussion on how Congress can support new residential construction and strengthen the LBM industry. Facilitated in partnership with the Wichita Area Builders Association, the visit came shortly after Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a historic bipartisan housing package designed to reduce barriers to construction by streamlining regulations and improving preconstruction processes.

Senator Marshall is also the lead Senate sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act, a key NLBMDA priority. The visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm NLBMDA's support for the legislation and discuss several additional priorities NLBMDA is working to advance this Congress, including the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. Congressional visits like this give dealers an important opportunity to demonstrate the industry’s role in local communities and provide lawmakers with firsthand insight into the policies affecting their businesses, employees, and customers. To host your own visit, reach out to NLBMDA by completing this August recess tour form here. 

Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains in Positive Territory in Second Quarter

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that its Remodeling Market Index (RMI) registered a reading of 61 in the second quarter, down just one point from the previous quarter but remaining firmly in positive territory. The index has held steady in the low 60s over the past year, reflecting continued confidence among remodeling professionals. Any reading above 50 indicates that more remodelers view market conditions as good rather than poor. NAHB Remodelers Chair Elliott Pike noted that sentiment has remained stable despite ongoing challenges, including rising costs, economic and political uncertainty, and difficulties securing financing at favorable interest rates for larger projects.

Demand for remodeling continues to be supported by strong homeowner equity and the nation’s aging housing stock, according to NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. However, higher material costs remain a headwind, with 74% of remodelers reporting supplier price increases since March and average material costs rising 6.7%. The RMI’s Current Conditions Index remained unchanged at 70, with moderate- and small-sized remodeling projects showing particular strength. Meanwhile, the Future Indicators Index slipped two points to 52, as leads, inquiries, and project backlogs softened slightly. Even with these challenges, the data suggest the residential remodeling sector remains resilient and poised for continued growth.

NAR Pending Home Sales Report Shows 3.8% Increase in May

Pending home sales posted solid gains in May, rising 3.8% from April and 4.8% compared with a year earlier, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Contract signings increased across all four major U.S. regions, with the strongest monthly gains recorded in the Northeast (8.7%) and Midwest (8.1%). Year-over-year, pending sales climbed 6.1% in the Northeast, 9.3% in the Midwest, 3.3% in the South, and 1.2% in the West, signaling broad-based improvement in buyer activity nationwide.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the late-spring surge in contracts reflects pent-up demand and growing consumer acceptance of mortgage rates above 6% as the new normal. He noted that the Northeast, which has experienced limited inventory and rapid home price growth, is beginning to see increased buyer activity, though additional housing supply is still needed to help moderate prices. Looking ahead, Yun expects lower oil prices to provide some relief for mortgage rates, although declines are likely to be modest due to continued federal borrowing and strong investment in artificial intelligence and technology infrastructure.

NLBMDA Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Advance Neighborhood Homes Investment Act

NLBMDA joined 49 other housing, business, financial, and community organizations in a July 7 letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith to include the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act in any upcoming tax package focused on affordability. The coalition argued that the legislation would complement the regulatory reforms included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by directly supporting the construction and substantial rehabilitation of affordable, owner-occupied homes.  

The proposal would establish federal tax credits to help close the financing gap that occurs when the cost of constructing or rehabilitating a home exceeds its potential market value. The credits would be allocated to state housing finance agencies and distributed competitively to eligible project sponsors, with a focus on rural communities, disinvested neighborhoods, and areas affected by economic decline or natural disasters. The full letter, which can be read here, also noted that congressional sponsors have prepared a narrower, four-year version of the proposal that could be included in the next available tax vehicle.  

Senate Committee to Consider Keith Sonderling Nomination for Labor Secretary

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a confirmation hearing this week for Keith Sonderling’s nomination to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. Sonderling has served as acting labor secretary since April and was nominated for the permanent position on June 29, replacing Lori Chavez-DeRemer who held the post for 13 months. Sonderling previously served as deputy labor secretary, a commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and an administrator within the Department’s Wage and Hour Division. The hearing will provide senators an opportunity to examine Sonderling’s priorities for an agency responsible for federal workplace safety, wage-and-hour enforcement, workforce development, employee benefits, and apprenticeship programs. 

Federal Reserve Testimony This Week to Provide New Look at Interest-Rate Outlook

Newly confirmed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh will appear before the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday to deliver the Federal Reserve’s semiannual Monetary Policy Report. The hearings are expected to focus on inflation, economic growth, and the outlook for interest rates after the Federal Open Market Committee maintained its target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75% in June. The Federal Reserve’s latest Monetary Policy Report found that inflation remains elevated while economic activity continues to expand amid broader uncertainty. 

The testimony will be closely watched by the housing and construction industries as elevated borrowing costs continue to weigh on residential activity. The report found that residential investment declined further during the first quarter, housing-market activity remained stagnant in April and May, and the prevailing 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at approximately 6.4% as of July 1. NLBMDA will monitor both hearings for any new indications about the direction of interest rates and what the Federal Reserve’s outlook could mean for housing affordability, homebuilding activity, and demand throughout the LBM sector. 

NLBMDA Recognizes the Passing of Senator Lindsey Graham

NLBMDA joins organizations across the country in recognizing the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly over the weekend at age of 71. Graham represented South Carolina in the Senate from 2003 until his death, following eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. During more than three decades in Congress, he held senior roles on committees and was a prominent voice on national security, foreign policy, judicial nominations, and federal spending. NLBMDA extends its condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends, staff, colleagues, and the people of South Carolina as they reflect on his life and public service. 

Senator Graham was in the midst of a reelection campaign for another six-year term representing South Carolina. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to hold a press conference at 4:00 p.m. today to announce a temporary appointment to fill Graham’s Senate seat, as permitted under state law following a vacancy. 

NLBMDA Comments on NCUA Swipe-Fee Preemption Rule

Last week, NLBMDA took action on a recent National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) interim final rule that could preempt state restrictions on interchange fees charged by federal credit unions. In comments submitted July 7, NLBMDA urged the agency to withdraw or substantially narrow the rule, arguing that its broad approach could displace state policy decisions without adequately considering the effect of rising swipe fees on merchants and small businesses. 

The rule clarifies that federal credit unions may charge or receive non-interest fees, including interchange fees, even when those fees are established by or in consultation with third-party payment networks. The action is similar to a recent Office of the Comptroller of the Currency rule addressing the fee-charging authority of national banks. In both rulemakings, NLBMDA emphasized that LBM dealers frequently absorb swipe fees on high-dollar transactions and may also pay fees on sales-tax amounts they collect but do not retain. NLBMDA urged the NCUA to fully consider the rule’s small-business impact and provide merchants with a meaningful opportunity to participate before adopting a final rule. 

OSHA Highlights Heat and Warehouse Safety During Summer Months

OSHA is reminding employers to review workplace protections as summer temperatures increase, even as its proposed federal heat standard remains pending. The proposal would establish requirements for written heat-prevention plans, training, drinking water, cooling areas, acclimatization and rest breaks at specified heat thresholds. The agency has not announced a final rule or updated rulemaking timetable following the close of the post-hearing comment period last October.  

In a recent workplace-safety update, OSHA recommended employers to recognize symptoms of heat illness and provide water, breaks and access to shaded or cooled areas. Under OSHA’s updated heat National Emphasis Program, compliance officers may expand an ongoing inspection when evidence of heat hazards is identified and may conduct random heat-focused inspections in designated high-risk industries during National Weather Service heat advisories or warnings. For more resources on OSHA’s heat-related guidance and regulations, visit OSHA’s heat webpage here.  

Done deal: QXO acquires TopBuild

QXO, Inc. has finalized its previously disclosed acquisition of TopBuild Corp. The $17 billion transaction, per QXO, gives it "leadership positions in key building product categories in North America." By QXO's math, the deal makes it:

• No. 1 in insulation.
• No. 2 in roofing.
• No. 1 in waterproofing.
• No. 1 or No. 2 in the lumber and building materials sector (in key geographies served).

Speaking on the deal, QXO Chairman and CEO Brad Jacobs said: “By acquiring TopBuild, we’re broadening our product offering, adding installation capabilities, and expanding our exposure to fast-growing end markets like data centers. By 2030, we expect to generate at least $300 million in annual synergies largely from procurement, pricing, and cross-selling, while applying TopBuild’s operational excellence across QXO. The transaction is expected to be highly accretive to earnings and advance our plan to build a world-class company with $50 billion in revenue. I’m grateful to Jared for his significant contributions to the company, and I’m pleased to welcome Alec to the Board."

Hancock unveils updates at Maine facility

Hancock Lumber recently celebrated two milestones for the Oxford Components Manufacturing facility—hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking event and officially hiring Brian Mills as General Manager. 

Once complete, the 44,000-square-foot Oxford site will feature advanced automation and the latest technology that will support the production of wall panels, pre-cut and labeled framing packages, stair systems and more. This week, Hancock delivered engineered wall panels and floor trusses manufactured at its existing manufacturing facilities in Windham and Fairfield, Maine. 

“This is a really exciting milestone,” said Hancock Project Manager Dan Lauze. “We’ve received and will be installing the very products we manufacture every day—built with the precision and quality our customers rely on—to construct the facility that will allow us to produce even more of them. It’s a full-circle moment.” 

Orgill points to YTD sales growth

Memphis-based Orgill, the global hardlines distributor, has seen its revenues grow 4 percent in the first half of 2026, despite market challenges ranging from high inflation to low housing turnover.

Orgill CEO Boyden Moore, right, greets customers at a recent market.

In a post on Linkedin, CEO Boyden Moore pointed to year-to-date revenue growth of 4 percent at the halfway point on the calendar, despite a “challenging market for home improvement,” he said.



He also pointed to significant investments made by the distributors retail customers in their businesses. “This is evidenced by the fact that we have completed over 250 store projects for our customers so far in 2026 including 127 store conversions from other suppliers,” he said.

US LBM names CFO

US LBM has announced the appointment of Enrico Batelli as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. A nine-year veteran of the company, Batelli most recently served as Vice President, Field Operations Finance and has also held Chief Accounting Officer responsibilities. He previously stepped into the role of interim CFO, providing steady leadership during a period of transition. 

Over the course of his tenure, Batelli has developed deep knowledge of the business and has been a key partner in driving financial performance, cash flow discipline, and operational results. He will report directly to US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson. 

CEO shift for Mead Lumber

Mead Lumber Company, a 100% employee-owned building material supplier with 56 locations across nine states, announced that President and CEO Dave Anderson will retire at the close of the company’s fiscal year on November 30, 2026. Jon Cohen, a veteran building materials executive with more than 25 years of industry experience, has been named as his successor and joined Mead Lumber as President on July 1. 

Anderson will continue to serve as CEO through the transition, with Cohen assuming the role of President and CEO on December 1, 2026. Upon his retirement, Anderson will continue to serve as a member of the Mead Lumber Board of Directors. Anderson’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career in finance, leadership and governance. A CPA, Anderson first joined the Mead Lumber Board of Directors in 2017, serving through 2020 before being named President & Chief Executive Officer.