June 15, 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.

NLBMDA Joins Hill Push for Credit Card Competition Act

NLBMDA government affairs staff joined the Merchants Payments Coalition last week for a series of Capitol Hill meetings urging Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act, bipartisan legislation that would bring needed competition to the credit card market and help address rising swipe fees. Over the course of the advocacy push, NLBMDA met with roughly half a dozen congressional offices, including offices representing California, Idaho, Georgia, among others, to highlight the impact swipe fees have on LBM dealers.

During the meetings, NLBMDA emphasized that LBM dealers frequently process high-value transactions, meaning even small percentage-based credit card swipe fees can translate into significant costs. As a result, credit card swipe fees can impose significant costs on businesses that are already navigating supply chain pressures, and rising costs throughout the housing market. Throughout the 119^th Congress NLBMDA has taken initiative in Washington advocating for the Credit Card Competition Act because it would give dealers more routing choice, inject competition into a market dominated by the largest card networks, and help reduce unnecessary costs for dealers and consumers.

While NLBMDA believes the legislation has the votes needed to pass, particularly following the White House’s endorsement earlier this year, securing a legislative vehicle remains critical given the limited number of legislative days before the midterm elections. NLBMDA will continue working with lawmakers, coalition partners, and member companies to advance pro-competition payment reforms that support independent dealers and strengthen the broader building materials supply chain.

Host Your Member of Congress This August Recess

NLBMDA is encouraging members to host members of Congress for lumber yard tours during the upcoming August recess and extended state and district work periods. These visits provide an important opportunity for lawmakers to meet with local businesses, hear directly from constituents, and see firsthand the role LBM dealers play in supporting housing, development, and local economies. NLBMDA staff can assist members throughout the process, including help with scheduling, background materials, issue briefs, and guidance on hosting a successful visit. With advance notice, NLBMDA staff may also be available to support dealers on-site and help facilitate meetings or yard tours with elected officials and their staff. Members who are unable to host an in-person visit can still participate by scheduling a virtual meeting with their member of Congress or relevant legislative staff. Dealers interested in hosting a visit or scheduling a virtual meeting can complete the August Recess Interest Form below or learn more information here.

Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Speak at the 2026 ProDealer Industry Summit

The U.S. Economic Forecast and Outlook keynote session will provide ProDealer Industry Summit attendees with a timely overview of the nation's economic landscape and the key factors expected to influence business conditions in the months ahead.

Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will examine critical economic indicators and emerging trends, including inflation, interest rates, housing activity, labor force dynamics, consumer spending, and federal policy developments. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the economy and how these forces may affect the building material supply chain, residential construction market, and overall business environment.

NAHB Reports Regulatory Cost Impacts on New Home Pricing

A new study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) finds that regulations at the federal, state and local levels add $131,734 to the cost of a new single-family home, 26.4% of the average sales price of $499,500 as of January 2026. Breaking down the total regulatory costs further, the study revealed that $84,939 of the final house price is the result of costs incurred by the builder due to regulation during the construction phase of the home while $46,795 is attributable to regulation during land development.

Although the share of regulation in the land development phase fell from 10.5% in 2021 to 9.4% in 2026, the construction phase increased by nearly four percentage points, rising from 13.3% to 17.0%, largely because of higher building permit fees and changes to building codes over the past decade. Based on U.S. Census home price data, regulatory costs for the average new home increased from $93,870 in 2021 to $131,734 in 2026, an increase of more than 40% in about five years. Over the same period, U.S. disposable income rose just 18.3%, meaning that regulatory costs are increasing more than twice as fast as consumers’ ability to pay.

To read the full report click here.

May CPI Data Shows Continued Price Pressures

The latest Consumer Price Index report showed inflation accelerated in May, with prices rising 0.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis after a 0.6 percent increase in April. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index rose 4.2 percent, up from 3.8 percent in April and the fastest annual pace since April 2023. Energy was the main driver, accounting for more than 60 percent of the monthly increase. Energy prices rose 3.9 percent in May and 23.5 percent over the year, while gasoline increased 7.0 percent for the month and 40.5 percent from a year earlier. Food prices rose 0.2 percent in May and 3.1 percent over the year. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.2 percent for the month and 2.9 percent over 12 months. The report shows inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target.

NAR Existing-Home Sales Report Shows 3.2% Increase in May

Existing-home sales saw a solid boost in May, rising 3.2% month-over-month and matching that 3.2% increase year-over-year, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million. Inventory also expanded slightly, with unsold homes up 3.3% to 1.55 million units, representing 4.5 months of supply. Regionally, monthly sales climbed in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, while holding steady in the West. Compared with last year, sales improved in the Midwest, South, and West but dipped in the Northeast.

Home prices continued their upward trend, with the median existing-home price rising 1.3% year-over-year to $429,300, marking a new May record. According to NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, improving affordability—driven by income gains outpacing price growth in many markets—is helping fuel buyer activity despite slightly higher mortgage rates. Yun also noted that homeowners remain financially strong, with only 1% of sales involving foreclosure or underwater situations. The increase in home sales is also stimulating broader economic activity, from moving services to home-related purchases, signaling positive momentum for the housing market and the economy.

NLBMDA Secures New Cosponsor for Heat Workforce Standards Act

On Capitol Hill, NLBMDA continues to build support for the Heat Workforce Standards Act, legislation that would prohibit OSHA from advancing its pending Heat Rule, which would impose significant operational complexities and compliance burdens on dealers if implemented. The legislation continues to gain momentum, with more than 50 cosponsors in the House and 9 total sponsors on the newly introduced Senate companion bill. Following direct outreach from NLBMDA staff, Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO) added his name in support of the House bill last week.

NLBMDA continues to await further action from OSHA on the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule following the close of the agency’s post-hearing comment period. In the meantime, NLBMDA will continue working with lawmakers to build support for the Heat Workforce Standards Act while urging OSHA to pursue a more practical, flexible approach that recognizes the diverse operating environments of LBM dealers. NLBMDA remains committed to supporting workplace safety without imposing one-size-fits-all federal mandates that create unnecessary compliance challenges for dealers.

NLBMDA Continues Push on Housing as Senate Action on Housing Package Slowed by Competing Priorities

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act remains pending in the Senate after the House passed an amended version of the bipartisan housing package by a 396-13 vote in May. While the bill continues to have strong bipartisan support, Senate action has slowed in recent weeks as lawmakers have focused on other legislative priorities, including reconciliation legislation to fund Homeland Security agencies, nominations, and the early stages of the FY2027 appropriations process.

NLBMDA continues to push lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advance the House-passed bill and avoid additional changes that could delay final passage. The legislation includes a number of provisions aimed at expanding housing supply, modernizing federal housing programs, supporting manufactured housing, and reducing barriers to new construction. With housing affordability remaining a top concern for families and communities across the country, NLBMDA will continue working with congressional offices and industry partners to keep the legislation moving forward.

Court Gives Preliminary Approval to Visa/Mastercard Swipe Fee Settlement

A federal judge has granted preliminary approval to a proposed settlement in long-running litigation over Visa and Mastercard credit card swipe fees. The lawsuit, first filed in 2005, alleges that Visa and Mastercard centrally set swipe fees charged by card-issuing banks and restrict competition in the credit card market. Under the proposed settlement, swipe fees would be reduced by 10 basis points for five years, while certain litigation claims would be blocked for eight years. The preliminary ruling comes as Congress continues to consider the Credit Card Competition Act, which would require the largest card-issuing banks to enable at least two unaffiliated networks on credit cards. A number of objections to the settlement are expected to be filed. NLBMDA will continue to monitor the settlement process and keep dealers informed of potential impacts on the broader merchant community.

U.S. House Passes Faster Labor Contracts Act

Last week the House passed H.R. 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, legislation that would create a new timeline for first-contract negotiations after workers vote to unionize. Under the bill, employers and unions would be required to begin bargaining within 10 days of a written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, either party could request federal mediation. If mediation does not resolve the dispute within 30 days, the matter could move to binding arbitration, where a government-appointed panel would impose a first contract.

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) argue the bill is needed to prevent delays after workers vote to form a union and ensure newly organized employees are able to secure an initial labor agreement. A number of groups in the business community have raised concerns that the legislation would move away from voluntary collective bargaining by allowing outside arbitrators to set wages, benefits, workplace policies, and other employment terms without mutual agreement. The bill now moves to the Senate, where companion legislation has bipartisan sponsorship. The White House and House and Senate majority leadership have opposed the bill. NLBMDA will continue monitoring the legislation and broader labor policy developments impacting employers.

Weyerhaeuser Highlights Forest Products Trade Priorities at USMCA Hearing

The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on June 10 examining agricultural perspectives on the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as trade officials prepare for the agreement’s upcoming review. During the hearing, Kristen Sawin, Vice President of Government and Corporate Affairs at Weyerhaeuser, testified on behalf of the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) and emphasized that the U.S. forest products sector is not facing a supply problem, but a market access and competitiveness challenge. She noted that private working forests are growing more wood than is harvested, while domestic markets continue to face pressure from mill closures, declining exports, weakened logging capacity, and foreign trade barriers.

Sawin also highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable and enforceable North American trade framework as USMCA review moves forward. While noting that the U.S.-Canada softwood lumber dispute is legally separate from USMCA and handled under antidumping and countervailing duty law, NAFO called for reforms to the Chapter 10 dispute resolution process. The testimony also urged Congress and the Administration to pursue broader market access opportunities, remove foreign barriers to U.S. forest product exports, and strengthen enforcement against trade circumvention. NLBMDA submitted comments on USMCA and will continue advocating for policies that support predictable trade rules, domestic production, and building materials availability. Those interesting in watching a recording of the hearing can do so here.

June is National Safety Month: Focus on Forklift Safety

June is recognized as National Safety Month, providing an opportunity for businesses to reinforce workplace safety practices and raise awareness of key hazards. One important focus for the lumber and building materials industry is forklift safety.

National Forklift Safety initiatives serve as an important reminder of the critical role that operator training, equipment inspections, and pedestrian awareness play in preventing accidents and injuries. With forklifts used extensively throughout our industry, maintaining a strong safety culture helps protect employees and keeps operations running efficiently.

If you are looking to refresh your knowledge or ensure your workplace remains compliant with current regulations, valuable resources are available through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including forklift standards, training guidance, and safety checklists.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and National Safety Month is an ideal time to review best practices and recommit to creating a safer workplace for all.

PLM Drives Continued Growth with Key Leadership Moves and Promotions

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), the largest mutual insurer dedicated to wood-related businesses, today introduces several executive leadership changes and promotions across the organization. The executive-level changes demonstrate the company’s commitment to strategically prepare for the future with an eye toward continued profitability, growth and innovation.

Steve Firko, CPCU, a PLM veteran of over two decades, will assume the role of president, effective immediately. Firko will be responsible for executing the company’s strategic vision and overseeing key departments, including claims, accounting, regulatory, human resources and information technology. Firko succeeds John K. Smith, CPCU, as president. With over 27 years of experience at PLM, Smith will continue in his role as chief executive officer, with Firko reporting to him.

At Do it Best Group, a shake up in the paint aisle

The Sherwin-Williams Company is taking over what for decades had been True Value’s Cary, Illinois paint factory and is assuming manufacturing responsibilities for EasyCare paint products.

The move is part of a long-term agreement announced today between Do it Best Group and Sherwin-Williams, the paint giant that will continue to manufacture Do it Best’s Best Look brand paint. EasyCare will remain exclusive to True Value retailers, and Best Look will remain exclusive to Do it Best members.

Wisconsin-based Bliffert Lumber has named Dan Plate as its new Director of Operations.

“Stepping into this role provides a great opportunity to help grow Bliffert Lumber,” he shared. “The growth over the past 5+ years has been tremendous, and I’m excited to see what the next 10–15 years have in store.” In his new role, Plate will focus on building efficiencies and standardization across the company's 15 locations.

LMC, the leading cooperative in the lumber and building materials industry, today announced that John Keeley, Vice President of the Building Materials Division, will retire from the company effective September 4, 2026.

Keeley joined LMC in 1988 as a Purchasing Manager in the Hardware Department. Over the course of nearly four decades, he played an instrumental role in the growth and evolution of the organization. In 1997, he was named Vice President of Building Materials, a position he has held ever since, guiding the division through significant industry change while strengthening LMC’s relationships with both dealers and supplier partners.