October 27, 2025• 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 Priority Bill Fix Our Forests Act Passes Through Senate Committee 

This week, the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA, S. 1462), a comprehensive forest management bill supported by NLBMDA and designated as a priority issue for this year’s NLBMDA Legislative Conference and Spring Meeting advanced through the Senate Agriculture Committee in a bipartisan 18–5 vote. The 2024–25 wildfire season, brought to national attention by the devastating Southern California wildfires, has been among the most active in recent years, with over 44,000 wildfires burning more than 4 million acres across the United States. Lumber remains the largest product category supplied by building material dealers, and NLBMDA continues to identify and advance policies on the federal level that ensure the long-term health and stability of the nation’s timber resources.  



The Fix Our Forests Act passed through the House of Representatives in January by a 279 – 141 vote. In April, over 50 LBM dealers in meetings with Senators and staff called on the Senate to advance the Fix Our Forests Act in the Senate. Throughout the year, NLBMDA continued to meet with Senate offices to ensure FOFA remained a priority for Congress. At its core, FOFA reduces duplicative administrative burdens on the federal level that prohibits proactive wildfire mitigation from taking place. FOFA, complimented with other forestry bills will allow the U.S. to increase domestic timber supply while ensuring the health of our forests remain resilient to increasingly active wildfire seasons. The legislation now moves to the Senate floor where it will be voted on for final passage. NLBMDA will continue to meet with Senate offices to ensure positive momentum continues for the legislation’s passage.  

Shutdown Watch: Federal Government Shutdown Enters 27th Day 

The federal government remains shut down as Washington enters its fourth week without an appropriations bill to fund operations. At 27 days, the shutdown is now the second longest in U.S. history, surpassed only by the 2018 shutdown that lasted 35 days. The U.S. House of Representatives, which has met for only 20 days over the past 17 weeks, remains in recess, stalling committee work and preventing legislation from being considered or debated. 

In the Senate, Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) have introduced competing bills to pay federal workers during the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has not committed to reconvening the House should the Senate pass such a measure. Earlier today, the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, urged Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution, a proposal Congressional Democrats have resisted without commitments to extend expiring ACA healthcare subsidies. 

While the shutdown has delayed progress on NLBMDA’s priority legislation, NLBMDA continues to meet with Congressional offices to ensure its priorities remain front and center once regular order resumes. Congress will confront several critical pressure points this week as the nation’s air traffic controllers continue to work without compensation and funding for state-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is projected to lapse. NLBMDA will continue to closely monitor developments and continue to reiterate our call for a prompt resolution to the ongoing shutdown. 

Annual Inflation Rises to 3 Percent in September 

Annual inflation rose to 3 percent in September, driven by higher gasoline and energy prices, marking the fastest price growth since January. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.3 percent last month and hit 3 year-on-year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase is above the Federal Reserve’s targeted goal of reducing annualized inflation to 2 percent. The data, which was delayed due to the ongoing federal appropriations lapse, could indicate the Federal Reserve is all but certain to institute an additional quarter-point rate reduction at during its October meeting taking place this week.  

Builder Sentiment Rises Despite Market Challenges

Builder confidence saw a notable uptick in October, with the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index climbing five points to 37—the highest reading since April. Most significantly, future sales expectations surpassed the 50-point breakeven mark for the first time since January, signaling cautious optimism among builders. While mortgage rates dipped slightly, improving affordability, the market remains tough. NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes noted that while demand is firm in some segments—like remodeling and luxury homes—many buyers are still waiting for rates to fall further.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz highlighted that the October HMI gain bodes well for 2026, with expectations for increased single-family housing starts. Despite the ongoing government shutdown and lack of Census data, modeling suggests a 2%–4% rise in September single-family permits. However, challenges persist: 38% of builders cut prices in October, with average reductions rising to 6%, and 65% continued using sales incentives. All HMI subindices rose, and regional scores showed modest gains, reinforcing a cautiously improving outlook amid persistent supply-side pressures.

Existing-Home Sales Show Modest Growth Amid Easing Mortgage Rates

Existing-home sales rose 1.5% in September, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The increase was driven by gains in the Northeast, South, and West, while the Midwest saw a slight decline. Year-over-year, sales were up in most regions, with the West remaining flat. NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun attributed the uptick to falling mortgage rates and improving affordability. Inventory levels climbed to 1.55 million units—matching a five-year high—though still below pre-pandemic norms. Home prices continued their upward trend, with the national median reaching $415,200, marking the 27th consecutive month of year-over-year increases.

Single-family home sales rose 1.7% month-over-month, while condo and co-op sales remained unchanged. Regional price growth was strongest in the Midwest, up 4.7% from last year. The Realtors Confidence Index showed homes spent a median of 33 days on the market, with first-time buyers accounting for 30% of sales. Cash transactions also made up 30% of sales, while distressed sales remained low at 2%. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 6.35%, down from 6.59% in August. Overall, the data suggests a cautiously improving housing market, supported by easing rates and steady demand.

Personalized Entry-Level Driver Training Certification for NLBMDA Members

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has partnered with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. to offer members of the association an exclusive discount on certifying trainers in entry-level driver training (ELDT).

With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Certification Program, trainers will gain the skills and knowledge they need to train drivers to prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability, and begin a safe career at your company. After completing this program, driver trainers will be prepared to effectively deliver J.J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT curriculum online, in the classroom, on the range and on the road. It’s the industry’s most hand-on, customizable trainer certification program, providing the flexibility to train your trainers when and how it works best for you. Not only is it ideal for new drivers, it’s also ideal for existing trainers who want to build their skills for the life of your drivers — and be able to continue coaching them the entire way.

U.S. Supreme Court to Begin Oral Arguments on Tariff Constitutionality on Nov. 5th  

Next week, the U.S. Supreme Court will begin oral arguments in a highly anticipated legal case challenging the Trump administration’s use of tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Oral arguments have been extended to 80 minutes, giving each side 40 minutes to present their case to the Court. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s decisions, the ruling could have broad implications for the Administration’s trade strategy, which has relied heavily on tariffs as leverage to accelerate trade agreements. The case does not affect tariffs currently applied to steel, aluminum, timber, or other commodities subject to elevated duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. A ruling against the Administration would also not reverse antidumping or countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber. NLBMDA will closely monitor developments in the case and provide updates to its members as the legal process unfolds. monitor developments in the case and share with members any impactful updates.  

State Legislatures Send Letter to Congress Seeking Federal Support for Forest Products Sector 

State legislatures from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are urging Congress to take immediate action to support the forestry industry, which has faced mill closures and economic disruption due to market shifts, regulatory barriers, and trade uncertainty. In a letter sent to House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-LA) and other lawmakers, the legislators highlighted a number of policy proposals to provide relief to the industry. In their letter, the legislators urge the U.S. to implement a 90-day notice period for any tariffs that could affect the flow of forest products into or out of the country. This request reflects concerns raised by many NLBMDA members in a recent NLBMDA trade survey, with several reporting that shipments have been paused, delayed, or canceled due to uncertainty over tariff enforcement and timing. The joint letter also calls on Congress and the White House to engage with Asian markets to lift current bans on U.S. log imports. The U.S. Southeast, a leading producer and exporter of Southern Yellow Pine, has experienced significant export reductions following China’s March 4 announcement by the General Administration of Customs, which indefinitely suspended imports of U.S. logs. In 2024, U.S. softwood lumber exports to China totaled $237 million.  

EU Moves Forward with Deforestation Rule 

The European Commission has announced that the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will still take effect on December 30, 2025, rejecting calls from industry groups to delay enactment of the rule another year. The rule is intended to ensure that products sold in Europe, such as timber, beef, and coffee, do not come from land linked to deforestation. During the rulemaking process, several entities, including the United States Trade Office and American Forest & Paper Association have repeated calls to delay and reform the rulemaking.  

While the regulation is aimed at companies selling into the EU, the rulemaking has impacts for U.S. Forest products industry, particularly producers that export products to Europe. U.S. lumber exporters will still be required to provide detailed information about where wood was harvested to meet the EU’s new “due diligence” requirements. Smaller EU importers will receive extra time to comply, and enforcement of penalties will not begin until mid-2026. The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament before taking effect.  

U.S. DOT Threatens to Withhold California Ability to Issue CDL Licenses  

Over the weekend, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy issued a new warning that California could lose its ability to issue CDL and CLP licenses if the state does not take steps to comply with the Department of Transportation’s “Restoring Integrity to Non-Domiciled CDLs” emergency order. The order requires state DMVs to tighten eligibility requirements for foreign individuals seeking a CDL or CLP. Announced late last month, the order directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the federal agency that sets minimum standards for CDLs, to conduct a nationwide review to identify states that are not in compliance with federal standards. The tightened regulations follow several high-profile accidents involving non-citizen commercial truck operators. During a nationwide audit of state CDL administration procedures, the Department of Transportation found that several states, including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington, had documented instances of improperly issued CDL licenses. NLBMDA will continue to monitor FMCSA announcements, including any further regulatory actions related to CDLs resulting from the ongoing investigations.  

LMC Announces Promotion of Charles Johns to Director, Special Wood Products

LMC is pleased to announce the promotion of Charles Johns to Director of Special Wood Products. In this role, Mr. Johns will report directly to Jim McMenamin. Charles succeeds Ron Thompson who retired after 25 years of service. 

Charles joined LMC in July 2014 as a trader in the Specialties Department, working specifically with decking and imported hardwoods. In February 2019, he assumed responsibility for the PVC Trim program and was promoted to Department Manager of the Specialties Department in April 2021. In March 2025, Charles transitioned to Department Manager of the Engineered Wood Department.

Prior to joining LMC, Charles worked for eight years as a National Account Representative for Boise Cascade. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. His leadership experience and industry expertise will help drive growth in LMC's Special Wood Products business and for the cooperative as a whole.

NetNow and HBSDealer to Host Webinar "AI & Tech Trends for Dealers: Growth, Cash Flow & Credit Accounts"

Wed, Nov 12, 2025 1:00 PM EST



Customers expect faster credit approvals, seamless payments, and flexible terms—while dealers & C-Suite expect tighter risk controls and healthier cash flow. In today's economic climate and with rising fraud, this is becoming harder and harder to manage. The good news? Today’s technology can help credit teams deliver on both fronts.

In this exclusive webinar, you’ll discover how dealers & suppliers across North America are using technology and AI to:

• Accelerate credit approvals without increasing risk
• Automate collections to reduce late payments and strengthen cash flow
• Empower Sales to sell more confidently while giving Finance more visibility and control
• Reduce and minimize fraudulent credit accounts and payments

NetNow is the credit management platform of choice for dealers, wholesalers and distributors across North America. Their cutting-edge technology empowers Credit, AR, and Sales teams to open and manage accounts faster, more efficiently, and with reduced risk. Proud partners with the National Association of Credit Management and the Credit Research Foundation—and recognized by Intuit as the Most Customer Obsessed Fintech Company—NetNow helps its customers process millions of dollars in credit transactions every month!

Kodiak Foundation embraces charity

The Kodiak Foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary with a record-breaking annual charity golf tournament that raised $600,000 for three non-profit organizations

“The success of this year’s charity golf tournament reflects what we’ve seen consistently over the last five years— when we come together to support each other, we can have a transformational impact on the communities we serve,” said Jeff Jones, president of the Kodiak Foundation. “We are grateful to the attendees and sponsors whose generous support over the years has helped us carry out our mission and continue to make a meaningful difference for the individuals and organizations we support.”

LBM Advantage wraps up planning conference

LBM Advantage, the building materials co-op, hosted its annual Fall Planning Conference at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, bringing together members, vendors, and industry leaders for three days of education, collaboration, and networking.

“Each year, the Fall Planning Conference provides a valuable opportunity for our members and suppliers to connect, plan, and prepare for the year ahead,” said Dave DeJoy, President and CEO of LBM Advantage. “The collaboration and insights shared at this event strengthen our cooperative and position our members for continued success.”

James Hardie, Boise Cascade expand partnership

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is expanding its product offering with Boise Cascade Company.Under a new multi-year agreement, Boise Cascade will now distribute AZEK Exteriors and TimberTech Decking and Railing products in the Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. markets, alongside the full suite of Hardie products.

Boise Cascade's network of 39 distribution locations across North America serves independent lumberyards, one-step dealers, and retailers across a wide range of building product categories.