December 22, 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.

Washington Year in Review: NLBMDA Reflects on 2025

Earlier today NLBMDA released its final Washington update of the year. With Congress now adjourned for the year, our last update reflects on a fast-paced 2025 marked by major legislative action, a White House and Congressional transition, and sustained advocacy on behalf of the lumber and building materials industry.

Read our full communication here.

Apply for Dealers to D.C. Advocacy Grant Program to Participate at NLBMDA's Annual Legislative Fly-In

NLBMDA has introduced Dealers to D.C., a new grant initiative aimed at boosting dealer participation at the 2026 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference. The program offers ten $750 advocacy grants to help cover registration, travel, and lodging for LBM dealers—especially those who haven’t attended recently or represent underrepresented states. By broadening dealer involvement, NLBMDA strengthens its voice on Capitol Hill and ensures a wider range of industry perspectives are heard.

Participants will receive advocacy training, issue briefings, and hands‑on support from NLBMDA staff to prepare for effective meetings with lawmakers. Applications are now open, and final submissions due January 5. Grant recipients will be announced in January ahead of the March 17–18, 2026 conference.

To apply or learn more, click here.

Registration for the 2026 Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference is Now Open!

NLBMDA is excited to announce that registration is now open for its Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. from March 17-18 in Washington, D.C. This premier event is an incredible opportunity to remind leaders of the importance of our industry and advance the advocacy agendas of NLBMDA. This conference includes many opportunities to learn about key issues affecting the lumber and building material industry from Washington policy experts.

The event will culminate with a day for you to conduct in-person meetings with your elected officials in Congress, making your voice heard on Capitol Hill. You won’t want to miss a minute of this program.

This is a member-only event. Be sure to register by Friday, January 28 to receive a discounted Holiday Special rate. Don't delay, register today!

NLBMDA Releases 2025 Year In Review Document

NLBMDA recently released its 2025 Year In Review document, recapping at how NLBMDA shaped federal policy throughout the year, along with insights from our major industry gatherings and a warm welcome to our newest members. It’s a snapshot of where the industry is headed and how NLBMDA is leading the charge.

Get a quick look at the major wins shaping the LBM industry in 2025—from sweeping tax reforms and new housing incentives to big movement on swipe fee reform, wildfire legislation, and trade policy. Plus, see highlights from NLBMDA’s biggest events of the year and meet our newest members.

Dive into the complete 2025 Year in Review for more!

Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Ends the Year in Negative Territory

Builder confidence ticked up slightly at the end of the year but remained firmly in negative territory as rising construction costs, tariff pressures, and ongoing affordability challenges continued to weigh on the market. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose one point to 39 in December—its twelfth consecutive month below the breakeven level of 50. With two‑thirds of builders offering incentives and 40% reporting price cuts, market conditions reflect persistent headwinds, including elevated material and labor costs and increased competition from growing housing inventory.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of cautious optimism. Builders’ expectations for future sales have held above 50 for three straight months, and recent monetary policy easing may help improve financing conditions heading into 2026. Still, regulatory burdens and stubbornly high input prices continue to constrain supply. Regional HMI trends were mixed to close the year, with modest gains in the Midwest, South, and West, and a slight decline in the Northeast.

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.

Request More Information

Happy Holidays from NLBMDA!

The NLBMDA staff wishes you health, joy, and happiness during this holiday season. We truly enjoy serving as the national voice and resource of the entire Lumber and Building Material industry to federal legislators and regulatory agencies in Washington, D.C. We look forward to continuing our critical work on your behalf and to another successful year in 2026.

In observance of the holidays, please note that our office will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Thursday, January 1.

If you have any questions over the holidays, please contact membersupport@dealer.org and we will reply as soon as possible.

Reining in Swipe Fees: NLBMDA Pushes for Legislative and Legal Reform

As 2025 closes, NLBMDA continues to address the growing impact of credit card swipe fees on lumber and building material dealers. With fees now ranking among the largest operating costs for many businesses, NLBMDA is actively pushing for meaningful reforms both in Congress and the courts.

On Capitol Hill, NLBMDA is advocating for the Credit Card Competition Act, legislation that would introduce competition at the point of sale, increase transparency, and help lower costs for merchants without affecting cardholders’ access or rewards. This month NLBMDA met with numerous Senate offices to advocate for the legislation and is committed to maintaining strong outreach in 2026. In the courts, NLBMDA has raised concerns over a proposed settlement by Visa and Mastercard, arguing it offers limited relief and fails to address the structural issues driving rising fees.

Last week, we recapped all of our end of the year advocacy efforts to rein in excessive swipe-fees. Learn more and read NLBMDA’s full communication here.

U.S. House Advances Major Bipartisan Housing Package to Boost Supply and Affordability

Last week, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee advanced the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644) out of committee. This comprehensive housing package is designed to expand housing supply and improve affordability nationwide. Overwhelmingly approved with bipartisan support, the legislation updates outdated federal housing programs, streamlines regulatory barriers, and enhances local flexibility to meet community housing needs.

Key provisions include reforms to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, federal programs that support growth-oriented land use and zoning policies, and measures to encourage affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, among others. The bill represents the House’s response to the ROAD to Housing Act (S. 2651), a Senate-led housing measure offering a similar, yet broader, approach to addressing housing supply and affordability.

The full House is expected to consider the legislation when Congress returns in early 2026. NLBMDA will continue working with lawmakers in both chambers as they reconcile the ROAD to Housing Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act into a unified, bicameral housing package.

Senate Confirms Joseph Gormley and Frank Cassidy for Ginnie Mae and FHA Leadership Posts

The U.S. Senate confirmed Joseph Gormley as President of Ginnie Mae and Frank Cassidy as FHA Commissioner on December 18, voting 53–43 on their nominations as part of an en bloc package of 97 political appointees. Ginnie Mae and FHA play central roles in expanding access to homeownership for first‑time, low‑ and moderate‑income buyers and in maintaining mortgage market stability. Their confirmations fill key leadership posts at both agencies as the Senate works to advance a backlog of pending political confirmations. NLBMDA congratulates Assistant Secretary Cassidy and President Gormley on their recent appointments and looks forward to advancing the shared goal of expanded access to homeownership for all Americans.

Congress Passes $900 Billion Annual Defense Package

Last week, the Senate passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a 77–20 vote, authorizing 900.6 billion dollars in defense spending, 8 billion above the Pentagon’s original request. President Trump signed the NDAA into law shortly after its passage. Congress has passed the NDAA in a bipartisan manner for more than five consecutive decades.

During negotiations, there was a push to include the Senate-passed ROAD to Housing Act in the NDAA package. The final bill largely removed non-military provisions, and House lawmakers have committed to considering housing legislation in early 2026.

Lawmakers still must pass nine remaining appropriations bills by January 30, 2026, or risk a government funding lapse. This includes funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is currently operating at FY2025 spending levels.

U.S. House Passes SPEED Act to Streamline Permitting and Boost Infrastructure

Last week the U.S. House passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776), moving it to the Senate for further consideration. The bill overhauls federal permitting by amending the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to shorten review timelines, redefine when reviews are required, and limit duplicative analyses that slow major projects. It also narrows who can challenge permits in court and sets strict deadlines for legal actions, aiming to cut red tape and boost investment in critical infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Regulations at the local, state, and federal level are a leading contributor to rising single-family and multifamily construction costs. NLBMDA supports the SPEED Act, as faster more predictable permitting will facilitate timely construction of federally-backed major construction projects. As the legislation advances to the Senate, NLBMDA will closely follow the bill’s progression and advocate for its passage.

People moves at Hancock Lumber

Hancock Lumber named Curtis Pratt as the Maine-based prodealer’s Safety Director, a newly created role.

In this role, Pratt will lead Hancock Lumber’s safety team and oversee safety programs company-wide, working in close partnership with team members across all locations. His focus will include strengthening systems, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

He brings more than 15 years of experience in safety and health leadership across a wide range of industries, including construction, shipbuilding, defense, energy production, and manufacturing. His background also includes experience in the insurance industry, providing him with a strong perspective on risk management, prevention, and long-term sustainability.

Owens Corning reports that José Méndez-Andino has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer.

As Chief Innovation Officer, Owens Corning says Méndez-Andino will expand his scope to lead a center of excellence in innovation, which is accountable for advancing product stewardship, accelerating core process, delivering key enterprise capital projects, and creating new applications that expand the company’s reach in attractive building products markets.

Hancock Lumber has appointed Tim Bonenfant as general manager of its Saco operations.

Bonenfant brings over 20 years of retail management experience to Hancock Lumber, having led teams at both Wal-Mart and Home Depot for over a decade each.

Kodiak Interiors Group acquires DeWaard & Bode

Kodiak Interiors Group (KIG) has acquired Washington-based appliance and mattress dealer DeWaard & Bode, effective December 16, 2025. This acquisition, per KIG, supports its continued growth within the appliance industry by further expanding its market presence and service offerings.

DeWaard & Bode offers home appliances, bedding and related services. This acquisition expands KIG’s geographic reach alongside its existing operating companies, including Arizona Appliance & Home, Don’s Appliances, FBS Appliance, and Specialty Appliance.