September 2, 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.

Federal Appeals Court Declares Reciprocal Tariffs Unconstitutional, Keeps Tariffs In Place as Litigation Proceeds 

In a 7-4 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the White House’s use of reciprocal tariffs is unconstitutional, setting the stage for a likely Supreme Court battle. The case, V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, was brought by a New York winery and four import-dependent businesses. They argue that the Trump Administration’s tariffs, imposed through executive orders, exceed presidential authority and should require Congressional approval. 

Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Congress authorizes the President to “regulate importation in response to a national emergency.” In its 127-page opinion released last Friday, the court allowed the tariffs to remain in effect while litigation continues. The lawsuit could affect the White House’s April 2 reciprocal tariffs, as well as heightened duties on Canada, China, and Mexico aimed at curbing fentanyl distribution. Notably, the case does not challenge the Administration’s Section 232 tariffs on construction inputs like steel and aluminum. The federal government is expected to appeal, potentially putting the case before the Supreme Court. NLBMDA will continue to closely monitor this litigation and will communicate any developments as the litigation advances.  

Congress Returns to Washington, Fast-Paced Fall Session Ahead 

Today, House and Senate lawmakers returned to Washington following the annual August recess. During the quieter weeks, NLBMDA remained active on Capitol Hill, meeting with legislative staff to advance the association’s priority bills. With lawmakers now back in session and a government funding deadline just weeks away, the pace in Washington is expected to accelerate quickly. 

During the standard appropriations process, Congress is required to pass 12 spending bills covering varying categories of government spending. While both the Senate and House have passed funding bills out of committee, the two legislative bodies have not yet found agreement on topline spending figures. Fiscal Year 2025 was funded entirely through continuing resolutions, a temporary measure that allows Congress to extend funding from previously authorized funding levels.  

With only 14 legislative session days remaining until government funding expires, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has sent a letter to Democratic lawmakers warning of the increasing likelihood of a government shutdown. Unlike the reconciliation process, which allowed for the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Republicans and Democrats must strike a government funding deal to surpass the 60-vote Senate filibuster threshold. 

Insights and Perspectives from the Builder Community

Today’s builders are doing things differently—adapting to new demands, embracing new technologies, and rethinking how they work with suppliers. In this panel, a group of forward-thinking builders share what’s driving change on the jobsite, what they need from their partners, and how dealers can better support them. Register for the ProDealer Industry Summit to hear from the builder community!

Call for Silent Auction Donations at ProDealer 2025

Support NLBMDA’s Legislative Action Fund by donating to this year’s Silent Auction! Each contribution helps strengthen our advocacy efforts in Washington while giving members the chance to bid on exciting items. Half of this year's Silent Auction donations will go to the NLBMDA’s Legislative Action Fund, and the other half will go to the KLBMD Education Foundation. The Foundation, which was formally created in 1998 and the first awards were given out in 1999, was started with seed money from the Kentucky Lumber and Building Materials Association and has been sustained through the years by the proceeds of the KBMA Jack Congleton Cup and individual contributions. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $150,000 to more than 100 students.

Popular donations in past years have included sports memorabilia, electronics, outdoor gear, cigars, jewelry, art, wine and spirits, and more. If you’d like to showcase your support and generosity, simply complete the donation form below and help make this year’s auction a success.

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.

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Reaches 10 Month Low 

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dipped to 6.56% last week, reaching its lowest level in 10 months, according to Freddie Mac. While still elevated compared to pre-2022 levels, the decline offers modest relief for prospective buyers who have been sidelined by high borrowing costs. The 15-year fixed rate held steady at 5.69%. Rates have now trended downward for six consecutive weeks, edging closer to October 2024 levels, though home sales remain sluggish after hitting a three-decade low last year. Economists expect rates to stay in the mid-6% range for much of 2025, as movements continue to be influenced by the Federal Reserve’s policy direction and bond market dynamics. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet again later this month where there is an increasing likelihood the Fed will approve the first rates cut of the year, a move which could indirectly lower borrowing rates. 

NAHB Census: Small Builders Continue to Drive Housing Market 

The latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) census highlights the central role small businesses play in U.S. home building. In 2024, the median builder reported $3.7 million in revenue, up 8% from the prior year, with 60% of builders earning under $5 million. According to NAHB, production remained modest, with the typical builder starting six homes in 2024, a figure unchanged since 2021. Residential remodelers reported a similar pace, completing a median of six projects valued at $10,000 or more. The census also confirms that single-family construction dominates NAHB’s builder membership, with 63% identifying it as their primary business activity. Residential remodeling followed at 21%, with multifamily, commercial building, and land development each accounting for smaller shares. NAHB’s full report can be found here.  

What's the economic impact of sawmill closures?

When a sawmill closes, the effects reverberate throughout the local economy. And the impact cuts wider and deeper than you might suspect.

That's one of the key findings of new research published by Michigan State University forestry researchers Basanta Lamsal, Jagdish Poudel and Raju Pokharel. In their paper titled "Regional economic and employment impacts of industrial decline in the forest sector: Evidence from sawmill closures in Michigan," the academics tie specific numbers to the decades-long decline of Michigan's forest sector. 

Highlights of the findings include:

• 2019–2023: Michigan’s sawmill sector lost 273 jobs, triggering nearly 820 wider job cuts and $211.55 million in output decline.

• Labor-intensive logging suffered disproportionate job and income losses due to their strong ties to sawmills.

• Evidence supports policies for mill upgrades, supplier linkages, and workforce support to mitigate disruptions.

What is the ROAD To Housing Act? Congress’s Bipartisan Effort to Boost Housing Production

Just before departing Washington, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs unanimously passed the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act in a 24-0 vote. The bill is one of the largest pro-housing bills to advance through the committee in more than a decade. Last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who serves as ranking member on the Senate Banking committee, held a roundtable conversation with municipalities across Massachusetts where she reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to advance legislation in the 119th Congress. With the bill advancing with bipartisan force, NLBMDA is breaking down the legislation and the impact it is projected to have on the residential construction industry and the LBM industry.  

At its core, ROAD to Housing tackles three areas: housing supply, affordability, and federal housing program efficiency.  

• Housing Supply: The bill tackles the national housing shortage by expanding tools to build more homes and diversify options. It streamlines zoning and permitting, supports modular and manufactured housing, and invests in infrastructure through a $1 billion Innovation Fund. Provisions like the Build Now Act and Housing Supply Frameworks Act encourage communities to modernize land-use policies, accelerate development timelines, and convert vacant properties into livable housing. 

• Affordability: The bill addresses affordability concerns through reauthorization of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, adjustments to FHA multifamily loan limits, and expanded financing options for banks. Included provisions preserve affordable units in rural and urban areas, stabilize manufactured housing, and provide resources for small landlords to maintain affordable rents.  

• Program Efficiency: The legislation streamlines and modernizes Federal housing programs to deliver results faster and with less red tape. The legislation removes duplicative environmental reviews, simplifies inspections for voucher units, and reforms rural housing and homelessness programs for greater flexibility. The Department of Housing and Urban Development gains new authority to assess local regulatory barriers, promote best practices, and oversee program performance.  

The ROAD to Housing Act now advances to a full vote on the Senate floor where it will then be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration and debate. NLBMDA will continue to meet with lawmakers and staff to advocate for the prompt passage of the legislation.  

Justice Department Sues California Over Truck Emissions Rules

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed federal lawsuits against the California Air Resources Board (CARB), challenging the state’s enforcement of preempted emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks through its “Clean Truck Partnership” with heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers. The legal action follows congressional resolutions signed by President Trump in June 2025, which invalidated EPA waivers that had allowed CARB to implement stringent emissions rules. Without these waivers, federal law under the Clean Air Act prohibits states from setting their own vehicle emissions standards.

Despite this, DOJ alleges that CARB has continued pressuring manufacturers to comply with its own standards, threatening penalties and limiting market access for noncompliant trucks. The lawsuits, filed in the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Illinois, seek to stop California from enforcing the Omnibus Low NOx, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Advanced Clean Fleets rules, which collectively aim to phase out internal-combustion engines by 2036. 

90 Years Strong: LMC Honors the People Behind Nine Decades of Success

LMC, the Pennsylvania-based lumber and building materials cooperative, proudly marked its 90th anniversary with a special event honoring the employees and dealers who have fueled nine decades of growth and success. The event at LMC’s Headquarters brought together staff with members from across the country.

Two notable guests were Dave Reichert from Davis-Hawn in Dallas, Texas, and Nate Miller from Miller Building Supply in Goshen, Indiana. These men and their families traveled with a smoker in tow to prepare barbecue lunch. Together, they spent over 24 hours preparing the meat and providing other treats such as homemade ice cream. Their generosity showed the spirit of partnership that defines the LMC network. Staff also enjoyed connecting with Dave and Nate's team members on both business and personal levels.

Nate commented, “We are so thankful for what LMC means to us and what we can give back to them in return. LMC has been an incredible partner for our business, and this is just a small way to show our appreciation for everything they do for us."

Wilson Lumber reopens new Tenn. location

Alabama-based Wilson Lumber has officially reopened its newly rebranded location in Fairview, Tennessee (formerly known as Nashville Lumber Company). 

Located at 7403 Cumberland Drive, the new storefront and full-service lumberyard will serve as a hub for builders and contractors in the rapidly growing Fairview area. The Wilson team marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, joined by city leaders, customers, employees and the Wilson family.

“We’re excited to bring Wilson Lumber to Fairview and continue building relationships here,” said CEO Robb Wilson, third-generation co-owner. “We want people to be better for having worked with us, whether that’s our team, our customers or our community.”

Ferguson Lumber Opens New Location

Ferguson Lumber Co. is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of Ferguson Hardware, Coatesville location. This has been a long time coming and the finished product is a great addition to the Ferguson Family. The Grand Opening occurred over Labor Day weekend.



The Ferguson Lumber Corporation has been one of the leading businesses in West Central Indiana for over 158 years. It is the oldest active family retail lumber company operating in the state of Indiana. Ferguson Lumber has maintained its family roots and is now in its fifth generation. Over the decades, numerous state and trade awards have been given to the corporation and its owners.

Overisel Lumber takes ownership at Sethco Lumber

Overisel Lumber has taken ownership of Sethco Lumber Co. as of July, according to the company. The announcement was shared via social media in August.

“Big changes are happening at Overisel Lumber! We’re pumped to share that Jason and Lee Slenk have officially taken the reins of Sethco in Muskegon, MI as of July 1.

This marks an exciting new chapter for the company. With the additional location, Overisel Lumber’s resources and expertise will allow us to enhance our offerings and better serve your needs. Jason and Lee’s continuing commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional service remains unwavering.