Last week, The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA), in partnership with the Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association (WDMA), held a successful 2025 Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference in the nation’s capital. Dealers across the nation descended on the Halls of Congress to meet with lawmakers and their staff to advocate for several of the legislative priorities for the LBM industry. NLBMDA members met with over 145 Congressional offices in a jam-packed day filled with advocacy and connection. 

On day one, conference participants heard from Punchbowl News’ Andrew Desiderio who offered the latest insights into the political and legislative developments on Capitol Hill. After, NLBMDA’s Government Affairs Coordinator, Matthew Delaney, briefed participants on the legislative issues and talking points to prepare attendees for a busy day of advocacy. This year, NLBMDA focused its advocacy on four key issues: 

Addressing Our Nation’s Affordable Housing Crisis

• The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (H.R.2725)

Credit Card Swipe Fee Reform

• The Credit Card Competition Act and how bipartisan reforms help to support small businesses and LBM dealers. 

Small Business Tax Priories 

• NLBMDA members arrived on Capitol Hill during a critical period as lawmakers work on its tax bill. NLBMDA members advocated for the extension of small business tax provisions such as 100% bonus depreciation and Section 199A permanence. 

Forestry Legislation

• The Fix our Forests Act, Disaster Reforestation Act and the LBM industry’s support for forest management legislation. 

On day two, NLBMDA members were joined by three speakers at our Washington Briefing Breakfast. Event participants first heard from Congressman Gabe Evans, who was introduced by NLBMDA board member Scott Yates of Denver Lumber Co. Evans, who represents Colorado’s Eighth Congressional district, offered insights into actions currently being taken by lawmakers to advance many of the legislative priorities of the LBM industry, including advancing a deregulatory agenda and providing small business tax relief. 

Shortly after, Whip Tom Emmer spoke with the group and provided exclusive insights as one of the most senior members of Republican House leadership. Both Whip Emmer and Congressman Evans fielded questions from our attendees. After, the group was joined by Robert DeFrancesco, a partner at Wiley Rein LLP. DeFrancesco joined the group to discuss the trade policies of the administration ahead of the White House's “Liberation Day” tariff announcement that followed later in the day. 

NLBMDA is already actively engaging with the offices NLBMDA’s members met with to continue to build support for our association’s legislative priorities.

For questions, please reach out to NLBMDA’s Government Affairs Coordinator Matthew Delaney, mdelaney@dealer.org. 

If you enjoyed NLBMDA's Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference, we hope to see you at the Pro Dealer Industry Summit! This is an exclusive, live educational forum designed to promote the growth of lumber & building product dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and the manufacturers who supply them. LBM dealers will benefit from sharing insights and best practices from industry leaders.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jonathan Paine at jonathan@dealer.org