President Trump announces 25% tariff on steel and aluminum
On Feb. 10, President Trump signed proclamations restoring a full 25% tariff on steel and increasing tariffs on aluminum imports to 25%. The president states key reforms include eliminating all alternative agreements; applying strict “melted and poured” standards; expanding tariffs to include key downstream products; terminating all general approved exclusions; and cracking down on tariff misclassification and duty evasion schemes. The president is exercising his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to adjust imports of steel and aluminum in the name of national security. Previous allied countries received exemptions under these tariffs in 2018, and Trump has said these exemptions will no longer apply.
Bid online now and register for ROOFPAC events at NRCA’s annual convention and the 2025 IRE
NRCA’s silent auction is open now through Feb. 20 with complimentary drinks to close it out from 2-4 p.m. in NRCA’s booth, No. 9077, during the International Roofing Expo.® Bids can be placed electronically now at https://roofpac25.givesmart.com; attendance at the convention and trade show is not required.
NRCA and National Women in Roofing will present “An Evening of Boots, Bids & Buckles” Feb. 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to support ROOFPAC! This cocktail reception and live auction will be held at Smoke Skybar; register now to join your friends for this fun-filled event—in your Western wear! NRCA is grateful for many generous sponsors who help underwrite the costs of these events so all proceeds can directly benefit ROOFPAC.
Republicans release competing budget resolutions, paving the way for top priorities
On Feb. 7, the Senate Budget Committee released a proposed budget resolution for fiscal year 2025, the first step toward advancing reconciliation legislation that can avoid a filibuster in the Senate. The resolution would provide funding for border security, defense and energy production—three key areas of President Trump’s agenda. It includes roughly $150 billion each for border security and defense spending, with the border security funds directed toward completing a wall on the U.S. southern border and additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities. This proposal notably does not include tax provisions, which Senate Republicans indicate they will propose in a second bill later this year. The Senate Budget Committee approved the resolution on a straight party-line vote Feb. 12.
On Feb. 12, the House Republican leadership released a competing version of a fiscal year 2025 budget resolution that also lays the groundwork for a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill to advance President Trump’s priorities regarding border security, defense, energy and taxes. Under this plan, the House Ways and Means Committee is asked to "submit changes in laws within its jurisdiction that increase the deficit by not more than $4.5 T for fiscal years 2025 through 2034.” The proposal also instructs the committee to raise the U.S. debt limit by $4 trillion. This proposal reflects House Republicans’ desire to package all of President Trump’s major priorities in one bill. View the 45-page text of the House budget resolution.
Senators reintroduce bipartisan JOBS Act
On Feb. 4, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) reintroduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act. This longtime NRCA priority would expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term workforce training and certification programs.
Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2025 is open!
Join us for Roofing Day in D.C., the largest advocacy event dedicated solely to the roofing industry, April 8-9. Each year, roofing professionals meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss the critical issues facing their companies and the roofing industry. To view our draft itinerary, book your hotel room and register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofingday. Questions? Contact Deb Mazol at Dmazol@nrca.net.
