Congress’ plan to extend federal funding is in peril; draft bill includes two key provisions
The path forward regarding temporary legislation to fund the federal government from Dec. 20 until March 14, 2025, has become murky. Earlier this week, Congress released a negotiated 1,500-page funding bill, which contained numerous provisions, including disaster relief and some more controversial items. Mid-week, Elon Musk and President-elect Trump announced their opposition to the bill, which has brought us closer to receiving a government shutdown for Christmas.
Although the parameters of this bill are fluid, we are pleased to report the current text contains two of NRCA’s top advocacy priorities—Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act reform and a one-year delay of the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirement. These provisions are currently in peril if Congress is forced to pass something more narrow.
A Stronger Workforce for America Act (H.R. 6655), as amended, is bipartisan and bicameral legislation to reform and improve the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. A Roofing Day in D.C. priority, this legislation will streamline the bureaucracy; provide for greater employer involvement at the state and local levels; and provide new, innovative workforce development strategies that will benefit our industry. Although a U.S. district court issued a nationwide injunction of the Corporate Transparency Act, the federal government recently appealed the decision. Thankfully, this bill contains a one-year delay of the legislation’s reporting requirements for existing businesses to give additional time for the court cases to be worked out and to educate the covered entities regarding their obligations.
USCIS issues rule to automatically extend work permits
On Dec. 13, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a final rule to automatically extend the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents by up to 540 days if they are renewed in a timely manner. This rule will provide certainty to workers and employers and help prevent employment gaps as the agency continues to address lengthy processing backlogs for such work permits. Under the rule, most requests for permanent extension must be filed before the expiration date covered by the automatic extension, though renewals of Temporary Protected Status designations can be filed after the expiration date but during any applicable re-registration period. The final rule follows two previous temporary rules and will take effect Jan. 13, 2025.
Department of Homeland Security issues H-2 visa modernization rule
The Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule regarding H-2 Modernizing Program Requirements, Oversight and Worker Protections. Provisions in the rule will apply to the H-2B seasonal visa program and H-2A agricultural visa program, which allow employers to petition for foreign nationals to fill seasonal jobs on a temporary basis. The final rule is intended to improve and streamline the operation of the programs and provide more certainty to employers and workers. It includes numerous provisions designed to protect workers, as well as new penalties and compliance provisions that will apply to employers who use the programs to address seasonal workforce needs. The final rule was published in the Federal Register Dec. 18 and will take effect Jan. 17, 2025.
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is elected chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee for the 119th Congress
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) has been selected by the House Republican Steering Committee to be chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 119th Congress that convenes in January 2025. Walberg will be serving his ninth term in the House and is a well-respected member with a record of bipartisan accomplishment. In a brief statement, he indicated that working to “incentivize workforce training, improve government efficiency, and unburden American innovators and job creators” will be among his priorities as chair. NRCA has supported and worked with Walberg for many years and is pleased to see his appointment as chair of a committee that oversees many workforce-related issues.
ROOFPAC needs your help to finish 2024 strong!
This holiday season, we are asking all members to consider a personal donation to ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee and your voice on Capitol Hill. A strengthened ROOFPAC amplifies NRCA’s work advancing pro-growth economic policies, career and technical education and much more—all to protect and grow your business. NRCA members can contribute any amount up to $5,000 annually online.
Show your support today by joining a ROOFPAC donor club featuring exclusive benefits and recognition, including a 2024 holiday ornament:
- Emerging Leaders Club: $250
- Capitol Hill Club: $1,000
- Political Insiders Council: $5,000
Learn more and contribute and join our events during the International Roofing Expo® in San Antonio; the live auction and reception will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2025, at Smoke Skybar, and the popular silent auction with amazing prizes will be displayed in NRCA’s booth through 4 p.m. CST Feb. 20.
