Trump moves forward with new tariffs in wake of Supreme Court ruling
President Trump is moving forward with new tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down other tariffs issued in April 2025. On Feb. 20, the high court ruled the president exceeded his powers under the Constitution without clear direction from Congress with the issuance of certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in 2025.
In response to the decision, on Feb. 20, President Trump announced his administration would issue a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as an alternative to the nullified IEEPA tariffs. The next day, the president announced an increase in this global tariff to 15%, which took effect Feb. 24. On Feb. 25, U.S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated the 15% will be selectively applied to imports "where appropriate." Section 122 allows tariffs to be issued by the president under certain circumstances, but such tariffs are limited to 150 days in duration unless ratified by Congress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the new tariffs as a temporary “bridge” that eventually will be replaced by other tariffs under alternative trade authorities.
Although it is clear the Trump administration will move forward aggressively with tariffs, there is much uncertainty regarding the specific nature and timing of future tariff proposals. Another question is how trade deals negotiated with the United Kingdom, European Union, India and other foreign nations that were reached in 2025 could be affected or modified as a result of this situation. Also, the Supreme Court ruling did not address the issue of tariff refunds already paid that have now been deemed illegal but has remanded that issue to lower courts for further litigation.
Finally, it is critical to note the court’s decision only applies to tariffs issued under the IEEPA law and does not directly affect tariffs issued under other trade laws. The ruling does not apply to existing tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum and copper, which were issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, although continued negotiations on trade deals with other nations could eventually result in changes to these tariffs, as well.
House committee holds hearing regarding career and technical education; NRCA sends letter of support
On Feb. 24, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing, “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success.” Given the need of continued congressional support for CTE programs, NRCA sent a letter to the committee outlining the importance of this issue to the roofing industry and NRCA’s position strongly supporting legislative efforts to strengthen CTE. The letter urges lawmakers to further build upon the successful Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was enacted with NRCA’s support in 2018, and supports increased funding for Perkins CTE state grants to keep up with growing demand and provide more workforce development tools for employers.
Expanding legislative support and increasing CTE funding from Congress remain critical advocacy priorities. NRCA will continue working with lawmakers on a bipartisan basis regarding how best to strengthen CTE to meet the demands of the roofing industry and broader U.S. economy.
NRCA supports permitting reform legislation
On Feb. 22, NRCA joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and numerous business organizations in urging the Senate to pass bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform legislation early in 2026. In late 2025, the House of Representatives approved several permitting reform bills that would provide for a modernized, more efficient permitting process that will facilitate timely approval of construction projects throughout the U.S. This is necessary because there is bipartisan recognition that the current permitting system is outdated and inefficient, causing long delays in many types of projects. The coalition letter urged senators to work on a bipartisan basis to pass reform legislation that “provides the project certainty needed to secure investment today, unlock economic growth, and foster innovation that creates opportunity and a stronger future for families and neighborhoods.” NRCA will continue working to support permitting reform legislation that will benefit the roofing industry.
DHS issues proposal to modify rules on work permits for asylum seekers
On Feb. 23, the Department of Homeland Security published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if finalized, could significantly restrict future employment authorization for asylum applicants. Under current federal law, immigrants who qualify for asylum are allowed to obtain authorization to work in the U.S. while their asylum claim is adjudicated. The proposed rule will pause processing of initial Employment Authorization Documents for asylees until processing times for claims are reduced to six months; provide U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with more discretion to deny initial and renewal work permits; and increase the waiting period for applicants to receive work permits from 150 days to one year. These proposed changes would not apply to asylees who have received work permits before the proposed rule takes effect. The proposed rule is open for public comment until April 24, and NRCA will be reviewing the proposal to assess potential effects on the roofing industry’s workforce.
Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2026 is open!
Join your friends and colleagues April 14-15 for the largest advocacy event dedicated solely to the roofing industry. Each year during Roofing Day in D.C., roofing professionals meet with members of Congress and their staffs on Capitol Hill to discuss major issues of importance to the roofing industry. Our priority issues this year will focus on solutions to workforce shortages and addressing the U.S.’ affordable housing crisis.
All you need to do is register! During the event, expert speakers and panelists will inform and inspire you to help you prepare for your meetings on Capitol Hill. As always, attendees will have ample opportunity to network and connect with fellow professionals, and we encourage you to bring key employees to the event.
To view our draft itinerary, book your hotel and register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofingday.
