March 7 webinar will preview Roofing Day in D.C. 2025
Join NRCA’s government relations team for a March 7 webinar offering a preview of Roofing Day in D.C. 2025, the roofing industry’s premiere advocacy event held April 8-9. This webinar will provide advocacy training for participants new to federal government processes and procedures, as well as an overview of the Roofing Day in D.C. agenda. Participants will learn about the advocacy issues that will be addressed in Washington, D.C., and how to best speak with one voice to get our message heard in the halls of Congress. To register for Roofing Day in D.C., book your hotel or learn more, please visit www.nrca.net/roofingday.
Trump addresses Congress, defending tariffs and outlining vision of the future
On March 4, President Trump gave an address to Congress outlining his actions since taking office earlier this year. He defended his recent 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, saying these countries have maintained trade barriers against the U.S. for years and spoke of his vision of an economic revival. The president spoke about cutting taxes and efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to make the federal government smaller and more efficient. He also discussed foreign policy, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. One of the most memorable parts of the speech was when the president recognized DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and was only given five months to live at the time. Trump told him they are “going to do you the biggest honor of them all” by making him an honorary agent of the U.S. Secret Service.
House subcommittee hearing on workforce development legislation
The Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Protections of the House Committee on Education and Workforce held a hearing to review the need for reauthorization and reform of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which governs workforce training and career programs operated at the state and local levels. Reform of this federal law to improve and expand opportunities for roofing industry employers to address workforce needs is one of NRCA’s top advocacy priorities and will be a major focus of Roofing Day in D.C. April 8-9. In 2024, NRCA supported A Stronger Workforce for America Act (H.R. 6655 in the 118th Congress), bipartisan legislation that includes targeted reforms and new, innovative workforce strategies. That bill was approved overwhelmingly by the House and later amended by the Senate but fell just short of congressional passage at the end of 2024. NRCA sent a letter to members of the subcommittee, urging them to move forward with workforce reform legislation in the new 119th Congress.
President Trump announces 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico
On March 4, President Trump implemented previously announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and doubled tariffs on imports from China, indicating these countries have not made sufficient efforts to improve border security and stop fentanyl from entering the U.S. However, shortly after the announcement, tariffs on U.S. automakers were paused for one month, and on March 6, products from Mexico covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement also were paused until April 2. This is the latest in what we anticipate could be a series of potential tariff additions and rollbacks as the administration negotiates its foreign policy and trade objectives.
As a reminder, in February, Trump signed a memo, Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs, and expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum that take effect March 12. Additionally, the administration released America First Trade Policy Jan. 20, which directed agencies to prepare reports regarding various trade issues by April 1. We anticipate additional tariff announcements may occur around this time.
During this dynamic period of uncertainty, companies should take proactive steps to advance and protect their interests. For example, businesses should understand imports they rely on and their countries of origin; assess a range of potential effects on key suppliers and materials; and monitor the administration’s process for opportunities to provide analysis and data to inform the development of trade policy and potential alternatives.
