Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond

By Jenny Yu.  

NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing engagement with lawmakers is shaping the future of the roofing industry. 

Duane underscored the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Capitol Hill. “We are the advocate for the roofing industry in Washington, D.C., working with members of Congress, staff and regulators on everything that’s important to the industry,” he said. From workforce challenges to regulatory concerns, NRCA’s efforts extend year-round to ensure contractors’ voices are heard. 

Immigration reform remained a central focus during Roofing Day discussions. Duane noted the urgency of advancing legislative solutions that support a stable workforce. “We’ve been working on this for 20 years, and Congress hasn’t addressed it in a comprehensive way,” he said, referencing proposals like the Dignity Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act as potential pathways forward. 

Another key focus of NRCA’s advocacy is workforce development. Brad highlighted progress in career and technical education funding, noting, “Increasing CTE funding at a federal level is one of the ways we can help retain and find new labor.” He added that recent gains in Perkins Grant funding reflect bipartisan support for skilled trades, a promising sign for the industry’s future. 

In addition to legislative priorities, NRCA remains active in regulatory advocacy, working closely with agencies like OSHA to shape practical safety standards. Duane emphasized the importance of balancing worker protection with real-world jobsite conditions, especially regarding fall protection and heat exposure rules. 

As the industry looks ahead, NRCA’s continued advocacy signals a unified commitment to addressing challenges and driving progress long after Roofing Day concludes. 

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the whole conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about how NRCA is advocating for the roofing industry and how to get involved!