By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how proposed immigration reform aims to balance border security with workforce stability in the roofing industry. 

Roofing contractors across the United States are continuing to navigate persistent labor shortages that are affecting project timelines, increasing costs and limiting long-term growth. As these pressures intensify, industry organizations are turning their attention to federal policy as a potential path forward. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) is among those advocating for legislation that addresses workforce needs. 

In July 2025, TRIA formally signed a letter of support for the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), officially titled the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act. Introduced by Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, the bill is expected to gain momentum this year. TRIA Director John Campbell plans to raise the issue during National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Day in Washington, D.C., in April, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing government relations efforts. 

At the core of TRIA’s position is the belief that immigration policy must reflect both enforcement priorities and economic realities. The organization supports securing U.S. borders as close to 100% as possible while also expanding legal workforce pathways, including new guest worker programs for construction. That dual focus reflects the industry’s reliance on skilled labor and the need for a consistent, legally authorized workforce to maintain safety standards and quality workmanship. 

The DIGNITY Act attempts to address both sides of that equation. Its provisions include enhanced border security measures such as physical barriers, advanced technology and mandatory E-Verify, alongside reforms to the asylum system that introduce faster processing timelines and stricter penalties for fraud. 

At the same time, the legislation outlines a structured workforce solution through the proposed Dignity Program. This program would grant a seven-year temporary legal status to qualifying undocumented individuals, contingent on background checks and restitution payments. While it does not provide a pathway to citizenship, it would allow participants to live and work legally in the United States. 

Beyond enforcement and legalization measures, the bill also invests in workforce development, allocating funding for apprenticeships, job training and education to help address labor shortages in critical industries, including construction. 

With bipartisan support and growing attention, TRIA continues to advocate for policies that align immigration reform with the operational realities of the roofing industry. 

Learn more about how the DIGNITY Act aims to address roofing labor shortages while balancing border security and workforce stability!

By The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance.  

From immigration and labor policies to tariffs and federal funding, learn about the legal changes impacting the industry. 

As we get closer to April and the National Roofing Contractors Association’s annual Roofing Day in D.C., advocacy is top of mind for many professionals and leaders in the roofing industry. With pressing topics like tariffs and immigration, there’s a lot that needs to be discussed with the policymakers on the Hill. To learn about some of these issues specifically in relation to tile roofing, the Tile Roofing Alliance (TRI Alliance)’s lobbyist, Craig Brightup, shared a government relations update for February 2026.  

DHS shutdown  

Eleven of the twelve appropriations bills for FY26 have been enacted through September 30, but Senate Democrats balked at funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over issues concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Consequently, a DHS shutdown has been in effect since February 13, which impacts the Coast Guard, FEMA, TSA, Secret Service and cybersecurity teams. ICE and Border Patrol are not impacted by the shutdown due to $75B in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  

TRIA DC fly-in  

Plans are underway for TRIA’s Fly-In taking place April 13-16 in conjunction with Roofing Day in DC.  The TRIA Team numbers 12 and meetings on Capitol Hill and at the National Association of Home Builders are being finalized.  

Tariffs  

On February 20, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a 6-3 decision that President Trump’s tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are not legal. In response, President Trump supplanted the IEEPA tariffs with 10% - 15% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 which are limited to 150 days unless extended by Congress (which won’t happen). Thus, Sec. 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 will be used more extensively, and possibly Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930: 

The Trade Act of 1974, Sec. 122, empowers the President to impose tariffs of up to 15% to address balance-of-payment issues, but only for 150 days unless extended by Congress. 

The Trade Act of 1974, Sec. 301, and Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Sec. 232, have been used in President Trump’s first and second terms for tariffs but the U.S. Trade Representative must investigate before Sec. 301 tariffs can be imposed, and the Dept. of Commerce must do the same for Sec. 232 tariffs (steel, aluminum, copper), and the process for both can take many months to complete. 

The Tariff Act of 1930, Sec. 338, gives the President discretion for tariffs up to 50% when a foreign country has taken actions that disadvantage U.S. commerce, but the statute has been mostly unused and never been subject to legal challenge.    

Finally, with the SCOTUS decision silent on the issue of IEEPA tariff refunds, there have already been high-profile company lawsuits filed with the U.S. Court of International Trade. However, payment of such refunds could take a very long time.   

NLRB Joint-Employer rule  

On February 26, the National Labor Relations Board withdrew a Biden-era joint-employer rule and reinstated a 2020 rule from the first Trump Administration that establishes when a company is deemed a joint employer under federal labor law.  

DOL Independent Contractor rule  

On February 25, the Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rulemaking to rescind the Biden Administration’s independent contractor regulation and replace it with the regulation issued at the end of the first Trump Administration.  

EPA rescinds GHG endangerment finding  

On February 12, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revoked a 2009 endangerment finding that determined carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, forming the legal basis for nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other sources. However, this EPA action only applies to auto emissions and fuel economy standards for now. 

For more information on the TRI Alliance and our Government Relations efforts, please visit our website at www.tileroofing.org.

Original article source: TRI Alliance

By Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. 

From Capitol Hill negotiations to OSHA rulemaking, new federal developments are creating ripple effects that tile roofing professionals cannot afford to ignore. 

As Washington recalibrates budgets, agency leadership and regulatory priorities, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) is closely tracking the policy shifts poised to influence contractors, manufacturers and suppliers nationwide. From tax provisions that impact commercial roofing investments to proposed labor standards that could redefine jobsite requirements, TRIA continues to position the tile roofing sector at the center of critical legislative conversations, ensuring its members remain informed, represented and prepared for what comes next. 

Government shutdown ends 

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended November 12 with eight Democrats joining Republicans in the Senate for a bill to reopen.  Democrats had demanded Biden-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that expire December 1 be renewed by withholding Senate votes for a House-passed Continuing Resolution.  The bill brokered by Senate Republicans extends federal funding through January 30 for most programs and September 30 (the end of FY25) for three appropriations bills: Agriculture, Military Construction and Legislative Branch.  Despite the shutdown ploy, Democrats failed to get an extension of the ACA subsidies nor $1.5 trillion of additional spending they wanted.  Ways & Means Chair Jason Smith explained the ACA subsidies’ costs and fraud on Nov. 30’s FNC Sunday Morning Futures (If Covid Subsidies Can't Expire, Budget Cuts Are Impossible) and Republicans are working on a health care package with market reforms. 

Trump administration staffing 

November saw a number of agency leaders sworn in at the Dept. of Labor (DOL) including Dave Keeling (OSHA), Jonathan Berry (Solicitor) and Andrew Rogers (Wage and Hour Division). 

IRS inflation adjustments for 2026 

An IRS Bulletin for 2026 inflation adjustments (attached) includes Sec.179 (page 703) which will be $2,560,000 for the expensing cap. Sec. 179 applies to commercial roofing per the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

U.S. Chamber’s Labor Relations Committee 

The U.S. Chamber’s Labor Relations Committee met November 6-7 with the OSHA, NLRA, Immigration and EEOC subcommittees meeting November 6.  OSHA’s proposed Heat Standard dominated the OSHA subcommittee with a focus on why replicating the Silica Rule’s Table 1 engineering controls in the Heat Standard is a bad idea.  

Bill introduced to stop OSHA Heat Standard 

On November 20, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 which would prevent OSHA’s proposed Heat Standard from being finalized.  At a fundraising breakfast I attended for Rep. Messmer, he said he’d introduce the bill after being told by White House staff that President Trump would sign it. 

WIRT breakfast with Rep. Sheri Biggs 

Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC) was the speaker at a November 20 Washington Industrial Roundtable breakfast I attended (photo attached).  Biggs is on the Homeland Security; Foreign Affairs; and Science, Space and Technology Committees. 

Original article source: Tile Roofing Industry Alliance

By Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA). 

From stalled nominations to deregulatory moves, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance is keeping close watch on the latest updates and speaking up on Capitol Hill. 

As the political landscape in Washington heats up ahead of the 2026 election cycle, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) is staying firmly in the mix. With seasoned lobbyist Craig Brightup leading its government affairs push, TRIA is tracking major developments that could reshape federal labor policy, environmental regulation and small business classifications. From key Trump-era nominees stuck in a Senate gridlock to proposed rollbacks at the EPA and SBA, TRIA’s latest advocacy update signals a critical moment for contractors and the roofing industry at large. 

DOL regulatory agenda

In mid-August, the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs briefly posted a regulatory agenda for the Dept. of Labor on its website before taking it down.  Agenda items included DOL’s Wage and Hour Division revising Biden-era regulations on what constitutes joint-employers for minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and what determines whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee under the FLSA. The independent contractor test is especially important for construction and in May the Trump DOL directed staff not to enforce the Biden-era regulations.  Regarding OSHA, the agenda indicated the heat rulemaking will continue, and an “OSHA Standards Improvement Project 2025” was listed with no details.             

NLRB preemptive authority and constitutionality

An August memo from the National Labor Relations Board’s Acting General Counsel warned that state laws to adjudicate disputes between workers and businesses are preempted by federal law.  This was done in response to Democrat-run states introducing bills to police labor disputes while the NLRB operates without a quorum.  Also, on August 18, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with SpaceX by upholding judicial orders blocking the NLRB from taking actions against it.   SpaceX is challenging the Constitutionality of the NLRB’s structure.        

EPA to rescind GHG endangerment finding

On July 29, EPA proposed to rescind its 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding.  Per EPA’s website, the agency never had authority under the Clean Air Act to prescribe standards for GHG emissions.  The attached one-pager explains this important deregulatory action.  

SBA proposes increasing small business size standards

On August 22, the Small Business Administration issued the attached proposal to increase monetary-based small business size standards for 263 industries, but the threshold for roofing contractors (NAICS code 238160) appears to have been kept at $19 million (page 41238). 

Original article source: Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA)

By Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. 

Learn about Carol G. Bowen, TRIA’s new Florida-based lobbyist. 

For more than 50 years, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) has worked to expand the tile roofing market by promoting its benefits and offering trusted technical expertise, certification programs and training. Part of TRIA’s work is to meet with government officials to advocate for tile roofing and construction issues.  

TRIA added a new member to their lobbying team: Carol G. Bowen. 

Carol has an extensive background in government affairs related to construction which makes her a strong fit to represent TRIA and advocate for legislation to support the industry.  

A word from Carol: 

"I am honored for the opportunity to serve as a lobbyist for the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance in Tallahassee. I believe that construction is one of the least understood but often overlooked industries, and it is a privilege to help change that mindset on behalf of the TRIA. 

Construction isn't a matter of simply building something so you can walk away from it. It's about building something that helps define a space, shape landscapes, withstand the elements and provide comfort and shelter. It's about workforce education and training and providing high paying job opportunities. I always say that construction isn't an industry of last resort, but instead, the best first career option for people interested in learning a trade and perfecting a skill. 

One of the most impressive things about the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance isn't just the belief in their product and the work that they do, but the investments they make to study their materials, make advancements in their roofing processes and then manufacture them responsibly.   

Advocating for TRIA in Tallahassee means that I have the privilege of educating elected officials about the important role that tile roofs play in Florida's future and the good work the members of the TRIA are doing here locally, today. I grew up around construction and love that I can now support this critical industry in my career.” 

TRIA is confident Carol will be a true champion for its mission and is excited to share ongoing updates on her advocacy efforts and advancements in Florida. 

Original article and image source: Tile Roofing Industry Alliance

By Tile Roofing Industry Alliance.

Representing the Eastern Contractor Advisory Committee, Joseph K. Lamb has joined the board.  

Joseph K. Lamb, junior is the president of Gulf Western Roofing. He grew up in the industry, as his father (Joseph K. Lamb, senior) and uncle operated a roofing company in Florida called R&J Roofing. By the time he was 13 years old, Joseph was brought into the industry, helping pressure-clean, repair tiles, transport asphalt, complete dry-ins/metal and even haul pea rock to the trucks. Now, decades later, Joseph is still working in the industry, having recently been brought onto the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA)’s board, officially representing the Eastern Contractor Advisory Committee.

Since he was 13, he has continued to grow and improve his skills. Joseph attended Tulane University and then University of Florida, where he majored in construction management. He was one of the first contractors in the nation to attend and be certified by the Roofing Sciences Institute in Denver, and is a RISE Certified Solar Roofing Professional™, as well as a Florida Licensed Solar Contractor (CVC 57172). Then, in 1999, he founded Gulf Western to better serve the roofing needs of Florida. Since then, he has guided the company with a steady hand, first through a period of extremely rapid growth and change to both the area and the industry, and later through a global economic downturn that saw many long-time competitors fall by the wayside.  

Through it all, Joseph ensured Gulf Western maintained the same high levels of quality and professionalism. In his four decades of roofing experience, he has managed the installation of over three million square feet of roofing products. In addition to being a Florida Licensed Roofing Contractor (#CCCA46933) (#CCC1330348), Joseph is also a Florida Licensed Building Contractor (#CBC058337).

When asked about the appointment to the TRIA board, Joseph shared, “Said it’s a tremendous honor to join the Tile Roofing Industry Advisory Contractor East Board. At Gulf Western Roofing, we’ve been committed to excellence in tile roofing for over 25 years throughout Florida. This appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to industry standards and best practices while staying at the forefront of innovations in tile roofing. I look forward to collaborating with fellow industry leaders to address challenges, advance sustainable practices and ultimately elevate the quality of tile roofing installations across the eastern United States.”

The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance is looking forward to working with Joseph and leveraging his experience and expertise to further the betterment of our industry.

Original article and photo source: Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA)

The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance is thrilled to announce that Joseph K. Lamb, Jr. (Gulf Western Roofing) has offiicially joined our board, representing our Eastern Contractor Advisory Committee.

Joseph K. Lamb, Jr., is the President of Gulf Western Roofing. Joseph started GWR in 1999 to better serve the roofing needs of Florida. Since then, he has guided the company with a steady hand, first through a period of extremely rapid growth and change to both the area and the industry, and later through a global economic downturn that saw many long-time competitors fall by the wayside. Through it all, Joseph ensured GWR maintained the same high levels of quality and professionalism. Joseph attended Tulane University and then University of Florida, where he majored in construction management. He was one of the first contractors in the nation to attend and be certified by the Roofing Sciences Institute in Denver, and is a RISE Certified Solar Roofing Professional™, as well as a Florida Licensed Solar Contractor (CVC 57172). In Joseph’s four decades of roofing experience, he has managed the installation of over three million square feet of roofing products. In addition to being a Florida Licensed Roofing Contractor (#CCCA46933) (#CCC1330348), Joseph is also a Florida Licensed Building Contractor (#CBC058337).

A quote from Joseph:

“It’s a tremendous honor to join the Tile Roofing Industry Advisory Contractor East Board. At Gulf Western Roofing, we’ve been committed to excellence in tile roofing for over 25 years throughout Florida. This appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to industry standards and best practices while staying at the forefront of innovations in tile roofing. I look forward to collaborating with fellow industry leaders to address challenges, advance sustainable practices and ultimately elevate the quality of tile roofing installations across the eastern United States.”

The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance is looking forward to working with Joseph and leveraging his experience and expertise to further the betterment of our industry.

As tariff discussions unfold, the TRI Alliance will continue to actively monitor developments and advocate for exemptions for roofing materials.

The Tile Roofing Industry (TRI) Alliance, representing leading manufacturers and suppliers of roofing components, is deeply concerned about the potential impact of proposed 25% tariffs on raw materials from South America, China, Mexico, Canada and other key trading partners. These tariffs, expected to take effect as soon as February 1, 2025, could significantly disrupt material supply chains as foreign countries react, leading to increased costs and market instability.

With growing momentum in Washington to impose these tariffs, TRI Alliance remains cautious about the rapid pace of decision-making, which may be heavily influenced by immediate international events and implemented without extensive deliberation or due process. TRI Alliance members supply high-quality concrete and clay roofing tiles to the U.S. market, along with essential roofing components that enhance resilience, improve long-term lifecycle performance and contribute to greater energy efficiency. These materials play a crucial role in strengthening the built environment while supporting sustainable housing solutions.

As these tariff discussions unfold, the TRI Alliance will continue to actively monitor developments and advocate for exemptions for roofing materials. Keeping housing affordable is a shared priority, and reducing cost pressures on essential building products is critical to ensuring that energy-efficient, resilient roofing systems remain accessible to homeowners and builders alike.

About TRI Alliance

The TRI Alliance is the leading industry association representing manufacturers and suppliers of concrete and clay tile roofing systems. Dedicated to advancing the industry through research, advocacy and education, TRI Alliance works to promote sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient roofing solutions that benefit homeowners, builders and communities nationwide.

By Craig Brightup, TRI Alliance. 

The TRI Alliance signed the Coalition for Workplace Safety letter. Learn what this means and what other regulatory changes are happening. 

Policy and regulatory changes are constantly being made in order to keep up with the roofing industry's needs. It is key for contractors to keep up with policy changes so that they can ensure they are maintaining the latest and safest standards. But it can be hard to keep up when your day-to-day work takes up all your time. That’s why organizations like the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI Alliance) dedicate themselves to representing the needs of the industry through state, local and national advocacy. Check out their report on the latest changes being made:  

OSHA worker walkaround rule 

On May 2, business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued OSHA to halt its Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process Rule that would go into effect May 31 and allows non-employee third parties, including union reps or plaintiffs’ attorneys, to accompany OSHA compliance officers during inspections. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), who TRI Alliance recently met with, introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution on May 16 to stop the rule and TRI Alliance and NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) signed the Coalition for Workplace Safety letter of support to House members. 

Other regulatory updates 

• OSHA Heat Standard – OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) recommended that OSHA move forward with its Heat Standard. 
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard – On May 20, OSHA published revisions to the HazCom Standard to better align it with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and clarify parts from the last revision. The final rule is effective July 20 and poses new concerns for chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and downstream users. 
• FTC Noncompetes Ban – The Federal Trade Commission’s Noncompete Rule will be effective in August and the Chamber and others are challenging it in federal court. 
• DOL Overtime Regulations – Revised OT regulations are effective July 1, raising the OT salary threshold for certain employees from the current $35,568 a year to $43,888 on July 1 and $58,656 at the start of 2025. Per DOL, new OT thresholds will cover an estimated 4 million salaried workers. 
• DOL Independent Contractor Rule – The Coalition for Workforce Innovation, Associated Builders & Contractors and others have sued to block DOL’s IC Rule in federal court. There are now five active lawsuits challenging the rule which went into effect on March 11. 
• NLRB Joint-Employer Rule – President Biden vetoed a Congressional Review Act resolution to stop the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer rule on May 3. And on May 7, the NLRB appealed a decision by a federal court blocking the rule to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

U.S. Chamber Labor Relations Committee 

The U.S. Chamber’s Labor Relations Committee met May 2-3 where it was noted that OSHA has posted data from Injury and Illness Forms 300/301 in addition to Form 300A from employers with 100 or more employees in high-hazard industries. Also, the Senate HELP Committee won’t move soon to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) despite House passage with 378 votes because Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) hasn’t made WIOA a priority. 

Original article source: TRI Alliance