The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the October 20th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
White House Kicks Off National Forest Products Week 2022
October 15 to 22 is National Forest Products Week. The federal government is shining a spotlight on the growth, innovation, and achievements of the wood products industry. This year, the Biden Administration is getting in on the act by issuing a White House Proclamation recognizing the sector’s role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere.
Dock, Rail Union Talks Delay Supply Chain Solutions
Since railway workers rejected a framework for a labor agreement last week – citing paid time off as a key item for continued talks – dock workers on the west coast have emerged as a potential complicating factor to untangle some of the nation’s transportation bottlenecks. The fact that dock workers in some of the country’s largest ports have been working without a contract since May illustrates the juggling act being conducted by Department of Labor officials who are attempting to broker agreements. Without final deals, manufacturers and the transportation sector can’t make long-term plans necessary to bring an end to supply change challenges.
Senate Duo Wades Into NDAA, Mass Timber Discussion
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-OK) opened a brief session October 11 to begin moving the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill that funds the nation’s defense priorities. The House passed its version of the bill in July, which includes an industry-supported program for mass timber construction projects. Because Senators Reed and Inhofe punted full consideration of the bill to November, following the election, it remains to be seen whether the industry amendment makes the final cut.
Source: Hardwood Federation