LEGISLATIVE RECAP: CEA NATIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE

The 2025 Construction Employers of America (CEA) National Issues Conference took place May 5-7 in Washington, D.C. This ever important and informative event focused on key regulatory and legislative issues affecting the union construction industry today.

Many SMACNA leaders from across the country were in attendance. As always, SMACNA Greater Chicago takes great pride in helping our contractors benefit from our legislative efforts and labor-management initiatives designed to elevate our industry, and this event was no exception. Following are some of SMACNA’s top issues for the first session of the 119th Congress.

SMACNA'S TOP ISSUES FOR FIRST SESSION

• Endorse Extension of Key 2017 Tax Act Provisions - R&D Tax Credit AND Section 179 – Bonus Equipment Depreciation and Sub Chapter S provisions. This will be a Coalition and SMACNA effort. 

• Reverse or push back scope of historic tariffs on metals and equipment vital to our industry. 

• Promote the Change Order Reform / Small Business Payment for Performance Act – Leading to endorse change order reform bill again to provide payment on approval for half of change order amount, expedited resolution of the remainder once certified by contracting officer. Lobbying efforts will be doubled in the coming months. 

• Commercial Building Conversion Tax Credits – Supporting the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act by enacting a special 20% conversion tax credit with larger credits for rural, distressed and/or low-income economic areas with older buildings.