Policy Priorities
Advocacy in Action
The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is a volunteer-driven committee of industry leaders advocating for independent lumber and building materials (LBM) dealers—small and medium-sized businesses that play a vital role in the construction supply chain, connecting manufacturers to the job sites where homes, businesses, and infrastructure take shape.
Our members are locally owned companies that supply the essential materials home builders, contractors, and homeowners rely on every day. ABMA collaborates with federal policymakers to provide industry insights and help shape policies that support our customers, employees, and businesses—ensuring a strong future for the communities we serve.
Top Priorities 2025
POLICY SPOTLIGHT
Policy That Builds Homes, Not Costs
Millions of Americans are being priced out of homeownership.
ABMA has developed a bold, actionable housing proposal to restore affordability and reduce regulatory barriers by:
- Capping permitting, inspection, and approval costs
- Requiring ROI analysis for any new mandates above national codes
ABMA WIN
Smart Tax Policy
Federal tax policy plays a crucial role in controlling the cost of building materials and ensuring that suppliers, contractors, and homeowners can access affordable products. With rising housing costs a major concern, Congress must support tax policies that keep small and family-owned LBM businesses competitive while promoting investment in supply chain efficiency.
ABMA WIN
Preserving Stability for LBM Amid Tariffs
When President Trump issued Executive Order 14257 earlier this year, reciprocal tariffs were placed on a wide range of imports. Because of ABMA’s direct engagement in Washington, lumber products were exempted from the start and that exemption was reaffirmed in the September 5 update.
ABMA WIN
Challenging Electric Vehicle Mandates
The financial burden of Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations is staggering for LBM businesses, which rely heavily on medium-duty trucks for deliveries. A diesel-powered medium-duty truck typically costs $70,000 to $90,000, while an electric equivalent costs $150,000 to $250,000—a difference of up to $160,000 per truck.
ABMA is taking decisive action against the root of the ACT regulations—the federal authorization that allows states to impose these mandates.
Swipe Fee Reform
Breaking the Visa-Mastercard Duopoly
Credit card processing fees have become one of the largest expenses for small businesses, increasing costs for suppliers, builders, and consumers. The Credit Card Competition Act aims to introduce market competition to reduce these fees and ensure fairer pricing for businesses.
Workforce Development
Building the Future Workforce
Workforce development is a critical challenge for the Lumber and Building Materials (LBM) industry. With the average worker now over 40 years old, the pipeline for new talent is shrinking as increasing barriers to entry discourage prospective employees.
Regulatory Reform
Securing a Seat at the Table
With the new administration’s pledge to cut ten regulations for every new one adopted, ABMA is proud to be playing a direct role in advancing industry-friendly policies and cut red tape for small businesses.
