The NECA government affairs team had an extremely busy February as the 119th Congress navigated a narrowly divided legislative landscape and the Trump administration advanced regulatory reforms impacting the electrical contracting industry.
Welcome back! We're diving into the latest legislative updates!
đź‘‹ Situational awareness: The NECA government affairs team had an extremely busy February as the 119th Congress navigated a narrowly divided legislative landscape and the Trump administration advanced regulatory reforms impacting the electrical contracting industry.
Let's dive in!
Trump's tariffs shake up trade
President Trump has implemented significant tariffs affecting Canada, Mexico, and China, aiming to reshape trade dynamics.
Why it matters: The tariffs pose challenges for NECA members and the broader electrical construction industry, potentially affecting costs and supply chains.
NECA is actively advocating for its members and continuously updating guidance to reflect these changes.
The big picture: On March 4th, 2025, tariffs were imposed, with a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, except on oil, natural gas, and electricity, which face a 10% duty.
China's tariffs increased from 10% to 20%.
Steel and aluminum tariffs were restored to 25%, eliminating exemptions for allied nations.
What’s next: President Trump the next day announced a temporary exemption for both countries, allowing a month-long tariff reprieve on most exports under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
This move came after automakers raised concerns about the potential impact on U.S. carmakers.
The bottom line: The Government Affairs team recognizes the challenge that the Trump tariffs pose for NECA members and is working with key decision-makers to convey industry reaction.
Click here to learn more about our advocacy efforts and access our regularly updated guidance documents.
Government shutdown looms
Congress faces a tight deadline to prevent a government shutdown before March 14th, with a continuing resolution (CR) on the table.
Why it matters: A shutdown could disrupt various federal programs, impacting NECA members and the broader electrical construction industry. Timely resolution is crucial to maintain stability and operations.
The big picture: Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for a “mostly clean” CR to fund the government through September 20th, maintaining FY25 funding levels.
President Trump supports this plan, but Democratic backing is uncertain, with calls for adjustments to IIJA and IRA programs.
What’s next: The House is set to vote on the CR early next week, amid internal GOP dissent over current funding levels.
The outcome remains uncertain as negotiations continue, with both parties seeking compromises to avoid a shutdown.
House clears budget hurdle
The House has successfully passed the FY25 budget resolution, marking a significant step in the reconciliation process.
Why it matters: This $4.5 trillion package includes essential tax cut reauthorizations. Staying informed on these developments is crucial for strategic planning.
The big picture: The resolution now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be amended before reaching President Trump's desk.
The outcome will shape the fiscal landscape for the upcoming year, influencing various sectors, including construction and electrical contracting.
NECA secures key win with Corporate Transparency Act
NECA has secured a significant victory as the Treasury Department announced it will not enforce penalties related to the beneficial ownership information reporting rule of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Why it matters: This ruling alleviates burdens on contractors and showcases NECA's dedication to advocating for its members' interests.
NECA has actively educated members and officials on the rule's negative impacts and signed a disapproval letter with other building trades.
The big picture: NECA joined a lawsuit in January to overturn the CTA, highlighting the collective effort to challenge the rule.
The decision reinforces NECA's role as a strong voice in the electrical construction industry, ensuring policies align with contractors' needs.
Trump Labor nominee on cusp of confirmation
Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer has made significant progress, clearing the Senate HELP Committee and advancing to a full Senate confirmation vote.
Why it matters: Her bipartisan support underscores her appeal across party lines, which is crucial for leading the Labor Department effectively.
NECA formally supported her nomination and anticipates collaborating closely with her upon confirmation.
The big picture: On February 27th, Chavez-DeRemer passed the Senate HELP Committee with a 19-14 vote.
On March 6th, the Senate voted 66-30 to invoke cloture, setting the stage for a confirmation vote.
What’s next: The full Senate will vote on her confirmation on Monday, with NECA ready to engage with her leadership.
Have you been impacted?
President Trump issued Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," halting the disbursement of IRA/IIJA loans and grants. Also, the uncertainty over tariffs has produced a variety of reactions across the industry.
Let us know: If your projects have been negatively impacted by this funding freeze or tariffs, please contact the NECA Government Affairs team at NECAGovtAffairs@necanet.org.
Ensuring your concerns are heard is crucial as NECA advocates for solutions.
NECAPAC fundraising milestones
2025 NECAPAC Funds Raised (to date): $60,295
2025 NECAPAC Operational Fund Raised (to date): $12,100
Why it matters: These funds are crucial for supporting NECA's advocacy efforts, helping to influence policies that benefit the electrical construction industry.
Congratulations: The Kern County Chapter and North Louisiana Chapter achieved their 2025 PLC Chapter Goals!
Special thank you for supporting NECAPAC at the PLC level in 2025: Ted Baker (Baker Electric), Henry Brown(Miller Electric Co.), Aaron Colton(ICS), Gregory Gibbs (New River Electrical Corp.), Jason King (Electrical Corp. of America), Patrick Pfeiffer (Pfeiffer Electric Co. LLC), Joe Privitera (Mark One Electric Co. Inc.), Ike Poe (New River Electrical Corp.), and Peter Rescigno (New York City Chapter).
Spotlight:David Pursley(Young Electric) won the 2025 NECAPAC Future Leaders Sweepstakes! We are proud to announce we raised a total of $6,400 at the Future Leaders Conference and are grateful for the support.
Have you registered for the 2025 Legislative Conference?
Don't miss the chance to attend the top legislative conference for electrical contractors from April 28-30, 2025, at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: This conference is a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and policymakers to shape the future of electrical construction.
It's a platform for networking, learning, and influencing the legislative landscape.
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