NAHB Now's Latest Posts
Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Package
On a party line vote of 50-49, the Senate today passed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The legislation differs slightly from the bill passed by the House on Feb. 26. As a result, the House will vote on the amended Senate version before the end of next week.
Updated Guidance for 501(c)(6) Organizations Seeking PPP Loans
The Small Business Administration has released updated guidance on what constitutes lobbying for 501(c)(6) organizations — which include local and state home builders associations — that seek forgivable loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Lawmakers Ask Biden and the Justice Department to Act on Lumber
Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) sent a letter to President Biden and the Department of Justice on March 4 urging the administration to respond to rising building materials prices and supply shortages, particularly, lumber, that are harming the housing market and threaten the economic recovery.
Final Independent Contractor Rule Pushed Back Until May 7
The Department of Labor (DOL) has pushed back the effective implementation date of its final independent contractor rule from March 8 until May 7 to “allow the department to review issues of law, policy, and fact raised by the rule before it takes effect.”
ICC Changes Its Energy Code Development Process
The International Code Council (ICC) has announced it is changing the development of its energy code from the current Governmental Consensus Process to its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards process.
Court Ruling Means Navigable Waters Protection Rule Now in Effect in Colorado
On March 2, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a preliminary injunction on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) issued by the Colorado District Court. The ruling means that all states are now regulated by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) — at least until the Biden administration develops a new rule or an amendment.
NAHB Strongly Opposes Anti-Business Labor Bill
NAHB strongly opposes House legislation that contains dozens of sweeping labor law revisions that would negatively affect the construction labor market at a time of critical skilled worker shortages.
CFPB Seeks to Delay Mandatory Compliance of General QM Rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today proposed to delay the mandatory compliance date of the General Qualified Mortgage (QM) final rule from July 1, 2021 to Oct. 1, 2022.
NAHB Commends Confirmation of Gov. Raimondo as Commerce Secretary
By a vote of 84-15, the Senate today approved the confirmation of Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo as the next U.S. commerce secretary.
IRS Releases Guidance on Claiming Employee Retention Credit with PPP Loan
The IRS released guidance this week for taxpayers claiming the employee retention credit for tax year 2020. The IRS plans to release additional guidance in the near future for claims arising during 2021, including changes made to the employee retention credit for 2021.
