Capitol Hill

As we usher in 2016, much of the political and legislative focus will be on November's presidential and congressional elections. Presidential primaries start Feb. 1 and continue through the spring, culminating with the Republican and Democratic conventions in July during which each party will choose its nominee.

As with most election years, lawmakers will use their time in Washington, D.C., to beef up their resumes for the voters back home. It is likely we'll see more bills used to score political points rather than efforts designed to enact substantive public policy. Because lawmakers will not want to appear controversial as they gear up for re-election, less controversial pieces of legislation likely will hit the House and Senate floors.

What to expect

Senate leaders face a delicate balancing act as they consider legislation. A few senators are running for president and could use their positions to make a stand for or against certain legislation that address key issues in the presidential campaign.

In addition, a number of Republican senators are up for re-election in states President Obama won in 2008 and 2012. These senators certainly are cognizant of the political ramifications of how their votes will play back home.

With the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Congress will avoid many budget battles that hampered progress on other issues during much of 2015. The two-year deal provides $80 billion in additional spending above current budget caps, equally split between defense and domestic programs, for the next two fiscal years. The bill also raises the federal debt limit through March 2017. This will allow lawmakers to pivot toward other legislative items.

Unfortunately, two issues NRCA would like to see addressed are unlikely to see significant action. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has stated any comprehensive packages to reform the tax code or immigration system are off the table until President Obama leaves office given the vast policy differences and lack of trust between the president and congressional Republicans.

Instead, legislation of interest to the roofing industry could be a bill or set of bills that address energy and energy efficiency. House and Senate committees have passed legislation that would increase energy-efficiency efforts by the federal government and encourage the private sector to do the same.

Another issue of interest to NRCA that Congress may consider is reauthorization of the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which governs federal funding and policy with respect to career and technical education programs. NRCA has submitted recommendations for changes in the Perkins law that would help roofing contractors address their workforce development challenges.

In an effort to change the way the federal government currently develops regulations, NRCA will continue to urge Congress to take up legislation to overhaul the regulatory process. The House has passed one of NRCA's top priorities, the Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 185), and there is some chance the Senate will take up this or related regulatory reform legislation in 2016.

Get connected

Because of a shortened legislative calendar, you will have more opportunities to share the issues important to you with lawmakers in your district and state. You could set up a meeting at a lawmaker's office or invite him or her to visit your business. This is a great way to point out how regulations are stifling your business and how the workforce shortage is hindering your business's ability to grow.

Meeting with senators and representatives not only helps you as a business owner, but it also helps supplement the work of NRCA's Government Relations Section. When members of Congress personally know roofing contractors, it creates new opportunities for lawmakers to work with NRCA.

NRCA can help you develop and cultivate relationships with your elected officials, and it has developed a grassroots tool kit designed to make it easy. You can find sample forms for meeting requests, talking points and helpful hints at www.nrca.net/Grassroots-Advocacy-Toolkit. Be sure to let us know about any interactions you have with your elected officials.

A new foundation

As the election season heats up, be sure to pay close attention to the candidates' positions on issues important to your business. What happens this year likely will lay the groundwork for what will get accomplished during the next Congress, and we need strong, pro-business allies to help advance NRCA's agenda.

Andrew Felz is NRCA's manager of federal affairs.