Advancing NGA Priorities on Capitol Hill

Laurie Purpuro, a government affairs counselor at the law firm K&L Gates, updated attendees at the National Glass Association Glass Conference: Ann Arbor on federal policy issues affecting NGA and its members and stakeholders. Purpuro outlined the current political landscape, noting that with a Republican-led House, Senate and White House, the legislative agenda has focused heavily on conservative priorities. She emphasized that the "One Big Beautiful Bill" dominated Capitol Hill efforts, leaving little room for other policy initiatives. As a result, ongoing disagreements over government funding have placed federal spending and potential government shutdowns at the forefront.

"Republicans are taking this opportunity to focus on a number of their priorities, which I will say is always the case with a trifecta like this, but it makes it difficult for other stakeholders to advance their priorities," says Purpuro.

As of the update, ongoing budget negotiations risked a federal government shutdown, shifting focus almost exclusively toward government funding agreement. "By the time you see this video, barring a miracle, the federal government will be shut down," says Purpuro. "Government funding, which has recently been a priority, will continue to be the sole focus in Washington, D.C., until Democrats and Republicans can agree on a path forward regarding federal funding."

Purpuro outlined several NGA legislative priorities and the association’s efforts.

• Workforce Development. Workforce development remains a key focus for NGA, which supports the Stronger Workforce for America Act, which would update the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by allocating funding toward individual training accounts and on-the-job learning aligned with industry needs. Though ASWA passed the House in the previous Congress, it has not been reintroduced this session. Purpuro notes that bipartisan support exists, bolstered by recent congressional committee hearings on workforce policy, signaling an interest in reauthorization.
• School Security Legislation. NGA has advocated for the reintroduction of the Securing Aid for Every School (Safe School) Act, which proposes grants for measures, including bullet-resistant glass installation in schools. While NGA engaged with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), the bill has yet to be reintroduced and faces challenges with Blackburn's announced retirement in 2027. NGA continues efforts to identify new sponsors.
• Protective Glazing and Workplace Safety. Related legislation like the Safe Workplace Act, aimed at reducing workforce violence through protective glazing and opaque glass installation, has been introduced and is being monitored by NGA, but lacks support from Republican lawmakers. Similar bills for health care worker safety also remain stalled without Republican backing.
• Dynamic Glass Act. NGA has sought to extend and broaden clean energy incentives beyond electrochromic glass in One Big Beautiful Bill negotiations. However, Congress is reluctant to adopt expanded clean energy programs and the legislation ultimately narrowed and reduced these tax credits this cycle.
• Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing Act. While NGA backs energy efficiency efforts, including this bill to enhance energy performance in low-income housing rehabilitation via tax credits, a lack of Republican support means little movement is expected during the current Congress. NGA will continue to monitor progress on this front.

Purpuro closed by emphasizing NGA’s commitment to keeping these priorities on the legislative radar and maximizing future opportunities for advancement as the political landscape evolves. "NGA will continue to monitor these bills," says Purpuro, "and while none of the bills have Republican support, we will keep them on our radar for future Congresses."