NGA and Glass Industry Leaders Head to Capitol Hill
The National Glass Association heads to Capitol Hill May 13-14 to advocate for the glass and fenestration industry’s top priorities. NGA staff and 23 leading members of the industry will join forces to engage with congressional representatives in small group meetings.
Thank you to our hospitality sponsors Vitro, Trulite, Kuraray, and Guardian Glass.
Returning participants in the event say that NGA’s Glass & Glazing Advocacy Days is critical not just to achieve short-term initiatives, but also to establish long-term connections. “NGA’s Annual Advocacy Days provides attendees the opportunity to learn how to develop relationships, and engage on specific policy issues with their own elected representatives,” says Helen Sanders, general manager at Technoform North America. “It provides a springboard for developing effective long-term relationships with those representatives.”
“Glass & Glazing Advocacy Days is not just about one conversation; it’s about building relationships and knowing where and how to engage when issues that affect our business arise,” says Robert Carlson, engineer, Tristar Glass.
2026 Advocacy Initiatives
This year’s advocacy agenda includes four main areas:
School Security
The request.
- Support and pass the Securing Aid for Every (SAFE) School Act, H.R. 8506.
- Support and pass the National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025, S. 3472.
The issue. Active shooter events are becoming even more frequent. In 2026 alone, there have been 32 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 15 deaths and 15 injuries. Windows and doors can be the first line of defense in active shooter events. Security glazing slows attackers, buying time for emergency response. Read the one-pager >
Bird-friendly glazing
The request. Reference bird-friendly glazing requirements from ASHRAE 189.1 in legislation and future editions of the GSA Facilities Standard for Public Building Service (PBS) Core Building Standards.
The issue. Mandatory and voluntary ordinances to prevent bird-window collisions at government and/or commercial buildings have been adopted by several states, municipalities, and institutions. Currently, the codes are regionally implemented and are not uniform or consistent. NGA’s Best Practice for Bird Friendly Glazing Design Guide is referenced in language approved for the 2027 International Green Construction Code and ASHRAE 189.1-2026. Read the one-pager >
Workforce Development
The request. Advance the Employer-Directed Skills Act (H.R. 4049 / S. 3846) to give employers direct access to federal training reimbursement for new hires. Support inclusion of the Employer-Directed Skills Act in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, reauthorization legislation.
The issue. A lack of skilled workers continues to be a top challenge for glass installers and glass fabricators. Federal training dollars exist, but the workforce system is too complex for small specialty contractors to navigate. NGA has training programs to meet industry needs—including a glazier apprenticeship curriculum and the online training platforms MyGlassClass.com and MyGlassFAB—which would qualify for EDSA funding. Read the one-pager >