Hardwood Floors October/November 2024

ADOBESTOCK ©

Government Affairs (Continued) general could be a good indication of which policies they would pursue from the White House. For those operating outside the beltway, it is unfathomable why these issues cannot be resolved in a timely and orderly manner. If a business permit or license expires, you renew it. If there are bills to be paid, you cut the check. Unfortunately, while Congress is good at imposing rules for others to follow, they are very good at delaying action that is by most standards, essential. Why? First, it is important to remember that our system of government was not created to be quick. The three branches of government were created to slow things down, allow for dissenting opinion, and force policy debate. It works. The ever-growing tensions between the two main political parties act as a further drag on agreement and action. Most, if not all, of the action on the bills noted above will be delayed until the “lame duck” session; that period of time between the election and the swearing in of the new Congress and president. At that point, the table will be set for the next Congressional session, and current leaders will understand exactly what leverage they have at the end of 2024 as compared to early 2025. Both parties will strategize how they can best maximize their priorities…whether that means acting before Christmas or throwing up delays so that legislation can be dealt with in the new year.

The bottom line for the Hardwood Federation team is that we have to keep working both sides of the aisle to ensure that everyone understands OUR priorities… and try to get the best result from whatever the eventual election outcome may be. The only certainty of this, or any, election is that some faces will stay the same, but many will change, including those of the leadership. This is what makes the Hardwood Federation and our unified voice so important…having a recognized presence in D.C., and making sure Congress is hearing the same message from all of our association members and their company members under the Hardwood Federation banner makes our case for action stronger and louder. All elections are important, and the rise of social media has brought them into our lives to a degree never imagined. Candidates will be out in force this fall, on our screens, and in our communities. Look for talking points and helpful hints about how you can help spread the Hardwood Federation message for federal action that helps support our amazing industry. Dana Lee Cole is the executive director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based hardwood industry trade association that represents thousands of hardwood businesses in every state in the United States and acts as the industry advocacy voice on Capitol Hill. She can be reached at dana.cole@hardwoodfederation.com.

The bottom line for the Hardwood Federation team is that we have to keep working both sides of the aisle to ensure that everyone understands OUR priorities. The Hardwood Federation has a recognized presence in D.C., and making sure Congress is hearing the same message from all of our association members and their company members under the Hardwood Federation banner makes our case for action stronger and louder.

HAVE A UNIFIED VOICE

22 hardwood floors hardwoodfloorsmag.com