New Labor Bill Aims to Ease Workforce Shortages
Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) has re-introduced the Workforce for an Expanding Economy Act, legislation that would help alleviate the worker shortage in the construction industry by establishing a market-driven visa system to help employers find more laborers.
Employers would be required to prove they were unable to find American workers for vacant positions, pay them fair wages based on local wage data, and use E-verify to make sure only legal immigrants are hired. NAHB believes that such a temporary, flexible visa system would help address the chronic labor shortage in the residential construction industry.
Learn more about addressing the workforce shortage issue on nahb.org.
Latest from NAHBNow
Membership | Leadership Development | Leadership Meetings
Mar 11, 2026
Emerging Leader Grant Opens the Door to National Leadership for More MembersIs a member leader at your HBA planning to attend their first NAHB leadership meeting this spring? Encourage them to apply for the NAHB Emerging Leader Grant. Applications are due April 20.
Advocacy | Legal
Mar 11, 2026
Podcast: Massive Win in Battle Over Federal Energy Code MandatesOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome VP of Legal Advocacy Tom Ward to discuss the impact of the recent court decision on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final determination to impose the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 standard on certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 11, 2026
Inflation Steady Before WarAfter months of downward trend, inflation held steady at an eight-month low in February. This report does not reflect the recent surge in oil prices due to Iran conflict beginning February 28. Higher oil prices will likely translate into higher gasoline costs and impact other sectors associated with transportation including airline tickets.
Economics
Mar 11, 2026
Single-Family Permits End 2025 on a Soft NoteSingle-family permitting softened over the course of 2025 and finished the year weaker than the prior year. After showing some resilience in 2024, permitting activity gradually lost momentum as elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability constraints weighed on buyer demand.
Economics
Mar 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Rose in FebruaryFollowing the sharp decline last month, existing home sales bounced back in February as housing affordability improved. Lower mortgage rates and moderating home price growth helped pull buyers back to the market. However, tight inventory will likely continue to push home prices higher if demand outpaces supply growth.