NASBP Focal Point – September 17, 2026

Federal Report

Federal: The House is in session this week before going on recesses until the midterm elections. House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) canceled the remaining two weeks of session. In the Senate, Senate Republicans released a revised version of cryptocurrency legislation, the Clarity Act. However, that legislation failed to achieve the necessary 60 votes in order to advance and and failed 49-50. The Senate will also consider the Protect College Sports Act, which establishes a unified federal standard for name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules in collegiate athletics. Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) plans to force another floor vote on an Iran war powers resolution.

Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill, out of committee. The full Senate is expected to vote on the Farm Bill this week. The bill previously failed to advance out of committee because of Republican absences. Under Senate rules, major legislation like the Farm Bill is subject to a filibuster, meaning it needs a 60-vote supermajority to invoke cloture (end debate) and advance to a final vote. The Senate Farm bill includes security in the form of performance bonds and letters of credit for loan/and or grant funds for the construction on broadband for its Reconnect Program. This is an issue NASBP has long-supported and lobbied for over a number of years.   

H.R. 4615 (Stauber), the Small Business Payment for Performance Act: On Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee marked several bills including, H.R. 4615, legislation supported by Construction Industry Procurment Coalition (CIPC) and spearheaded by the huge lobbying efforts by the American Subcontractors Association (ASA). The bill was approved by the Committee and now proceeds to the full House for consideration. H.R. 4615 requires prompt payment to small contractors for change orders. Timely payments are vital to maintaining cash flow for subcontractors, ensuring they can meet their financial obligations and maintain stability in their operations. The lead sponsor of the bill is Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) while the lead co-sponsor is Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI). The full list of co-sponsors are available here. Last year, Congressman Stauber’s office issued a press release, which included a supporting statement from NASBP.

Mark your calendars, Dates are set for the 2027 Fly-in: The 2027 Fly-in will take place once again at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill on Tuesday, February 23, 2027, for the afternoon “Washington Program” and the evening welcome reception. Congressional visits will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2027. Additional information will be provided later this fall. In the meantime, please save the date!

State Report

UT Proposed Regs: The Utah Office of Adminstrative Rules, is in the process of issung proposed rules for public comment after the passage of HB 508, which gave discretion to the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) to waive performance and payment bonds for DFCM construction contracts. NASBP has recieved an advance copy of the proposed rule and is in the process of reviewing and forumlating comments. NASBP’s concerns will focus on section R23-1-1103, Payment and Performace Bond Requirments for Projects, on language pertaining to DFCM’s determination when bonds MAY be required such as on complexity/scope of the project, regional factors, site characteristics, procurement delivery methods and funding sources. Rules are expected to be released to the public by October 1.

If you are aware of any bills impacting the industry, please reach out to Larry LeClair, NASBP’s Director of Government Relations, and let us know.