Issue Updates
Monday, 30 March 2020 07:06
FRA Issue Update - 3/27/20
A $2 trillion stimulus package (H.R. 748) passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by a unanimous vote and is scheduled to be considered by the House of Representatives today.
Friday, 27 March 2020 10:04
FRA Issue Update - 3/27/20
FRA has set up a page on our website to provide information on the impact of the COVID-19 on the forest products industry. The site aims to provide information at the federal and state level on government actions that may impact the industry and will be frequently updated.
Friday, 20 March 2020 06:39
FRA Issue Update - 3/20/20
As we have seen over the past several weeks, the government's response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak is rapidly evolving based on current information on the virus's spread. FRA will work to keep our members informed on COVID-19 policies or regulations that may impact the wood supply chain. If you experience a situation that slows or complicates your operation whether its non-immigrant workers or transportation-related, please let us know.
Friday, 13 March 2020 09:24
FRA Issue Update - 3/13/20
Last week, The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMSCA) filed the final rule with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is a clear indication that the FMSCA is proceeding with changes to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Monday, 09 March 2020 08:25
FRA Issue Update - 3/6/20
On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they will provide an additional 35,000 H-2B non-immigrant worker visas for FY2020.
Friday, 28 February 2020 12:09
FRA Issue Update - 2/28/20
The House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee is drafting the Surface Transportation Bill Reauthorization for FY2021.
Friday, 21 February 2020 07:48
FW: FRA Issue Update - 2/21/20
Next week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to announce the release of 45,000 additional H-2B seasonal guestworker visas.
Friday, 14 February 2020 11:55
FRA Issue Update - 2/14/20
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced that he is weeks away from introducing legislation that would provide for more thinning on national forests to prevent wildfires. Senator Daines and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) have been working on the bill since 2018.
Monday, 10 February 2020 07:37
FRA Issue Update - 2/7/20
We heard from Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4) that he intends to roll out his long-anticipated legislation next week that would promote tree planting, forest management and markets for wood products and biomass.
Friday, 31 January 2020 11:54
FRA Issue Update - 1/31/20
On January 27, a bicameral letter signed by 151 Representatives and 38 Senators was delivered to Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chad Wolf. The letter urges the DHS to immediately release an additional 64,716 additional H-2B visas as authorized in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.