Biden Addresses Material Shortages

JUPITER, FL – June 16, 2021 – President Biden plans to address what industry leaders are calling “unprecedented” material shortages, while industry experts advise otherwise.

As the Spray Foam industry has experienced the ISO shortage, the construction industry is now battling a material shortage. Due to COVID-19 shutdowns, shortages in many industries have stunted the supply chain, including but not limited materials such as lumber, insulation, shingles, asphalt and more. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NCRA) says that these shortages could potentially last until the end of the year.

A large number of contractors are dealing with these shortages and it is their biggest obstacle this season.

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Biden plans to use the Defense Production Act, tap the Energy Department’s loan authority, establish a “trade strike force” and propose a financing program under the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

While industry experts think President Biden is addressing the wrong issues, contractors everywhere are open to any help with the supply chain they can get.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) was less impressed with President Biden’s plan:

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the announcement by the White House of actions it will take to address supply-chain disruptions:

“The construction industry is experiencing widespread and growing problems with the cost and supply of materials. These challenges will make it more costly and difficult to achieve the administration’s goals for infrastructure, renewable energy, and affordable housing. The President could provide immediate relief from soaring prices for lumber, steel and aluminum by removing harmful tariffs and quotas. Unfortunately, the President’s recommendations ignore that quick and effective approach. Instead, these proposals would limit the ability of workers and employers to fill needed construction positions. Imposing mandated hiring percentages from certain localities and training programs, dictating inflexible labor agreements, and setting artificially high pay rates will diminish the number of firms and workers available to carry out vital infrastructure and other construction programs.”