On behalf of the American Cement Association (ACA), the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA), the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Mining Association (NMA), the National Stone Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), and the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA), we urge the Senate to quickly advance the nomination of Wayne Palmer (PN25-38 and Senate Executive Calendar No. 168) as Assistant Secretary for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) at the U.S. Department of Labor without delay. Mr.

Investing in the nation’s infrastructure provides far-reaching economic benefits. Recent congressional support for roads, bridges and public transportation systems has helped deliver much-needed projects to every congressional district across the country. These improvements have enhanced safety, mobility and efficiency nationwide. These outcomes are made possible by the continuity and predictability of funding supported by a healthy Highway Trust Fund (HTF).

The undersigning construction trade groups appreciate Congress’s work on tax reform via the Budget Reconciliation process, and endorses the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that the House passed last week. While there are many tax reforms outlined in the bill, the highway construction industry would like to share insights on policy that support our industry’s growth and ensure viable longterm federal infrastructure investment.

We are writing to express our strong support for the nomination of Wayne Palmer to serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Our members represent the backbone of the construction materials industry, which collectively employ thousands of workers and supply essential materials for America’s infrastructure. Ensuring the safety, health and well-being of our workforce is our highest priority, and we believe Mr. Palmer is exceptionally qualified to lead MSHA in advancing this shared goal.

The undersigned organizations urge that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw the December 13, 2024 proposed Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges. We were pleased that the Agency extended the comment period to allow the regulated community further analysis of the docket but remain concerned regarding the overall approach.

The undersigned organizations write in strong support for the nomination of Mr. Sean McMaster to serve as the next Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Mr. McMaster brings a wealth of experience in transportation policy and infrastructure development, making him exceptionally qualified to lead FHWA.

On behalf of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) and our partner associations, which represent the aggregates industry in their respective states, we ask to continue protecting the tax exemptions for associations and other charitable organizations that have been in place since Congress first enacted the income tax over 100 years ago. We appreciate the need to identify pay-fors and offsets to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The associations signed below strongly supported the TCJA and would like to see an extension passed.

Investing in our nation’s critical surface transportation network provides the American people and businesses the opportunity to thrive. In 2022, our nation’s road and bridge network facilitated the movement of over 19 billion pounds of freight worth an estimated $18 trillion – 72% of our nation’s cargo. In addition to freight, our highway system paves the way for people to move efficiently and effectively to school, sports, work and travel.

The Waters Advocacy Coalition (“WAC”) appreciates the opportunity to provide the following recommendations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) (collectively, “Agencies”) on defining “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”), consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the scope of Clean Water Act (the “Act” or “CWA”) jurisdiction.

As long-time Main Street champions, we encourage you to stand strong and oppose any effort to increase income tax rates, including recent proposals to raise the top individual rate to 40 percent. This idea is presented as a modest adjustment affecting only the wealthiest Americans, but it would disproportionately harm hundreds of thousands of pass-through businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.