U.S. House approves Concrete Masonry Products Promotion Act

Words: Clare RammingerOn the opening day of the lame duck session of the 114 th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved HR 985, the Concrete Masonry Products, Research, Education and Promotion Act of 2015 by a vote of 355 to 38.

The legislation provides authorization for the concrete masonry industry to pursue the creation of an industry-wide commodity check-off program. Such programs have successfully enabled other industries to pool resources to support market development efforts related to the commodity products that they produce.

“The attributes of concrete masonry are well suited to constructing modern, high-performing buildings. A concrete masonry check-off program will simply enable our industry to better organize to promote those values to the marketplace,” said NCMA Chairman of the Board Patrick Sauter of Kings Material LLC. “This is an important step in achieving the necessary authorization for the program before we can present the program for final approval by the concrete masonry manufacturing companies operating in America.”

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) sponsored the bill and were successful in compiling an impressive co-sponsor list of 247 House representatives that was balanced with nearly equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans. The co-sponsor list was indicative of active grassroots effort on behalf of the concrete masonry industry, which has small manufacturing plants in every state in the country and in most congressional districts.

For more information, contact Clare Ramminger, Check-off Program Coordinator.
About: Legislative
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More