On November 14, the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015 (HR 985) passed without objection in the House. This marks the first time the concrete masonry industry has been successful in getting a vote on this bill. It was introduced by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-02-KY) and lead cosponsor Rep. Kathy Castor (D-14-FL) and would authorize concrete masonry to conduct an industry-wide referendum establishing a commodity check-off program which would be sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Once the referendum is approved, Commerce would empower a stakeholder board to oversee the check-off program. The concrete masonry products check off program is chartered to perform research, education, marketing and promotion which is expected to bolster growth the concrete masonry products market. The bill garnered 247 cosponsors in the House and was passed by a 355 to 38 vote.

"The progress on this bill is really a testament to grassroots efforts by the concrete industry that took place in districts for the Members of Congress who cosponsored and supported the legislation," said Bob Thomas, president, National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). "Our success is representative of a targeted industry-wide effort which we hope will carry us over the finish line in the Senate."

The bill now heads to the upper chamber where Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) has introduced a companion bill (S. 1524). It has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Further action is pending.  NRMCA supports NCMA in its efforts to obtain a concrete masonry products check off program.