Washington Report (October 2025)

Government Funding

The federal government shutdown now enters its third week with more votes scheduled in the coming days on the House-passed Continuing Resolution. Republican and Democrat leaders remain far apart in negotiations thus far. The Capitol complex is fully accessible and WIA continues to meet with staff on our key priorities. The Senate is in session, while the House remains in recess.

Trade

WIA filed comments last week on the Section 232 Investigation into the national security impacts of imports of robotics and industrial machinery. Those comments may be found here. The Federal Register notice announcing the investigation and inviting comments noted that the investigation would include robots and programmable, computer-controlled mechanical systems, such as Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines. The investigation also includes automatic tool changers, jigs and fixtures, and machine tools for cutting, welding, and handling work pieces.

The notice included a number of questions on which commenters were asked to opine. Specifically, Commerce is seeking information on domestic production and demand, the role and risks of major foreign exporters and the impact of foreign government subsidies and trade practices on the robotics and industrial machinery market. The questions also probe into the effects of current trade policies related to robotics and industrial equipment and whether further measures, such as tariffs and quotas, are needed to protect national security. The impact of robotics and industrial machinery on U.S. manufacturing employment and whether the supply chain for such goods is susceptible to foreign exploitation or control are also areas of interest.

In other 232 developments, late last month the Trump Administration announced the completion of its Section 232 national security investigation into lumber, timber and derivative products which was originally opened in March. The Administration, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, determined that wood products are being imported into the United States in such quantities and in such manner that it is affecting national security. As a result, President Trump is imposing a 10% tariff on softwood lumber; a 25% tariff on certain upholstered furniture that will increase to 30% on January 1st; and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, which will increase to 50% on January 1st.

We expect to see the report from Commerce soon as well as formal Federal Register guidance, consistent with previous 232 investigation announcement rollouts. 

Other notable items are:

• Trading partners who negotiate with the United States to address the threat of wood imports to the national security of the United States may be able to secure an alternative to the pending tariff increases.
• The United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan will enjoy more favorable treatment that reflects the terms of their trade deals with the United States.
  • The Section 232 tariff on subject wood imports from the United Kingdom will not exceed 10%.
  • The combined Section 232 tariff and most-favored nation tariff on subject wood imports from the European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%.
• Products that are not subject to these Section 232 tariffs will generally be subject instead to reciprocal tariffs.
• The treatment of products on the list of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP) remains unchanged unless an antidumping or countervailing duty order applies.
• Imports of hardwood do not appear to be impacted unless it is included as a component of furniture or cabinets. 

The fact sheet may be found here. 

Fix our Forests Act

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee this week is considering the Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462)—comprehensive federal forestry legislation to promote active management of our federally-owned forested landscapes. Among other items, the bill would—

• Simplify and expedite environmental reviews for forest management projects
• Make communities more resilient to wildfires by better coordinating existing grant programs and promoting new research
• Promote federal, state, tribal and local collaboration
• Deter frivolous litigation that delays essential forest management projects
• Create a framework for prioritizing treatments in the forests at the highest risk of wildfire and near vulnerable communities
• Encourage the adoption of state-of-the-art science and techniques for federal land managers
• Encourage active management to improve the safety of powerlines and other infrastructure
• Strengthen existing forest management tools like Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting

Similar legislation passed the House last year.

Trade Relief for Forestry and Timber Sectors

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) is leading a letter in the House (here) that advocates for including forestry and timber in any upcoming trade assistance package that the Administration develops. President Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins have been signaling in recent days that an aid package is under development to provide economic relief to soybean farmers and other row crop agriculture producers that have seen foreign markets erode this year. WIA is hearing from our contacts in the White House and at USDA that an aid package will be unveiled shortly after the federal government shutdown ends.